Objectives • Explain electrical principles • Describe various electrical terms • Understand and compare voltage, current, and resistance • Use electrical meters and test instruments in a safe and correct manner
Introduction • Almost every system of the car uses electricity – Anti-lock brakes – Engine emission control devices – Dash warning lights and gauges – Electronic fuel injection – Electrically controlled transmissions • Technicians in every area – Must understand electricity to be successful
Electron Flow • Matter: composed of atoms – Atoms: composed of protons, neutrons, electrons • Electrons: negatively charged and orbit protons • Protons: positively charged • Neutrons: no charge • Protons and neutrons: located in the nucleus – Number of protons and neutrons • Determines the element • Atoms try to remain electrically neutral – Equal number of protons and neutrons
Conductors and Insulators • To remain in balance an atom will shed or attract electrons from neighboring atoms – Electrons flow between atoms to equalize charge • Conductors: atoms with free electrons – Good conductors: silver, copper, and aluminum • Insulators: few or no free electrons – Prevents flow of electrons between conductors – Good insulators: glass, rubber, and porcelain
Basic Automotive Electrical System • Electrical circuit – Complete circuit is needed to do work • Requires a power source, conductor, and load – Automobiles: ground is provided by the frame – Electricity takes the path of least resistance • With enough voltage, electricity jumps air gaps – Most wiring is insulated with polyvinyl chloride • Control and protection devices – Switches, fuses, and circuit breakers
Basic Electrical Tests (cont'd.) • Circuit problems – Open circuit: break in path of electrical flow – Short circuit: electrical path has been shortened – Grounded circuit: current flows directly to ground