Direct current or DC is electricity that directly flows through a conductor, such as a metal wire. This is different than static electricity, which typically collects on the surface of a non-conductor such as a piece of plastic. It is also different than alternating current (AC) electricity, which flows back-and-forth in a conductor. You usually get DC from batteries, although DC generators are another source of this form of electricity. The characteristics of DC electricity in a circuit are voltage, current and resistance. DC is used to power some devices, but it is not usually used as home electricity.