Fundamentals of Electricity

101 Basics

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics

What are the 101 Basics?

These modules provide an introduction to various products and services available in the electrical
control, distribution and power quality categories.

The modules are organized by market segment and you can link here to view a planning page to help
select the modules that meet your product and service knowledge needs.

What will you learn from this module?

You will learn:

• The definition and three main characteristics of electricity.

• The definition of magnetism and how it relates to electricity.
• Ohm’s Law.
• The difference between series and parallel circuits.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics

Learn

Welcome to Fundamentals of Electricity. This module is designed to increase your technical

knowledge of electricity.

Assessment

Do you know the Fundamentals of Electricity? Test your knowledge. An 80% or better is
required to pass this module.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Introduction
Nucleus

Electricity factors into almost everything we do. In fact,

by viewing this module online, you are using electricity.

To understand electricity, we need to start simply.

Everything, from water and air to rocks, plants and Proton (p+)
animals, is made up of minute particles called Electron
atoms. Atoms consist of even smaller particles (e-)
called protons, neutrons and electrons.

The nucleus of the atom contains protons, which have a positive charge,
and neutrons, which have no charge. Electrons have a negative charge and
orbit around the nucleus.

Electrons can be made to move from one atom to another. When those
electrons move between the atoms, a current of electricity is created.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Objectives
Electricity in the Electrical Industry
By the end of this section, you
will understand:

Electric power (electricity) is provided commercially by the 1. The definition of electricity.

2. Magnetism and how it
electrical power industry. Power is distributed to customers relates to electricity.
through a grid system (also known as electrical distribution). 3. The three main
characteristics of electricity.
In a loose but common use of the term, “electricity” may be
used to mean “wired for electricity” which means a working
connection to an electric power station or utility company.

Such a connection grants the user of “electricity” access to the electric

field present in electrical wiring, and thus to electric power.

Eaton offers products to customers in many electrical segments including:

residential, commercial, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), industrial
and alternative energy. Eaton’s products help to distribute electricity,
control products and monitor quality of the power in a facility.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Magnetism

Magnetism and basic electricity are so closely related that one cannot be studied at
length without including the other. There are three general relationships that exist
between them:
- Current flow will always produce some form of magnetism
- Magnetism is by far the most commonly used means for producing or
using electricity
- The peculiar behavior of electricity under certain conditions is caused
by magnetic influences.

These basic electromagnetic principles led to the

invention of a wide variety of electrical devices such as
motors, generators, solenoids, tripping devices and
circuit breakers.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Types of Magnets

Permanent Magnets Electromagnets

Retain their magnetism after a Electromagnetism is created by the

magnetizing force has been removed. interaction of electric current and a
magnetic field.

Electromagnets are similar to

permanent magnets, except they do not
retain their magnetism when electricity
is removed, and they can be made
stronger if an iron core is placed inside
the magnet.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Types of Magnets
Electromagnet Example
To make a typical electromagnet, take an iron rod (ex. A screwdriver) and wrap it
with wire. The iron rod is called a “core”. When the wire is connected to both
Permanent Magnets Electromagnets
ends of a battery, electric current flows through the wire.
Retain their magnetism after a magnetizing Electromagnetism is created by the
Thisforce
current
has magnetizes
been removed.the iron core and allows you toof use
interaction it ascurrent
electric an and a magnetic
electromagnet and pick up paperclips (or other metal objects).field.

When one or both ends of the wire at the battery are

Electromagnets are similar to permanent
disconnected, the current flow stops and the core
magnets, except they do not retain their
loses its magnetism. magnetism when electricity is removed, and
they can be made stronger.
This method of winding the wire around a core to
create an electromagnet is the principle theory of
several products in the electrical industry, including
transformers and coils for motor control.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Characteristics of Electricity

Now that we understand

electricity and magnetism, we
will cover the characteristics of
electricity.

Why are these characteristics

important to the electrical
industry?
Electrical products are designed
and sized based upon voltage
and current, as you will discover
in the product modules included
in this series.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Current

Current is the flow of free electrons in the same general direction from atom to atom and is
measured in Amperes (amps or A).

The number of electrons that flow through a conductor’s (example: wire) cross-section in
one second determines amps. Current can be expressed in a number of different ways, such
as:

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn
Fast Facts
Alternating Current (AC)
Voltage and Direct Current (DC)
voltages are the two ways
voltage is distributed to
Voltage is the force that is applied to a conductor to free homes and facilities.
electrons, which causes electrical current to flow and is measured
in Volts (V). These methods will be
introduced next.
Current will flow in a conductor as long as voltage, the electrical
pressure, is applied to the conductor.

Voltage is expressed in a number of ways:

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

AC and DC Voltage

Direct Current (DC) Alternating Current (AC)

With this method, voltage forces electrons to With this method, voltage forces electrons first
flow continuously in one direction through a in one direction, then in the opposite direction,
closed circuit. Batteries and DC generators alternating very quickly.
product DC voltage.
The voltage generated by utility companies for
Historically electrical products used AC voltage, our home, factories and offices is AC voltage.
however there is a trend in the industry where
more products use DC voltages. For example:
adjustable frequency drives, IEC starters, power
supplies.

AC 
Battery Generator

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Resistance

Resistance is the restriction to the flow of electrons though a conductor and is

measured in Ohms (Ω).

Resistance is expressed in a number of ways:

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Resistance

Listed below are the four factors that affect the amount of resistance in a conductor.

The next few slides will define these factors.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

The amount of electron flow (electricity) depends upon

Resistance
how readily particular atoms give up their electrons and
accept new electrons.

