Chapter 5.

Series and Parallel Networks

5.1 Series circuits
Figure 5.1 shows three resistors R1, R2 and R3 connected end to end,
i.e. in series, with a battery source of V volts.

In a series circuit
(a) the current I is the same in all parts of the circuit and hence the same
reading is found on each of the ammeters shown, and
(b) the sum of the voltages V1, V2 and V3 is equal to the total applied
voltage, V, and Resistance total

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5.2 Potential divider

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Problem 1. Two resistors are connected in series across a 24V supply and a
current of 3A flows in the circuit. If one of the
resistors has a resistance of 2 determine (a) the value of the other resistor, and
(b) the p.d. across the 2 resistor. If the circuit is connected for 50 hours, how
much energy is used?
(a) Total circuit resistance

And

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5.3 Parallel networks

The Figure shows three resistors, R1, R2 and R3 connected across

each other, i.e. in parallel, across a battery source of V volts.

In a parallel circuit:
(a) The sum of the currents I1, I2 and I3 is
equal to the total circuit current, I,

(b) the source p.d., V volts, is the same

across each of the resistors.

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For the special case of two resistors in parallel

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Problem 2. Find the equivalent resistance for the circuit shown in
Fig. below

Fig. a

Problem 3. Resistances of 10, 20 and 30

are connected (a) in series (Fig. a) and (b)
in parallel (Fig b). The Resistances to a
240V supply. Calculate the supply
current in each case.

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Fig. b 6
5.4 Current division

For the circuit shown in Figure, the total circuit resistance, RT is

given by

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Problem3. For the series-parallel arrangement shown in Figure.
find (a) the supply current, (b) the current flowing through each
resistor and (c) the p.d. across each resistor.
(a) The equivalent resistance Rx of R2 and R3 in
parallel is:

The equivalent resistance RT

of R1, Rx and R4 in series is:

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The current flowing through

For the circuit shown in Fig. X calculate (a) the value of resistor
Rx such that the total power dissipated in the circuit is 2.5 kW,
(b) the current flowing in each of the four resistors.

Fig. X

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Problem Y (a) Calculate the current flowing in the 30 resistor
shown in Fig. 1 (b) What additional value of resistance would
have to be placed in parallel with the 20 and 30 resistors to
change the supply current to 8A, the supply voltage remaining
constant.

Fig. 1

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5.5 Wiring lamps in series and in parallel
Series connection
Figure 5.35 shows three lamps, each rated at 240 V, connected in
series across a 240V supply. (i) Each lamp has only 240/3 V, i.e.
80V across it and thus each lamp glows dimly. (ii) If another
lamp of similar rating is added in series with the other three
lamps then each lamp now has 240/4 V, i.e. 60V across it and
each now glows even more dimly.
(iii) If a lamp is removed from the
circuit or if a lamp develops a fault
(i.e. an open circuit) or if the switch
is opened, then the circuit is broken,
no current flows, and the remaining
lamps will not light up.
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Parallel connection
Figure 5.36 shows three similar lamps, each rated at 240 V,
connected in parallel across a 240V supply

(i) Each lamp has 240V across it and thus each

will glow brilliantly at their rated voltage.
(ii) If any lamp is removed from the circuit or
develops a fault (open circuit) or a switch is
opened, the remaining lamps are unaffected.
(iii) The addition of further similar lamps in
parallel does not affect the brightness of the
other lamps.
(iv) More cable is required for parallel
connection than for a series one.
The parallel connection of lamps is the most widely used in
electrical installations.
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Problem. Three identical lamps A, B and C are connected in series
across a 150V supply. State (a) the voltage across each lamp, and
(b) the effect of lamp C failing.

Problem. If three identical lamps are connected in parallel and the

combined resistance is 150, find the resistance of one lamp.

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