What characteristic do devices that use DC instead of AC power often have in common?

Devices that utilize direct current (DC) power typically have the characteristic of being battery-powered and mobile. This is largely due to the nature of DC power sources, which are often found in batteries. Batteries provide a portable, convenient source of energy for devices such as portable electronics, tools, and vehicles, making them ideal for applications where mobility is a priority.

In contrast, alternating current (AC) is more prevalent in stationary applications due to its ability to be easily transmitted over long distances and converted to various voltages using transformers. Therefore, devices designed to operate on AC are generally stationary and larger, often found in settings where they can be plugged into a wall outlet.

Furthermore, devices that specifically utilize DC power typically do not require transformers to step up or step down voltage as AC systems do, because the voltage used is often determined directly by the battery voltage. Additionally, while there are high-voltage DC systems, many common DC applications operate at lower voltages suitable for consumer devices, which further aligns with the characteristic of being powered by batteries and being mobile.