ELECTRICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

What is a Short CIrcuit?   A short circuit is an abnormal low-resistance connection between two nodes of an electrical circuit that are meant to be at different voltages. This results in an excessive electric current (overcurrent) limited only by the Thévenin equivalent resistance of the rest of the network and potentially causes circuit damage, overheating, fire or explosion. Although usually the result of a fault, there are cases where short circuits are caused intentionally, for example, for the purpose of voltage-sensing crowbar circuit protectors.  continue.. Short Circuit Definition   An electrical path in a circuit that causes most of the current to flow around or away from some other path in the circuit. Accidental short circuits, especially between the high and low voltages of a power supply, can cause very strong current to flow, possibly damaging or overheating the circuit.  continue.. Resistance Review for Short Circuit Understanding   The ci...

What is Arc Welding?   Arc welding is a type of welding that uses a welding power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is usually protected by some type of shielding gas, vapor, and/or slag.  continue.. Robotic Arc Welding   Robot welding means welding that is performed and controlled by robotic equipment. In general equipment for automatic arc welding is designed differently from that used for manual arc welding. Automatic arc welding normally involves high duty cycles, and the welding equipment must be able to operate under those conditions. In addition, the equipment components must have the necessary features and controls to interface with the main control system.  continue.. Welding Basics for You and Me   In its most basic form, a welder is a dev...

ANSI Device Numbers   In the design of electrical power systems, the ANSI Standard Device Numbers (ANSI /IEEE Standard C37.2) denote what features a protective device supports (such as a relay or circuit breaker). These types of devices protect electrical systems and components from damage when an unwanted event occurs, such as an electrical fault. Device numbers are used to identify the functions of devices shown on a schematic diagram. Function descriptions are given in the standard.  continue.. ANSI Device Numbers Easy Page Guide   Device numbers may be combined if the device provides multiple functions, such as the instantaneous/time-delay AC over current relay denoted as 50/51  continue.. ANSI Codes – Device Designation Numbers   In the design of electrical power systems, the ANSI Standard Device Numbers (ANSI /IEEE Standard C37.2) denote what features a protective device supports (such as a relay or circuit breaker). These types of devices protect ...

Cable thief electrocuted in Minna - Nigerian Tribune   Cable thief electrocuted in MinnaNigerian TribuneTRAGEDY struck in Minna, Niger State capital, last Saturday as an unidentified young man, suspected to be in his 20s, was electrocuted while attempting to vandalise an underground electric cable connected to a transformer, some 200 meters away from the .... continue.. Horses Electrocuted in Racecourse Tragedy   (NEWSER) – Two prize racehorses began prancing grotesquely, then staggered and fell dead on a patch of grass before a British race over the weekend. The horrifying spectacle unfolded in front of a stunned crowd watching the riderless horses being led around the infield paddock of the Newbury track. Official speculated they were killed by a faulty electrical cable buried beneath the ground, reports the Independent.  continue.. Brazilian partygoers electrocuted   AT least 16 were killed and 50 injured in a freak electrocution during a large parade in s...

What is a Natural Gas?   Natural gas is a gas consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons[1] (primarily ethane). It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers. Most natural gas is created by two mechanisms: biogenic and thermogenic. Biogenic gas is created by methanogenic organisms in marshes, bogs, landfills, and shallow sediments. Deeper in the earth, at greater temperature and pressure, thermogenic gas is created from buried organic material. continue.. Electricity from Natural Gas   The stock of natural gas, like other fossil-based fuels, is limited and is therefore not a renewable resource. The combustion of natural gas produces only a fraction of the nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions of oil and coal, and also results in essentially no particulate matter or sulfur dioxide emissions. Natural gas therefore becomes...

