Series Circuit

Schematic diagram

A drawing that uses symbols to show how electrical components are connected in a circuit.

Power

Rate of doing work

Power Rating

The rating of resistor that indicates the number of watts that can be permitted without damage to the device.

Horsepower

A measure of power for electrical and mechanical devices (746watts).

Reference Point

An arbitrarily chosen node assigned zero potential. Used to measure voltage of other points.

Ground

A connection to the earth or a common return path in a circuit used for safety and stability.

Source

Where power comes from.

Junction

Two conductors connect a diode that is made by joining two pieces of semiconductor material.

Branch

The portion of a wiring system that extends beyond the circuit protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker.

Network

A combination of interconnected electrical components forming a complete circuit system.

Equivalent Circuit

A simplified theoretical node - comprising resistors, capacitors, and inductors that replicate the external voltage current behavior of a complex, original circuit.

Combination Circuit

Circuits that contain both series and parallel paths.

Short Circuit

An electrical circuit that contains no resistance to limit the flow of current.

Parallel Circuit

Circuits that contain more than one path for current flow.

Series Circuit

Fuses and circuit breakers. Only one path for current flow. Connected in a series. All circuit current must flow through the fuse.

Series Aiding

Occurs when two or more voltage sour sea or components are connected in a series so their polarities or magnetic fields align, causing their effects to add together.

Series Opposing

Consist of multiple voltage sources connected in a single loop with polarities oppose each other.

Infinity

A value that is extremely large or unlimited. Basically so big that the current cannot flow.

Voltage Drop

The amount of voltage necessary to push the current through the resistor is indicated by the meter.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.

Ohms law (series circuit)

The current is the same at any point in the circuit. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistor. The applied voltage is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across all the resistors.

Voltage Divider Formula

Another method of determining voltage drop across series elements. Voltage drop across any particular resistance.

Chassis Ground

Ground connection to the case of a piece of equipment.

Earth Ground

A ground established by driving a metal rod into the earth.