Edison vs Tesla: AC vs DC Electricity (1880s)
by Anonymous
The War of Currents pitted Edison's direct current (DC) system against Tesla and Westinghouse's alternating current (AC). Edison campaigned against AC as dangerous, but AC's ability to transmit over long distances won.
Alternating Current (AC)
Hundreds of miles via transformers
transmission distance
Edison claimed it was deadly
safety (perceived)
Cheaper for long-distance grids
cost
Won — powers the world today
outcome
Direct Current (DC)
About 1 mile from power station
transmission distance
Edison promoted as safer
safety (perceived)
Required power station every mile
cost
Lost — still used in electronics and EVs
outcome
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