Simple Electrical Wiring – JSS3 Home Economics Lesson Note (Second Term)

Simple electrical wiring i

Electric Circuit

An electric circuit is a closed loop or pathway through which electric current flows. It consists of interconnected components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, and sources of electrical energy (like batteries or generators). The components in a circuit are connected by conductive wires that allow the flow of electric charge. Circuits can serve various purposes, from powering electronic devices to controlling complex systems.

Types of Electric Circuit

1. Series Circuit: In a series circuit, components are arranged in a single path for the current to flow. The same current passes through each component one after the other. For example, the stringing lights on a Christmas tree in a series

Characteristics:

  – The total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.

  – The current remains the same throughout the circuit.

  – The voltage across the circuit is divided among the components.

  – If one component fails (opens), the entire circuit is interrupted.

2. Parallel Circuit: In a parallel circuit, components are connected in multiple paths, allowing the current to flow through different branches simultaneously. For example, household electrical outlets.

Characteristics:

  – Each component has its separate branch, and the current divides among the branches.

  – The voltage across each component is the same.

  – The total resistance is inversely proportional to the sum of the reciprocals of individual resistances.

  – If one branch fails (opens), the others remain unaffected.

Comparison of series and parallel circuit

1. Voltage:

  – Series: Voltage is divided among components.

  – Parallel: Voltage is the same across all components.

2. Current:

  – Series: Current is the same throughout the circuit.

  – Parallel: Current divides among branches.

3. Resistance:

  – Series: Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.

  – Parallel: Total resistance is inversely proportional to the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances.

4. Failure Impact:

  – Series: If one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.

  – Parallel: Failure in one branch doesn’t affect others.

EVALUATION: 1. Define the electric circuit.

1. Mention and explain the two types of electric circuit
2. Sketch the series and parallel connection