Electric Circuits Circuit A complete path for electrical

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.