ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

IMPORTANT – SHOW ALL WORK!

1. State Kirchhoff’s Current Law and show numerically that the circuit below satisfies this law.
All resistor values are in ohms.

I1 I3
+
-
I2

2. State Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and show numerically that the circuit below satisfies this law.
All resistor values are in ohms.

I + - + -
V1 V2 + +
+
V3 V4
- - -

18
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

3. Consider the three circuit diagrams on the next few pages.

i. Determine I1a, I2a, I3a for the circuit of part (a) and I1b, I2b, I3b for the circuit of part (b).
In addition, calculate I1, I2, I3, for the circuit of part (c). The current I1 should equal
the sum of I1a and I1b. Verify the corresponding relations for currents I2 and I3.
ii. If a 100 is placed across terminals A and B, do currents I1, I2, I3 decrease, increase
or remain relatively unchanged? Support your answer with numerical analysis.

Part (a) All resistor values are in ohms.

I1a
+
-

I2a

I3a

19
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

Part (b) All resistor values are in ohms.

I1b

I2b

+
-
I3b

20
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws & Superposition Theorem Pre-Lab 3

Part (c) All resistor values are in ohms.

I1

+
-
I2

+
-
I3

21
 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
California Polytechnic State University

EE 251 Kirchhoff’s Laws and Superposition Theorem Lab 3

Objective
To experimentally verify Kirchhoff’s Laws (KCL & KVL) and Superposition Theorem using a
DC representation of a three-wire AC power distribution system.

Workbench Equipment
 Dual-tracking DC Power Supply, TPS-4000
 Digital Multimeter, Agilent 34401A
 Resistor Box II, 10/25/40/130/269/562
 Resistor Box IV, 100/250/500
 Resistor Box V, 5/10/5

Check-out Equipment, 20-111 window

 Banana to banana, 4 pairs, red/black
 Short leads, quantity 6, 1 bag

Background
Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The sum of currents entering a node must equal the sum of
currents leaving the node. KCL is based on conservation of electrical charge. Electrical charge
can neither be created nor destroyed. Current entering a node must equal current exiting the node
to satisfy conservation of electrical charge.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): KVL is based on conservation of energy. Hence, the sum of
voltage drops must equal the sum of voltage rises around all closed loops. Voltage is an
indication of the amount of energy needed to move charges (current) between nodes. A voltage
rise or drop is an energy increase or decrease, respectively. Voltage rises must equal voltage
drops around a closed loop to satisfy the conservation of energy principle.

Superposition Theorem
The Superposition Theorem is useful in analyzing circuits that contain multiple sources, such as
in a three wire distribution system. The theorem states that the current through or voltage across
any circuit element can be determined by applying each source separately and adding the results
algebraically. Sources are replaced by their ideal internal resistance. The ideal voltage source
internal resistance is 0Ω (short circuit), ∞Ω (open circuit) for ideal current sources. Voltage
polarity and current direction must be carefully noted when adding superposition components.

Three Wire AC Power Distribution System

Most electricity supplied to American homes is 115V AC at a frequency of 60Hz. This voltage is
used for lights and small appliances around the home. Many homes also have electrical items
that consume substantially more energy such as stoves, water heaters, and air conditioners. If
these units are operated on a single 115V line, relatively high currents may result requiring large

22
diameter transmission lines to prevent overheating (fire hazard). Distribution systems are much
safer with significantly reduced cost by using three wire distribution systems, Fig. 3-1.
+115V AC
+
L L

