A common conversation we have with homeowners is the appeal of deck and rail lighting. Not only is the lighting visually a show stopper, it is also quite functional. But sure enough, we hear the story of someone’s brother-in-law who frequently complains that “his lights won’t light up.” For this reason, it is important to understand the difference between AC ( alternating current) and DC (direct current) power.

DC power has brought us new lighting opportunities that AC power never could. Today’s light emitting diodes perform the best using DC power because it stays on constantly, while the old AC power when back-and-forth in both directions. As a result of this alternating current, the lights on AC power actually blinked at a hertz rate of 60 (60 times per second) and tended to burn out fairly quickly. Since a DC power supply flows through in one direction and keeps the light constantly illuminated, it performs and lasts a lot longer.

DC power has brought us new lighting opportunities that AC power never could. Today’s light emitting diodes perform the best using DC power because it stays on constantly, while the old AC power when back-and-forth in both directions. As a result of this alternating current, the lights on AC power actually blinked at a hertz rate of 60 (60 times per second) and tended to burn out fairly quickly. Since a DC power supply flows through in one direction and keeps the light constantly illuminated, it performs and lasts a lot longer.