You will learn how to solve resisitive combination circuits in this video and article! This means both series circuits and parallel circuits are used inside one circuit (a combination circuit).
This is for purely resistive circuits, meaning that the numbers you get are actually the numbers in the real world.. once you get into capacitance and inductance (RLC circuits), circuits get more complex with VARS, VA, and solving Pythagorean Theorem!
A purely resistive circuit is the best way to learn basic circuits as an electrician because there is no inductance or capacitance (VARS) to find VA. When you figure out a resistive circuit with both series and parallel components, your Watts are Watts, which is why we call it a Purely Resistive circuit (True Power).
Let’s quickly cover basic electrical theory when it comes to the characteristics of Series Circuits and Parallel Circuits.
Series Resistive Circuit Characteristics:
These are the principles of Series Circuits:
- Amps remains the same throughout the circuit (All components share the same current)
- Resistance of each device add up to Total Circuit Resistance
- Voltage drops of each device add up to Total Circuit Voltage
- Wattage of each device adds up to Total Circuit Power
- If the circuit is broken, no current flows!
For more info, watch Solve Resistive Series Circuit Tutorial.
Parallel Resistive Circuit Characteristics:
These are the principles of Parallel Circuits:
- Voltage remains the same throughout the circuit
- Resistance is always LESS than Total Circuit Resistance!
- Amps of each branch adds up to Total Circuit Current!
- Wattage of each device adds up to Total Circuit Wattage!
For more info, watch Solve Resistive Parallel Circuit Tutorial.
Solving Resistive Combination Circuits:
I hope the video broke down combinations circuits for purely resistive circuits.
You must memorize the principles of each circuit type, and you will always be able to find your answer!
For more information, learn about Ohm’s Law, or learn how a basic circuit works!
