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- BEEE - Introduction
- Basic Electrical Quantities
- Ohm's Law
- Kirchhoff's Current Law
- Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
- Types of Circuit Elements
- Series Circuit
- Parallel Circuit
- Voltage Division and Voltage Divider
- Current Division and Current Divider
- Star and Delta Connection
- Electric Power and Electrical Energy
- Effects of Electric Current
- Electrical Safety Measures
- DC Circuits and Network Theorems
- Basics of DC Circuits
- Nodal Analysis
- Mesh Analysis
- Thevenin's Theorem
- Norton's Theorem
- Superposition Theorem
- Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
- Source Transformation
- BEEE Useful Resources
- BEEE - Useful Resources
- BEEE - Discussion
Parallel Circuit and Its Properties
A Parallel Circuit is a type of electric circuit configuration used in a variety of real-world applications. This circuit type is the backbone of modern electrical infrastructure. Read this chapter to learn the properties of parallel circuits and how they work. Let's start with the basic definition of parallel circuit.
What is a Parallel Circuit?
A parallel circuit is a type of electric circuit in which circuit components are connected between two common points and across a same voltage source.
In an electric circuit, if one end of all circuit components is connected to a common point and another end of those circuit components is connected to another common point, and this entire combination is connected across a single voltage source, then this configuration of the electric circuit is called a parallel circuit.
Parallel circuit provides multiple paths for the flow of electric current and the number of paths equals to the number of circuit elements. Thus, a parallel circuit divides an electric current into multiple currents, and also known as a Current Divider.
Parallel Circuit Diagram
A simple parallel circuit is depicted in the following figure −
It consists of a voltage source and two resistors, connected in parallel. From the circuit diagram, it is clear that both resistors are receiving the same voltage, but current through them depends on their resistance values.
Working of Parallel Circuit
The working of a parallel circuit is explained in the following steps, considering the circuit shown above −
Step 1 − The voltage source provides the driving force/electrical energy that injects an electric current I into the resistances.
Step 2 − This electric current divides into two branch currents, say I1 and I2, at the positive common point and flow from positive point through the two resistors.
Step 3 − The two branch currents combine into I again at the negative common point.
Step 4 − Finally, the current I return to the negative terminal of the source.
Here it is also important to note that −
- Branch with lower resistance will allow higher current to flow, and
- Branch with higher resistance will allow lower current to flow.
Properties of Parallel Circuit
The important properties and characteristics of parallel circuits are highlighted below −
- In parallel circuits, voltage across all elements/branches remain same and equal to the supply voltage.
- Total electric current divides among elements/branches depending on their resistances.
- Equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit is less than the smallest resistance in the circuit.
- Each component of the circuit can be switched on/off independently.
- If any of the component in a circuit fails, remain circuit continues operating.
- Fault isolation in parallel circuits is easier.
Common Examples of Parallel Circuits
Parallel circuits are most widely used circuit configuration in real world electrical systems. The following are some examples of parallel circuits −
- House/commercial/industrial electric wiring
- Street lighting systems
- Automotive electrical systems
- Power supplies used in computers and electronic systems, etc.
Applications of Parallel Circuits
Some key applications of parallel circuits are listed below −
- Parallel circuits are used in residential wirings.
- Parallel circuits are also used in industrial power distribution systems.
- Electronic devices also use parallel circuits.
- Facilities like manufacturing units, data centers, hospitals, etc. also use parallel circuits in their electrical systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parallel circuit is the most important circuit configuration in electrical and electronics circuits. It is the most practical and widely used circuit type because it provides constant voltage, independent operation, reliability, etc.