Module 4: Electrical Theory

Electrical Theory: Learning Outcomes

o Summarize the differences between series and parallel circuits.

o State Kirchhoff's laws for current voltage.

Introduction to Electrical Theory

In order to perform a successful operation and maintenance tasks in a relatively short time, electricians must
apply fundamental electrical concepts, such as Ohm's law. 

When troubleshooting a problem, electricians will also have to use more advances concepts such
as Kirchhoff's law. This law analyzes more compile series circuits, parallel circuits, and combination series-
parallel circuits. 

 Click on each term to find out more:

o Kirchhoff's Current Law

 The statement that the total amount of current flowing through a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the
amounts of current flowing through each current path. 

 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

 The statement that the sum of all the voltage drops in a circuit is equal to the source voltage of the circuit. 

 Parallel Circuits

Circuits containing two or more parallel paths through which current can flow. 

 Series Circuits

Circuits with only one path for current flow. 

 Series-Parallel Circuits
 Circuits that contain both series and parallel current paths. 
Resistive Circuits
 Resistive Circuits
Resistance is the property of a component which restricts the flow of electric current. 

Resistance is calculated in different ways, depending on whether it is a series or parallel circuit. The resistor
is an electrical component that limits the flow of electrical current. Energy is used up as the voltage across
the component drives the current through it. As a result, this energy appears as heat in the component. 

Resistance is measured in ohms. The symbol for ohm is an omega. 

1 is quite small for electronics; so resistances are often given in k and M. 

 1 k = 1000 1 M = 1000000

Resistors used in electronics can have resistances as low as 0.1 or as high as 10 M.

 Resistances in Series

When resistors are connected in series, their combined resistance is equal to the individual resistances
added together. 

For example, if resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series, their combined resistance, R, is given by:
Combined resistance in series: R = R1 + R2

This combined resistance can be extended for more resistors: R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 ...

NOTE: The combined resistance in series will always be greater than any of the individual
resistances. 

When resistors are connected in parallel, their combined resistance is less than any of the individual
resistances. There is a special equation for the combined resistance of two resistors R1 and R2:

combined resistance of two resistors in parallel:

 R = R1 x R2 / R1 + R2

 Resistances in Parallel

For more than two resistors connected in parallel, a more difficult equation must be used. This adds up the
reciprocal ("one over") of each resistance to give the reciprocal of the combined resistance, R:

 1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 +1 / R3 ...
 The combined resistance in parallel will always be less than any of the individual
resistances. 

 Electrical Resistances

 Resistances in Series versus Resistances in Parallel

 Series and Parallel Circuits

In a series circuit, the current through each of the components is the same; the voltage across the
components is the sum of the voltages across each component. 

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the components is the

Click on each button to know more about series and parallel circuits:

o Series Circuits

Here, the wire would join the battery to one bulb, then to the next bulb, and so on, finally joining back
to the battery in one continuous loop. 

The current that flows through all four bulbs would be the same, and the voltage drop would be 1.5
V across each bulb. This voltage may not be sufficient to make them glow. 

 Parallel Circuits

Here, each bulb is wired to the battery in a separate loop. 

The currents through the four light bulbs combine to form the current in the battery. The voltage drop, in this
case, is 6.0 V across each bulb. As a result of this, all the light bulbs glow. 

In a series circuit, every device must function for the circuit to be complete.
One bulb burning out in a series circuit breaks the circuit. 

In parallel circuits, each light has its own circuit, so all but one light could
be burned out, and the last one will still function. 

Kirchhoff's Law
 Kirchhoff's Law
Kirchhoff's law states that at any point in a circuit, the total current entering that point must equal the total
current leaving that point. The algebraic sum of currents in a network of conductors meeting at a point is
zero. 

Recalling that current is a signed (positive or negative) quantity reflecting direction towards or away from a
node, this principle can be stated as:
 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law:

This law states that the algebraic sum of the voltages around any closed path is zero. 

Loop Equations:

Any closed path for current flow is called a loop. A loop equation specifies the voltages around the loop. 

The following formula is valid for complex circuits:

Electrical Theory: Lesson Summary

In order to locate, determine, and repair the default circuit, they will have to apply fundamental electrical
concepts such as Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's Law. 

While Ohm's law defines the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance, Kirchhoff's law analyzes
complex series circuits, parallel circuits, and combination series-parallel circuits. 

Series circuits have a single path for the current flow. In parallel circuits, the current flows through two or
more parallel paths. 

Resistance within a material restricts the flow of an electric current through it. It is calculated in different
ways, depending on whether it is a series or a parallel circuit.