What Happens if You Power a DC Device with AC Voltage?

[salman213]

I was just curious what would happen if a device working at for example, 5 V DC voltage, is given 10 V peak to peak AC voltage. Would the device still operate?

maybe it depends on the device but can someone briefly explain ..?

thanks!

 

[triden]

My opinion is that it would depend on the device. If it didn't have reverse-bias protection, you could potentially fry some internal components. I also think it could be turning on and off at the same period as the input frequency.

 

[salman213]

would the on and off result from not getting enough voltage to run it. For example when it is above a certain voltage it is on, but when it drops it turns off until 1 period passes?

 

[raithrovers1]

It would depend on device but I am sure that if it is specified that it requires DC then it must have DC.
Most devices contain integrated circuits, processors etc. These require a steady DC supply to work correctly with reference to a steady ground point. You would then be supplying 5 volts for one half cycle and then -5V for the other and obviosly crossing the 0V line at the rated mains frequency in your country. Most circuits will have some sort of protection to protect against reverse polarity but the IC's etc will not work for below a certain voltage and also reverse polarity.
So the answer to your question is don't do it!

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