What is an Electrical Circuit?

An electrical circuit connects electrical components consisting of a power source, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, switches, and electrical loads. An electrical network consists of a closed circuit, allowing current to pass through the entire system and back to the source. To provide expert electrical circuit installation services, licensed electricians need knowledge and expertise about electric circuits and their work.

A complete electrical circuit is a never-ending loop of electrons. If you take a wire and connect it end-to-end, it forms a continuous path in which electrons can freely flow forever – this is the primary concept of a circuit. Let Zoom Electricians guide you about electrical circuits.

An electric circuit consists of:

• Power source: This is the source of electricity that provides voltage and current, such as batteries.
• Switches, capacitors, resistors, potentiometers: These electrical components control electricity flow.
• Protection devices: Protect the circuit from high voltage, such as the main circuit breaker, fuse, and other surge protection devices.
• Wires: Act as the conducting path that carries electric current from one point to another in a circuit.
• Load: A load supplied with power to work properly, including lights, motors, and appliances.

In a complete circuit, the direction of current flow is from positive to negative, while the flow of electrons is always from the negative to the positive terminal. For an electric circuit to work, it must be closed and consist of an energy source.

A circuit has four basic types: series, parallel, series-parallel, and complex. Depending on your electrical needs, an electrician will use any combination of these circuits to develop the best setup for your electrical system.

Your home can consist of one or more circuits. The number of breakers in your main circuit breaker determines the number of closed circuits you have in your home. If one of these circuits overloads, the breaker connected to that circuit trips, cutting off the flow of electricity to protect your entire electrical system from damage.

Knowing electrical circuits is important so you can determine whether or not your system needs repairs. For guaranteed results for all your electrical problems, don’t hesitate to contact the experts of Zoom Electricians. We have been in the service of homeowners for years, earning a reputation for providing top-quality electrical services anytime on demand.

So if you need more information about electrical circuits or require the services of a licensed electrician, look no further. We provide certified installation, repair, and maintenance services for all types of electrical circuits for your home or business.

What are the four basic electrical circuits?

Parallel Circuit. In a parallel connection, voltage is equal across all components in the circuit, no matter how many loads are placed in the parallel circuit. They will require the same voltage throughout. The advantage of this type of circuit is that current flow continues even when any load is taken out of the circuit.

Series Circuit. A series circuit allows for end-to-end connectivity. All components in this type of circuit are connected across each other, from the positive to the negative terminals. Current flows through a single path, allowing you to increase or decrease load, voltage, and current by adding components into the circuit. The disadvantage of a series connection is that if one load is removed, the circuit is opened, preventing the current from completing the circuit.

Series-Parallel Circuit. A series-parallel circuit is composed of series and parallel circuits. This type of circuit allows electricians versatility in providing the proper voltage, current, and resistance to different loads, such as lights and other electrical fixtures.

Complex Circuit. You cannot reduce complex circuits to a single resistor. It contains components that are neither parallel nor series. In this type of electrical circuit, resistors are connected in a complicated manner. A complex circuit contains more than one source of electromotive or voltage source.

How do you run a new electrical circuit?

Running a new circuit is similar to wiring a new outlet or switch. Ensure the power source is turned off before working on any electrical component. Measure the distance between the loads – lights, switches, outlets, electrical fixtures – to ensure your wiring is enough to cover the entire circuit. Connect the loads according to your needs, which can be parallel, series, series-parallel, or complex. Splice the wires properly and connect them to the breaker. Turn on the power and test the loads to see if they work properly. To ensure the safety and functionality of your new circuit, call a professional electrician to complete the job.

Why would a circuit breaker trip for no reason?

These are some reasons why your circuit breaker will trip:

• A worn-out breaker. Faulty and worn-out circuit breakers will trip for no reason. Upgrade your breaker to a more modern model to stop unnecessary breaker tripping.

• Short circuit. When there is a short circuit in your electrical system, the breaker detects the irregularity in current flow, causing it to trip.

• Sudden power surge. A sudden surge in power can cause your circuit breaker to trip. The electrical panel or breaker is the primary surge protection for your home, keeping your appliances and electrical fixtures from being damaged by a sudden surge of electricity.

• Overloaded circuit. If you plan to add new appliances or electrical fixtures, you must ensure your breaker can support the additional load. Overloading happens when the current flowing through the circuit exceeds the capacity of your breaker. It trips to protect your circuit from excess current.

How do you know if a circuit breaker needs to be replaced?

Your circuit breaker needs replacement if:

• It uses the older fuse technology.
• Your circuit breaker keeps tripping.
• You have an old circuit breaker.
• You need additional breaker capacity for new appliances.
• It produces a buzzing sound, gives off a smoky smell, and has a burn or scorch mark.

Do electrical circuits need maintenance?

Like other systems in your home, electrical systems also require regular maintenance to keep them working at peak efficiency and running smoothly. Maintenance can include inspecting electrical components, replacing old wires, cleaning and fixing loose wiring connections, and more.

Trust only the most dependable electrical experts when you need help with your electrical circuits. Call our hotline anytime or set up a callback at your preferred time by filling out our online form.