What is an Electrical Circuit?

Everyone depends on their home’s electricity – without it, nothing would function. You wouldn’t have any light, you wouldn’t be able to cool or heat your home, you wouldn’t be able to use many of your appliances and, worst of all, you wouldn’t be able to watch any TV! However, few people actually understand how their electricity works, they just take it for granted.

Knowing how your home’s electricity works is a good idea because it can help you prevent potential issues with it as well as have a basic idea of how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. Understanding electrical circuits is one of the most important components in knowing how your home gets its electricity.

What is an Electrical Circuit?

The electrical circuit is basically the system that controls the flow of electricity throughout your home. It’s a pathway consisting of wires that allow electrons to flow through. This pathway is known as the conductive path. The voltage, which is the force provided by the battery or voltage source, is what makes the electrons move. Once the electrons reach their destination, they help to provide the power needed to make your device or appliance turn on, whether it’s a light bulb or a ceiling fan.

How Does an Electrical Circuit Work?

In order for an electrical circuit to work, the electrons need to be able to move in a loop. It’s why it’s called a “circuit.” When the electrons flow from a power source to a device, there are wires that complete the circuit, allowing the electrons to flow back to the power source where it started. When a circuit is complete and it forms a loop, it’s known as a “closed circuit.

Most electrical circuits have switches (circuit breakers) that cause a gap to appear in the circuit, thereby stopping the flow of electrons. Whenever the circuit is not complete because a part is disconnected or disrupted, it’s known as an “open circuit.” When the switch is turned back on, the flow continues and the device it’s plugged into can resume being powered up.

Potential Problems

There are a number of issues that can occur with an electrical circuit. If the wires in the conductive path are damaged, it can cause all kinds of problems. Additionally, a power surge within the electrical circuit can cause damage to the devices that are plugged in. It’s one of the reasons that you should use surge protectors in your home.

If you think that you are having problems with your electrical circuit, whether it has to do with a power surge, a certain area of your home isn’t getting power or your circuit breaker keeps tripping, then be sure to contact us at Jaffe Electric to speak to one of our professional technicians and to schedule an appointment today.