Electrical Circuits


Direct Current Circuit.
Direct Current.(DC) Is one that flows always in the same direction.

 Most electronic devices need Direct Current because they require a steady flow of electrons that always head in the same direction. A battery is Direct Current. Alternating Current (AC) is changed to Direct Current (DC) with the use of Diode Rectifiers. You cannot use a transformer with Direct Current.


Alternating Current Circuit
Alternating Current(AC) Is one that the direction of which is reversed at regular intervals.


 The electrical generator feeding alternating current creates electric fields that reverse their directions 120 times a second. This reversal alternates the current backward and forward through the wires connecting to the power source. The biggest advantage of AC. is it allows the use of transformers by means of the alternating magnetic field.


Series Circuit.
A Series circuit is one in which all components are connected in tandem. The current at every point of a series circuit stays the same. In series circuits the current remains the same but the voltage drops may vary.


Parallel Circuit.
Parallel circuits are those in which the components are so arranged that the current divides between them. In parallel circuits the voltage remains the same but the current may vary. The circuits in your home are wired in parallel.


Second Phone Line
The Phone junction box is usually located on the outside of the house or in the basement. The green and red wires are for the main line and a second line is usually black and yellow.


Step up and Step down Transformers.
The transformers below are rated for 1.2 KVA. to show the amperage change with different voltages. The advantage of the 240 volt 5 amps is that it will allow smaller sized wires to be used than the 120 volt 10 amps.

For more electrical information Click Here.


[ Home Page I Safety I Links I Glossary I Basics I FFA Page I F.A.Q. I Lights I Ohms Law Calculator I Appliance Calculator I Ohms-Law ]