We explain what a parallel circuit is and the formulas it uses. Also, some examples and what a series circuit is.
What is a parallel circuit?
When we talk about a parallel circuit or a parallel connection, we refer to a connection of electrical devices (such as coils, generators, resistors, capacitors, etc.) placed in such a way that both the input terminals or terminals of each one, and their output terminals, coincide each other.
The parallel circuit is the model used in the electrical network of all homes so that all loads have the same voltage. If we understand it using the metaphor of a water pipe, we would have two liquid tanks that are filled simultaneously from a common inlet, and emptied in the same way through a shared drain.
This type of circuits allow one connection or device to be repaired without affecting the others, and also maintains the exact same voltage between all devices despite the fact that the more devices there are, the more current the electrical source must generate. Furthermore, the resistance obtained in this way is less than the sum of the resistances of the complete circuit: the more receptors, the less resistance.
The great advantage of parallel circuits is this: the independence of each station in the network, whose possible failure would not alter in any way the potential difference at the ends of the circuit. This is its main difference in use with series circuits.
Formulas for a parallel circuit
The total values of a parallel circuit are obtained by simple addition. The formulas for this are the following:
- Intensity It = I1 + I2 + I3 … +In
- Resistances. 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/ R3… +1/ Rn
- Capacitors. Ct = C1 + C2 + C3 … + Cn
Parallel circuit example
A perfect example of a parallel circuit is a lamp that has several bulbs on at the same time. In the event that one of these bulbs burns out and stops operating, the electrical flow will not be interrupted to the other bulbs, which will continue to shine. This is because each one has its own parallel power supply line.
The same thing happens with the electrical wiring in our homes: that's why we can have a damaged socket and use the next one on the wall, or have a burned-out lamp in the living room and be able to turn on the one in the bedroom, for example.
series circuit
Unlike parallel circuits, designed to maintain flow upon device failure, Series circuits present a single path for electricity to and from the source so a failure in the transmission chain would lead to the interruption of the electrical flow. Of course: at any point in the circuit the current will always be the same, but the resistance increases with each additional device connected to the circuit.