Introduction to Electric Circuits Ebook   As in earlier editions, the central theme of Introduction to Electric Circuits, 8th Edition, is the concept that electric circuits are a part of the basic fabric of modern technology. Given this theme, this book endeavors to show how the analysis and design of electric circuits are inseparably intertwined with the ability of the engineer to design complex electronic, communication, computer, and control systems as well as consumer . continue.. Electric Circuits: Student Study Pack Ebook   Problem solving is fundamental to the study of circuit analysis. This resource teaches students techniques for solving problems presented in Nilsson & Riedel's Electric Circuits, 8e but was designed as a supplement to stand on its own as an instructional unit. Organized by concepts, this is a valuable problem-solving resource for all levels of students and includes step-by-step problem-solving techniques, additional examples, and practic...

What is the National Electrical Code?   The National Electric Code is a document sponsored by the National Fire Protection Agency. It is a book electricians will have to learn before obtaining there license. Most electricians can find articles easily because they have spent so much time studying the book. For a person looking thru the book for the first time, it would be easier to use the index in the back of the book. There are so many applications for each wiring job, it would be hard for the NEC. to list all of them.. continue.. National Electrical Code(NEC) or NFPA 70   The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. The NEC, while having no legally binding regulation as written, can be and often is adopted by states, municipalities and cities in an effort to standardize their enforcement of safe electrical practices within their respective jurisdiction. In some cases, th...

What is an Automotive Battery?   An automotive battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies electric energy to an automobile. Usually this refers to an SLI battery (starting, lighting, ignition) to power the starter motor, the lights, and the ignition system of a vehicle’s engine. An automotive battery may also be a traction battery used for the main power source of an electric vehicle... continue.. Basics of Automotive Battery   A lead-acid storage battery is an electrochemical device that produces voltage and delivers electrical current. The battery is the primary "source" of electrical energy used in vehicles today. It's important to remember that a battery does not store electricity, but rather it stores a series of chemicals, and through a chemical process electricity is produced. Basically, two different types of lead in an acid mixture react to produce an electrical pressure called voltage. This electrochemical reaction changes chemical energy to el...

About IEC Standard   Millions of devices that contain electronics, and use or produce electricity, rely on IEC International Standards and Conformity Assessment Systems to perform, fit and work safely together. Founded in 1906, the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. These are known collectively as “electrotechnology”.. continue.. List of IEC Standard   This is an incomplete list of standards published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IEC standards may have multiple sub-part documents, only the main title for the standard is listed here: IEC 60027 Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology... IEC 60034 Rotating electrical machinery IEC 60038 IEC Standard Voltages IEC 60044 Instrument transformers. continue.. Comparison between IEC and ANSI Standard   Comparis...

What is IEEE Standards?   The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE-SA) is an organization within IEEE that develops global standards in a broad range of industries, including: power and energy, biomedical and health care, information technology, telecommunication, transportation, nanotechnology, information assurance, and many more. IEEE-SA has developed standards for over a century, through a program that offers balance, openness, fair procedures, and consensus. Technical experts from all over the world participate in the development of IEEE standards.. continue.. History of IEEE Organization   In the spring of 1884, a small group of individuals in the electrical professions met in New York. They formed a new organization to support professionals in their nascent field and to aid them in their efforts to apply innovation for the betterment of humanity—the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, or AIEE for short. Tha...

What is an Electricity Meter?   An electricity meter or energy meter is a device that measures the amount of electric energy consumed by a residence, business, or an electrically powered device. Electricity meters are typically calibrated in billing units, the most common one being the kilowatt hour. Periodic readings of electric meters establishes billing cycles and energy used during a cycle.. continue.. How does Electricity Meter Works?   Electric Meter, or Watt-hour Meter, an instrument that measures the amount of electric energy used by a consumer. The meter is calibrated in kilowatt-hours. One kilowatt-hour is the amount of electric energy required to provide 1,000 watts of power for a period of one hour. (Ten 100-watt light bulbs left on for one hour consume one kilowatt-hour of electric energy.). continue.. How to read your Electricity Meter?   The third digit is a three because the digit to the right has not yet passed zero.  If the second dial ...

