Fans use alternating current (AC).
AC electricity is the standard form of electrical power used in homes and businesses worldwide. It is characterized by a current that constantly changes direction, oscillating back and forth at a specific frequency.
AC is ideal for powering fans because it can easily be converted to a rotating motion using an electric motor. The oscillating current creates a magnetic field that interacts with the motor's windings, causing the fan blades to spin.
While some specialized fans might use direct current (DC), the vast majority of fans operate on AC power.