![series or parallel power series or parallel power](http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/imgele/epowsp.png)
A circuit breaker has a switch which opens when the current is too high. A better solution is to use what is called a circuit breaker. When the current flowing through it is too high it will cause the thin strip to melt and this will cause the circuit to break.įuses have the disadvantage that once the fuse is burnt out they must be replaced. Inside the fuse is a tiny strip of metal. It is therefore necessary to have devices that will stop the flow of electron when the current gets to high. More current flowing through the wire will cause them to heat and could start a fire. The average circuit in a home is 15 or 20 amps. Depending on the wiring some homes may allow as much as 150 amps to enter the whole home at one time, This is divided among many circuits. Your home only allows so much electricity usage at a time. Circuit Safety Features - Fuses and Circuit Breakers The ground wire having a shorter circuit provides a safety feature, so instead of current flowing through the appliance it will flow to the ground.
![series or parallel power series or parallel power](https://theorycircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/parallel-resistor-equivalent.png)
If the high potential wire should touch the other metal surface of an appliance the entire appliance will draw current and give the person touching it a shock. These circuits have less resistance and therefore more current flow. A short circuit is when an accident occurs that lets electricity take a shorter path within the circuit. The wire is simply a safety feature against short circuits. A wire that is connected to the ground provides the shortest path of electrons to Earth.This third wire carries no current. The third wire is connected to the ground. Two of the wires run parallel to each other and have a potential difference of 120 volts in the US, in Europe the potential difference is 220 volts. In your home you will notice that most outlets have 3 prongs. Your home is wired in a parallel circuit so if one light bulb goes out the other will stay on. If there is a break in one branch of the circuit electrons can still flow in other branches (see image of parallel circuit). There are several different paths that electrons can flow. In a parallel circuit the different parts of the electric circuit are on several different branches.
SERIES OR PARALLEL POWER SERIES
An example of a series would the the lights on many inexpensive Christmas trees. The main disadvantage of a series circuit is that if there is a break in the circuit the entire circuit is open and no current will flow. Series CircuitĪ series circuit there is only one path for the electrons to flow (see image of series circuit). There are two types of electric circuits, the series and parallel circuit. The switch is an electric circuit is used to prevent the flow of electrons. As a result energy is convert into heat, light or mechanical energy. The load of the circuit always offers some resistance to the flow of electrons. The load is the part of the circuit that uses the power. The source of energy can be a battery, thermocouple, photocell or an electric generator. The parts of a circuit consist of a load or resistance wires and a switch.
![series or parallel power series or parallel power](https://hyperelectronic.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Ohms_Power_Law_Formula.png)
An electric circuit provides a complete, closed path for electricity. In order for electrons to flow they need a closed circuit. What is an electric circuit- Series and Parallel Circuits