Ground (neutral) Stove 230V AC

L L
-

-115V AC

Fig. 3-1 Three Wire Distribution System

This system provides 115V AC for lights and small appliances and 230V AC for high-energy
equipment such as stoves. Load balancing (L symbols in Fig. 3-1) is maximized to reduce
current through the center ground (neutral) wire. Load balancing decreases currents allowing
reduced transmission line wire diameter and decreased material (cabling) cost. The neutral wire
carries a small unbalanced current (to be experimentally investigated), which allows small
diameter cabling and reduced cost. For higher-energy loads, such as stoves, the voltage potential
between the two outer conductors (230V) is used.
Procedure 1: Three-Wire System Measurements
 Measure resistance values for the 10 and two 5 resistors (Box V) and the 40 and 130
resistor values (Box II) using an ohmmeter, record in Table 3-1.
 Set TPS-4000 Dual Power Supply voltage outputs to 2 volts. Use tracking function (toggle
switch located front center of power supply) to set both sources to the same voltage value.
Measure both source voltages with a DVM, do not rely on power supply analog voltage
meters. DVM readings are more precise.
o Set current limit, ask instructor for assistance.
 Construct the circuit of Fig. 3-2. The two 5 resistors simulate the outer transmission lines;
the 10 resistor represents the neutral wire. The 40 and 130 resistors simulate an
unbalanced load and a non-zero (non-ideal) current through the neutral wire.
 Measure voltages V1 through V5, VA, and VB using a DVM. Use the polarities indicated in
Fig. 3-2.
Note: polarity is important in later KVL calculations.
 Use previously measured resistances and voltages to calculate currents I1, I2, and I3 using
Ohm’s Law. Use the current directions indicated in Fig. 3-2.
Note: current direction is important in later KCL and Superposition calculations.
 Use measured values to calculate voltages around each loop and total current at node Y.
 Record all values in Table 3-1.

23
 I1 + -
+ V1 +
- IA V4
-
Y
I2 - + +
+ V2
- IB V5
-

I3 - +
V3

Fig. 3-2 Three Wire Distribution System Circuit

Measured Resistors Measured Upper Measured Lower Calculated Currents

() Loop Voltages (V) Loop Voltages (V) (mA)
R1 = Va = Vb = I1 =
R2 = V1 = V2 = I2 =
R3 = V4 = V5 = I3 =
R4 = V2 = V3 =
Va-V1-V4-V2 = Vb+V2-V5-V3 = I1+ I2+ I3=
R5 =

Table 3-1 Kirchhoff’s Laws for Three Wire Distribution System

Fig. 3-3 is a modified version of Fig. 3-2. Measure 100Ω resistor (Box IV) and record value in
Table 3-2. Connect this resistor across the outer lines to represent a 230V AC load.

+ -
I1 V1 +
+
- IA V4
-
Y
- +
I2 V2 +
+
V5
- IB
-
- +
I3 V3
Fig. 3-3 Three Wire Distribution System Circuit with High-Energy Load

Repeat all Fig. 3-2 circuit measurements for Fig. 3-3 and record in Table 3-2.

24
 Measured Upper Measured Lower Calculated Currents
Loop Voltages (V) Loop Voltages (V) (mA)
Va = Vb = I1 =
V1 = V2 = I2 =
V4 = V5 = I3 =
V2 = V3 = R100= Ω
Va-V1-V4-V2 = Vb+V2-V5-V3 = I1+ I2+ I3=

Table 3-2 Kirchhoff’s Laws for Three Wire Power Distribution System with High-Energy Load
Procedure 2: Superposition Measurements of Three-Wire System with High-Energy Load
 Measure Fig. 3-3 circuit currents I1, I2, and I3 & record in Table 3-3.

o Upper source Va only. Short circuit terminals of Vb by disconnecting the wires from the
source before connecting the wires together (do not short the power supply!)
o Lower source Vb only. Short the circuit terminals of Va by disconnecting the wires from
the source before connecting the wires together (do not short the power supply!)

 Add the two sets of currents obtained above and record in the “superposition of currents” row
of Table 3-3.
 Transfer the current values from Table 3-2 (both sources active) to Table 3-3 and compare
superposition values to Table 3-2 values by calculating percent error.
Currents (mA) Currents (mA) Currents (mA)
Upper Source Only I1a = I2a = I3a =
Lower Source Only I1b = I2b = I3b =
Superposition of
I1 = I2 = I3 =
Currents
Currents from
I1 = I2 = I3 =
Table 3-2
Percent Error (%)
Table 3-3 Superposition Applied to Three Wire Distribution System with High-Power Load
Discussion
1. The actual direction of the neutral current, I2, in Fig. 3-2 is right to left. If only R4 and R5 are
modified, qualitatively describe required resistance changes to reverse the neutral current
direction.
2. Once the neutral current direction has been reversed, describe R4 and R5 modifications (only)
to increase or decrease the current magnitude.
3. If R4 = R5 in Fig. 3-2 and the remaining circuit is unchanged, what is the current through the
neutral wire? Support your answer.
4. When the 100Ω high-energy load is connected to the circuit of Fig. 3-2, I1 and I3 increase
while I2 remains relatively unchanged. Explain why Req seen by the sources increases or
decreases when the 100Ω load is connected. Also, explain how the added path affects the
neutral current.

25