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Electrical Systems: Electrical Systems Basics

Library Assistant

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Celeste Civis
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Valdosta Campus Library
4089 Val Tech Road
Valdosta, Ga 31602
229-259-5177

Electrical Systems, also known as circuits or networks, are designed to be combinations of three fundamental components: Resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Working together, this system is capable of distributing power to other systems.
In other words, a utility that provides electricity.

The systems are defined by their resistance, capacitance and inductance.

Every system/circuit has four basic parts:

  • An Energy Source
  • A Conductor
  • An Electrical Load
  • At least One Controller

An Energy Source can be either A/C (Alternating Current) or D/C (Direct Current). It provides voltage and current to energize a device connected to the circuit.

D/C (Direct current) energy moves in one direction, like a one-way street.

A/C energy moves both ways, like a normal two-lane road.