Battery as an Electrical Source   An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery (or "voltaic pile") in 1800 by Alessandro Volta, batteries have become a common power source for many household and industrial applications. According to a 2005 estimate, the worldwide battery industry generates US$48 billion in sales each year, with 6% annual growth.. continue.. Battery Types Available for Use   There are two types of batteries: primary batteries (disposable batteries), which are designed to be used once and discarded, and secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries), which are designed to be recharged and used multiple times. Batteries come in many sizes, from miniature cells used to power hearing aids and wristwatches to battery banks the size of rooms that provide standby power for telephone exchanges and computer data centers.. continue.. How Batteries Wor...

Elements of Car Conversion   Almost any vehicle can be converted to electric. Many people prefer to pick a vehicle that is light and aerodynamic in order to maximize distance traveled per battery charge. There must also be adequate room and load capacity for batteries. The battery pack, which provides a source of electrical power. The most commonly available and affordable batteries are lead-acid flooded type. Next are the AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) sealed maintenance free batteries, a little more powerful and expensive. Then there are the more exotic batteries like Ni-MH and Li-ion; more difficult to find but light and longer lasting, maintenance free, and much more expensive. The new lithium batteries are showing some promise for EVs in the near future. The charger which restores energy to the batteries (which may be mounted within the vehicle or at a special charging station at some fixed location) The power controller, which regulates the flow of energy between the battery ...

What is an Electric Car?   An electric car is an automobile which is propelled by electric motor(s), using electrical energy stored in batteries or another energy storage device. Electric cars were popular in the late-19th century and early 20th century, until advances in internal combustion engine technology and mass production of cheaper gasoline vehicles led to a decline in the use of electric drive vehicle. The energy crises of the 1970s and 80s brought a short lived interest in electric cars, but in the mid 2000s took place a renewed interest in the production of electric cars due mainly to concerns about rapidly increasing oil prices and the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions.. continue.. Battery Powered Car   Electric Cars use the energy stored in a battery (or series of batteries) for vehicle propulsion. Electric motors provide a clean and safe alternative to the internal combustion engine. There are many pros and cons about electric cars. The electric vehicle ...

What is an Electric Vehicle?   An electric vehicle (EV), also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. Three main types of electric vehicles exist, those that are directly powered from an external power station, those that are powered by stored electricity originally from an external power source, and those that are powered by an on-board electrical generator, such as an engine (a hybrid electric vehicle), or a hydrogen fuel cell.. continue.. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle   By using electric power most of the time and batteries are recharged by plugging into the electrical grid, PHEVs can reduce the use of fuel and lower the cost for fuel. Owners of PHEVs can recharge their vehicles at home, which can also limit their trips to the gas station. Even though the actual cost still depends on how the car is driven and the owner's driving behavior, the overall cost is lower than conventional cars due to the ...

How to splice electrical wire?   When working on an electrical project, taking care that all the connections are made well and will last isn’t just about getting the job done right, it’s also a matter of safety. Poorly joined, or spliced, wires can lead to electrical shorts and become a fire hazard. The good news is that splicing wires is easy with the right tools and a basic understanding of this fairly simple process.. continue.. How to strip and splice wire?   Whether you're installing a light fixture or replacing an electrical outlet, at some point you need to strip and splice wires. Most electrical projects require splicing wires together. While doing so might sound intimidating, with the right tools most anyone can strip and splice wires. If you're feeling ambitious and you have that light fixture in place, now's the time to learn how.. continue.. How to joint and solder wire?   Wires may be connected by joints, as well. If the joints are "bad," the...

Power Transformer Definition   a transformer that is used to transform AC power in power system networks, radio apparatus, and automatic systems. A power transformer operates with a constant effective voltage. The frequency of power-transformer current in most countries, including the USSR, is 50 hertz (Hz); in the USA and some other countries it is 60 Hz. Power transformers are the most common class of transformers. Transformers have been built (1975) for a power of 1300 megavolt-amperes and a voltage of 750 kilovolts. (For more detail, see.). continue.. Power Transformer Operation and Maintenance Workshop   • An understanding of the fundamental theory and principles of the operation of power transformers • An insight into the identification and application of transformers' types • An understanding of the power transformers components and their construction • Knowledge of power transformer protection • An understanding of power transformers oi...