Fundamentals
There are two types of circuits. One is the series connection and the other is the parallel connection.
- In a series connection, the current remains constant while the voltage is divided among all consumers (mesh rule).
- In a parallel connection, the current splits at all junctions and recombines when the branches meet (node rule), but the voltage remains constant.
In more complex circuits, these two configurations are often mixed.
Examples
- Wall sockets are wired in parallel. It’s necessary to provide the same voltage to all consumers.
- Old string lights were wired in series. If one lamp was broken, the whole circuit was interrupted.