Ohm's law states that the current through
a conductor between two points is
directly proportional to the voltage across the two
points. Introducing the constant of proportionality,
the resistance.
I – V/R
I – current
V – voltage
R – resistance for direct current
I = V/Z
I – current
V – voltage
R – impedance for AC electricity
Source: Unsplash
Comparison of AC and DC electricity
For DC electricity, power is the product of voltage
and current
Watt = Volt x Amperes
Under the principle of AC electricity, the product of
volts and amperes is equal to the quantity called
volt-ampere (v.a.) which is not the same as watts
Volt Amperes = Volts x Amperes
To convert volt ampere into watt or power, a
power factor is introduced
Source: Unsplash
Power factor is a measure of how effectively you are
using electricity.
Working Power is expressed as kilowatts (kW) and is the
“true”or“real” power used by all electrical appliances to
perform the work of heating, lighting, moving, etc. Resistive
loads are loads that use true or real power. Common
resistive loads include electric heating and lighting.
Reactive Power is an inductive load, such as a motor,
compressor or ballast that requires reactive power to
generate and sustain a magnetic field needed to operate.
Reactive power is often referred to as non-working power
and expressed as kilovolt-amperes-reactive (kVAR).
Source: Unsplash
Apparent Power is the ratio between working power and
reactive power. Every home and business has both resistive
and inductive loads. The ratio between these two types of
loads becomes important as more inductive equipment is
added. Apparent power is called kilovolt-amperes (KVA)
Power Factor is the ratio of working power to apparent
power, or kW / kVA. For example, an operation runs at 100
kW (working power) and the apparent power meter
records 125 kVA. Dividing 100 kW by 125 kVA yields a power
factor of 80 percent, meaning only 80 percent of incoming
power does useful work.
Source: Unsplash
Converting volt ampere to watt or power
Watt = Volt x Amperes x Power Factor
W = V x I x pf
Illustration
A 12 amperes electric fan and blower with power
factor of .85 was connected to a 240 volts
convenient outlet. Calculate the power and current
in the circuit
Watt = Volts x Amperes x power factor
W = 240 x 12 amp x .85
W = 2,448 watts
Source: Unsplash
An electric motor has a trade mark label of 2 horse
power, 240 volts. 15 amperes. Calculate the motor
power factor
Assume motor efficiency is .85 %
1 horse power is 746 watts, convert hp to watts
746 x 2 = 1,492 watts
Efficiency = Output / Input
Input = 1,492 / .85
= 1,755 watts
For AC Current
Power = volt x ampere x power factor
Power factor = power / (volt x ampere)
Pf = 1,755 / (240 v x 15 amp)
Pf = 0.4875
Volt – amperes – 240 x 15
Volt – ampere – 3, 600 v.a.
Source: Unsplash
A circuit is a collection of real components, power
sources, and signal sources, all connected so current
can flow in a complete circle. – Khan Academy
2 fundamental types
1. Series circuit – a single path exist for current flow,
the elements are arranged in a series one after
the other with no branches. Being a single path in
a series arrangement, voltage and resistance
simply adds, thus:
Voltage Total Vt = V1 + V2+ V3….
Resistance – Rt – R1 + R2 + R3
Under the series arrangement, where only one path
of current is supplying the light, failure of anyone of
the bulbs will cause a break to the circuit, cutting of
the entire circuitry.
Example : Christmas lights
Source: Unsplash
2. Parallel Circuit – also known as multiple
connection where the loads are placed across
the same voltage constituting a separate circuit.
It is the standard arrangement for house wiring
connections
Fundamental principle
Loads in parallel are additive for current,
and that each has the same voltage imposed.
Source: Unsplash
