Decoding Electrical Circuit Codes(Terminology)

Cell:

Supplies electrical current. Some call this a battery, but technically a battery is more than one ______

Battery:

Two or more cells.

DC power supply:

Provides direct current, Direct current always flows in one direction

AC power supply:

Provides alternating current, Alternating current constantly changes direction at a specific frequency

Fuse:

Is a safety device that blows(melts) if the current flowing through it exceeds a specific value

Transformer:

consists of two coils of wire linked by an iron core. _____ are used to step up (increase) and step down (decrease) AC voltages. No electrical connection exists between the coils. Energy is transferred between the coils by the magnetic field in the core

Ground:

A connection to the earth

Transducer:

A device that converts energy from one form to another.

Lighting lamp:

Converts electrical energy to light, such as in a light bulb or automobile headlight

Indicator lamp:

Converts electrical energy to light for such uses as a warning light on a car’s dashboard

Motor:

Converts electrical energy to kinetic energy

Heater:

Converts electrical energy to heat

Bells and Buzzers:

Convert electrical energy to sound

Microphone:

Converts sound to electrical energy

Earphones and Speakers:

Also convert electrical energy to sound

Inductor:

A coil of wire that creates a magnetic field when current passes through it

Push Switch:

Allows current to flow only when the button is pressed, such as a doorbell

Push to break switch:

The circuit is normally closed(the device is on); the circuit is open(device is off) only when the button is pressed

On/off switch:

Allows current to flow only when it’s in the closed(on) position

Two way switch:

Directs the flow of current to one of two routes, according to it’s position

Dual on/off switch:

This type is often used to switch main electricity because it can isolate both the live and neutral connections

Relay switch:

An electrically operated switch that may operate multiple switches at one time. Current flowing through a coil sets up a magnetic field, which causes the lever(s) to move, effectively changing the _____ switch’s position