AC optocoupler?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

First of all, I am brand new to electronics, so this is probably a simple dumb question.

I am trying to do a project that called for an opto coupler. I bought a few and then realized later that the datasheet mentions something about AC. Can this be used to switch a DC current on and off? And if I need something else, can someone tell me what I should look for in the terminology used to describe these?

I would post a link to the datasheet, but I am not allowed to post links yet. It is an MCT61 made by fairchild semiconductor.

Thank you

2

Your opto-coupler is fine to work with DC current

3

then realized later that the datasheet mentions something about AC

Can you remember what, I could just be that it was quoting the isolation voltage. That is the amount of voltage on the output end it will stand before it breaks down and fries the input. This should be a large value.