Materials that permit this are called conductors, such as

Listed below are the four factors that affect the amount of resistance in a conductor.
copper, silver and aluminum.
Click each factor for more information.
Materials that don’t readily give up electrons, which restrict the flow, are
called insulators, such as rubber, glass and porcelain.

For example, Eaton loadcenters with copper bus are considered to be the
Material
premium offering compared to those with aluminum bus, since copper is a
better conductor.
Length

As the cross-sectional area of a conductor increases, the

Cross
resistance decreases, and vice versa.
Sectional
Tempera‐
ture
Area
For example, if the area of a conductor is doubled, the
resistance is cut in half.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

The longer the conductor, the more resistance in the

Resistance
conductor.

Resistance is increased or decreased in proportion to the

conductor’s length. For example, a two-foot long conductor
Listed below are the four factors that affect the amount of resistance in a conductor.
would have twice the resistance of a one-foot long
Clickconductor.
each factor for more information.
In the electrical industry we consider length when deciding
whether to use wire or busway.
Material
As the temperature of a conductor increases, the resistance
increases.
Length

The temperature is not as predictable as the other factors, but

it must be considered when Cross
dealing with electricity.
Tempera‐
Sectional
ture
Electrical products that mustArea
take temperature into
consideration during design include transformers (temp rise)
and enclosed products.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Objectives
Ohm’s Law By the end of this section,
you will understand:
Now that we know the characteristics of electricity, we will use Ohm’s Law to
define circuit theory and why it’s important to the electrical industry. 1. Ohm’s Law.
2. How the three main
characteristics of
Ohm’s Law is a basic law of circuit theory and states that current is directly electricity relate to Ohm’s
proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance. Law.
3. The difference between
Voltage = Current * Resistance Current (I) in amps Series and Parallel
or Voltage (V or E) in volts Circuits.
V = IR Resistance (R) in ohms

Ohm’s Law is used in all AC and DC electrical circuits. If you know two of the
three characteristics, you can calculate the third.

Electrical designers use Ohm’s Law to determine how much voltage is required
for a certain load, like a motor, a computer, or even a house full of appliances.

Note – V can be represented as E in Ohm’s Law. For this module, we will use V.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn
Fast Facts

Water Flow Analogy German mathematician,

George Simon Ohm,
formulated the relationship
between the three primary
The water flow analogy helps to explain the electrical characteristics:
current, voltage and
relationship between voltage, amperage resistance, in the 19th century.
and resistance in non-electrical terms. Water Example:
flowing in a pipe or hose is substituted for
an electric circuit. Imagine water (current) flowing through the
pipe.
Assume:
Voltage is equivalent to the water pressure If the pipe size does not increase, increasing
Current is equivalent to the flow rate the water pressure will increase the amount
Resistance is equivalent to the pipe size of water coming out of the pipe.

Scenario: Similarly, when you keep resistance the same

A pump is used to create water pressure in and increase voltage, you increase current
order to push the water through the pipe. flow.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Circuit Calculation using Ohm’s Law

Using Ohm’s Law and the Water Flow analogy, we are now ready to calculate voltage,
amperage and/or resistance in a circuit.

In the below circuit, assume the voltage supplied is 12 volts and the resistor provides 6 ohms
of resistance.

To determine the circuit, use Ohm’s Law: I = V/R (current = voltage / resistance)

V = 12 V I = ?
R=6Ω
I=?
V = 12 V R = 6 Ω
I = V/R
I = 12/6
I = 2 amperes

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Electrical
Circuit Calculation using Ohm’s Law Circuit Symbols

Using Ohm’s Shown

Law and below are
the Water two
Flow common
analogy, we are symbols
now ready toincalculate
electrical circuits.
voltage, amperage and/or
resistance in a circuit.

In the below circuit, assume the voltage supplied is 12 volts and the resistor provides 6 ohms of
resistance.

To determine the circuit, use Ohm’s Law: I = V/R (current = voltage / resistance)

V = 12 V I = ?
R=6Ω
I=? +
V = 12 V R = 6 Ω
I = V/R
I = 12/6 -
I = 2 amperes

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Circuit Ohm’s Law allows you to Parallel Circuit

calculate voltage (V),
resistance (R), and current (I),
In a series circuit all as shown in the previous In a parallel circuit, the
loads are connected one simple circuit. loads are connected
after another in a series. across the power line to
form branches.
Electrical circuits are either a
Series Circuit or a Parallel
Circuit.
Voltage  Load  Load  Load 
Source
1 2 3

The next slides will go into

more detail about each type
of circuit.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Series Circuit

In series circuits, all loads are connected one after another in a

series.

If a conductor or load is broken, it opens the circuit. This condition

does not allow the current to complete the circuit and makes the
entire circuit dead.

For example, the older design for holiday lights was a series circuit.
If one bulb burned out, the entire string would not light.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Parallel Circuits
In Parallel Circuits, the loads are connected across the power line to
form branches. The loads operate independently of each other, and
therefore a break in any one branch does not prevent the line
voltage from being applied to the remaining branches.

The result is that one path (branch) can be open with the load not
receiving current without the other loads being affected, as in the
Current has a number of paths to
newer string of holiday lights.
follow. If all paths are available, the
current divides itself between the
branches back to the source

If a path is open, the current divides

between the remaining available paths
and goes back to the source.

Parallel circuits are used in the majority of

industrial, commercial and residential
applications of electricity.

Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Learn

Module Summary

After reviewing the material in this module, you should now understand:

• The definition of electricity.

• Magnetism and how it relates to electricity.
• The three main characteristics of electricity.
• Ohm’s Law.
• How the three main characteristics of electricity relate to Ohm’s Law.
• The difference between Series and Parallel Circuits.

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics - Assessment

Assessment

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Fundamentals of Electricity
101 Basics

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