Download Electric Circuits

Electric Circuits
Circuit
A complete path for electrical current to flow.
Essential Parts of a Circuit
Power Source-cells, photocell, thermocouple,
generator
Wire-Copper, aluminum
Load-Energy consuming device;light bulb,
motors, appliances
Switch-not essential; opens and closes the
circuit.
Closed-switch is on, circuit can operate
Open-switch is off, circuit cannot operate
Types of Circuits
Series-all components are connected in a single
loop.
Parallel-each load is placed on a separate path.
More than one path for current to flow.
Series Circuits
Used to control a device or for safety purposes.
Cannot be any breaks in the circuit or nothing
will work.
Parallel Circuits
Each load is in its own path.
Voltage is the same to each load.
Each branch functions on its own.
Overloaded vs. Short Circuits
Overloaded-a circuit that draws too many amps.
Each load increases total current draw in the
circuit.
Short-a circuit where the electrons bypass the
load. Resistance drops and current increases.
Safety Devices
Protect the circuit and load when too
much current is being used.
Opens when too much current is drawn.
Types of Safety Devices
Fuse-opens when too much current is
drawn. One time deal. Needs to be
replaced.
Circuit breaker-opens on too much current
drawn. Can be reset. Does not need to be
replaced.