In a parallel circuit, the current has different branches to move forward.
The Latin word circuĭtus came to our language as circuit . The notion has different meanings; In this case we will focus on the meaning it has in the field of electricity .
Thus, we can affirm that a circuit is a system , crossed by an electric current, that has one or more conductors . This current is produced or consumed by the various devices located along the circuit.
According to how their components are located and ordered, circuits are classified differently. In the so-called parallel circuit , the terminals of all the devices that are connected, both input and output, coincide with each other.
Characteristics of a parallel circuit
The main characteristic of a parallel circuit is that electricity can take different paths along its path . This distinguishes it from a series circuit , where there is only one possible path.
In this way, in the event of a failure, it is possible to carry out a repair without interrupting the flow of current . One device can be fixed without this action affecting the rest.
Another peculiarity is that all connected devices display identical voltage . It must be considered that the source has to generate more current as devices are added. The voltage is the same on each component.
On the other hand, the greater the number of receptors, the lower the resistance . This implies that the total resistance of the parallel circuit is less than the sum of the individual resistances.
Failure of a component in the parallel circuit does not interrupt the flow of electricity.
Main advantages and uses
As we already indicated, the multiplicity of paths (branches) for the advancement of current is the most important advantage that a parallel circuit offers. The failure of a component does not generate a modification of the potential difference that is registered at each end.
Parallel circuits are frequently used in homes. We can see how it works in the wiring of a home .
When such wiring has a parallel circuit, a socket on a wall may be damaged and, next to it, there may be another socket that works normally. This is because the current uses alternative routes to continue circulating.
The same situation occurs when having a lamp with several spotlights or bulbs . If there is a parallel circuit connection in this lamp, a bulb may burn out or blow out without interrupting the flow of electricity .
This way, while the damaged bulb will no longer light, the others will continue to light normally. This is possible because each bulb has a branch for energy circulation.
The independence of the devices , in short, makes it possible for the elements to be turned on or off without affecting the rest. Just the opposite of what happens in a series circuit, where the connection is successive (from one component to the next).
In the parallel circuit, as there are alternative branches, the flow can be maintained despite the interruption at a specific point. In the series circuit, the only possible path leads to a problem at one terminal canceling circulation.