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There are two types of electricity supply and two types of charger. These are alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
There are advantages and disadvantages to both charger types. To help you make the best decision for your application, we’ve explained the differences below.
Before diving into the differences between charger types, it’s worth gaining and understanding of the differences between AC and DC.
AC is the type of power transmitted by the National Grid and what comes out of our plug sockets at home.
The direction of the charge changes periodically hence the name alternating current. In the UK, this change in direction happens 50 times per second.
The National Grid uses AC because it can be transmitted over long distances with fewer energy losses then if using DC.
Direct current is unidirectional. This means that the flow of charge always goes in the same direction. DC is the type of electricity used in many home appliances and in all devices with batteries. The charger that you plug into the wall for your phone or laptop contains a convertor that converts the plug sockets AC into DC suitable for your phones battery.
Alternating Current chargers are currently more commonly found then DC chargers. This is in part due to their lower cost and simpler installation.
Chargers rated as “slow” or “fast” will almost always use AC.
To change the AC into the DC required by a battery, EV’s use an inbuilt convertor. This is often referred to as the “onboard charger”.
The key difference between AC and DC chargers is the location of the power convertor. DC chargers convert the National Grid’s AC power into DC before it enters the vehicle. The current then flows directly into the EV’s battery, bypassing the inbuilt convertor. This arrangement allows for increased charging speeds when compared with AC chargers. The downside, is that DC chargers are significantly more expensive than AC chargers. For this reason, DC chargers are best suited to locations where rapid charging is essential, e.g motorway service stations.
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Making customer-first problem solving our focus, we were born from a belief that the lighting industry deserves better. Specifying lighting or EV shouldn’t be complicated: everyone deserves the right product, built to last, delivered on time and with a smile by a team who love what they do.
Making customer-first problem solving our focus, we were born from a belief that the lighting industry deserves better. Specifying lighting or EV shouldn’t be complicated: everyone deserves the right product, built to last, delivered on time and with a smile by a team who love what they
At Acrospire, education is key to improving the quality of our products. We engage with our supply chain to learn about new technologies and actively participate in industry events and industry bodies, such as the ILP and the HEA. We continually list
We focus on our customers not our competition. We manufacture our products in the UK: with the exception of our solar products, our supply chain is within a 60-mile radius of our factory in Basingstoke: to maintain greater control over quality. We al
Speed of response is crucial when it comes to resolving warranty issues. If we’ve made a mistake, we own it, get to the root cause, and fix it as quickly as possible. We believe in timely communication with our customers and making the resolution pro
Test and Test Again
We believe in independent testing and certification. Our new product development is in line with ISO 9001. Many of our products hold ENEC Certification. To meet the requirements of ENEC we also send random product samples for third party safety testi
Our product design is another key factor in our ability to offer a 12-year warranty. We value engineer rather than cost cut, never compromising on quality. We stick to our processes and engage with our supply chain to ensure that every product meets
Making customer-first problem solving our focus, we were born from a belief that the lighting industry deserves better. Specifying lighting or EV shouldn’t be complicated: everyone deserves the right product, built to last, delivered on time and with
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Our story
The idea for Acrospire was formed in 2012 when founder Tim envisioned a different kind of lighting manufacturer: one that would not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also prioritise fair treatment for its employees.
We’ve come a long way
Motivated by the belief the industry wanted and needed better, Tim shared his plan to establish his own venture with Hatty, who simply couldn't let him do it alone.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Protecting local jobs and ensuring the best quality possible.
Working from a rented office by day and assembling lanterns in a garage at night, Tim and Hatty set to work.
11 Years later
Acrospire now inhabits a 14000² ft manufacturing facility in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We’re a proud partner of the Made in Britain scheme, ISO9001 certified and a member of all relevant lighting industry trade bodies.
Along with great relationships with our customers and a great team! We've attracted some of the most experienced members of the lighting industry, all by following one golden rule.
A simple ethos
That runs through all that we do. Customers who have made the switch to Acrospire have found working with us to be a breath of fresh air.