Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Current Flow in Automotive Circuits Class Discussion Item 2.9 Presenter: Derek Gilman Course: EAS 5407 Instructor: Dr. Ham Question: How does grounding an electrical component of an automobile (ie. an alternator or starter motor) to the frame, result in an electrical current? Background • Current is created when free electrons flow from the negative pole on a voltage source, (a battery in this case), to the positive pole. • By convention we consider current to be a positive flow in the opposite direction of the electron flow. • Chassis ground is the name given to the role performed by the frame of an automobile when it is connected to the electrical system. Definition • Chassis Ground – A large conducting body used as a common return for an electric circuit and as an arbitrary zero of potential. Merriam-Webster Dictionary On-line Purpose of Grounding • Grounding is done to prevent a floating voltage by determining a reference point for the circuit. • Chassis ground also serves as a connector between the battery and the electrical components. Connection + Car Battery Alternator Chassis Ground Closing the Circuit • Current flows from high potential to low potential in the circuit. • The battery’s negative pole is grounded to the chassis. • Current passes through loads en route to the chassis. Why is it done this way? • Use of chassis ground simplifies circuit • Replaces wiring Applied Knowledge • Car Jump-Start • Safety Feature in Instruments