Basic Electrical

Components and Symbols

By Tristen Simmons
Ohm’s Law
Two types of electrical signals. Those being altering current (AC), and direct
current (DC).

US AC- 60hz

With DC, electricity flows in one direction between power and ground. Always
positive. Red is positive, black is negative.
Circuits
Two types of circuits; open and closed circuits.

Open circuit means the circuit is open and the circuit is not working.

Closed circuit shows that there is continuity; meaning there is an energy flow.
Series Circuit
A series circuit comprises a path along which the whole current flows through each
component.
Parallel Circuit
A parallel circuit comprises branches so that the current divides and only part of it
flows through any branch.
Resistors
Adds resistance to the circuit nd reduces the flow of electrical current. It is
represented in a circuit diagram as a pointy squiggles with a values next to it.
Capacitors
A component that stores energy electricity and then discharges it into the circuit
when there is a drop in electricity. Think of it as a water storage tank that releases
water when there is a drought to ensure a steady stream of water.
Diodes
Components that are polarized. They only allow electrical current to pass through
them in one direction. This is useful in that it can be placed in a circuit to prevent.
Fuse
A fuse is an electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent protection
of an electrical circuit.
LEDs
The longer leg on the LED is an anode(+ side), it will connect to power. The
shorter leg is a cathode( - side) and will connect to ground.
Transistor
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electrical signals
and power. It consists of two PIN diode connected back to back. Three terminals,
named emitter, base, and collector.
Integrated Circuits
It is a set of electrical circuits on one small flat piece of semiconductor material,
usually silicone. Works as an amplifier, oscillator, microprocessor, or memory of a
computer.
Potentiometers
A variable resistor with a third adjustable terminal. The potential at the third
terminal can be adjusted to give any fraction of the potential across the ends of
the resistor.

an instrument for measuring an electromotive force by balancing it against the

potential difference produced by passing a known current through a known
variable resistance.
Switches
An electrical component that can switch an electrical circuit, interrupting the
current or diverting it from conductor to another.

Considered a binary device because it can be either on or off.

Batteries
Batteries are a collection of one or more cells whose chemical reactions create a
flow of electrons in a circuit. All batteries are made up of three basic components:
an anode (the '-' side), a cathode (the '+' side), and some kind of electrolyte (a
substance that chemically reacts with the anode and cathode).