Electricity Basics: Understanding the Fundamentals

What is electricity?

• Electricity is the flow of electric charge
• Carried by electrons
• Positive flows towards negative and negative towards positive

AC vs. DC: AC travels further and is the foundation of the grid

What is energy?

• moving muscles and heating food
• cannot be created or destroyed
• movement, heat, light, sounds, etc.

How does electricity work?

• electrons move between atoms within materials that conduct electricity
• electricy needs a closed path, liket a circuit to flow
• voltage: is the force that makes electrons flow. Like pressure in a water pipe.
• current: is the amount of electricity flowing, like the amount of water flowing through a pipe

Static vs. Current Electricity

	Static Electricity	Current Electricity
Definition	Static electricity is the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of objects. This charge remains until discharged.	Current electricity is the continous flow of electric charge through a conductor
Examples	Rubbing a balloon on hair, lightning.	Electricity flwoing through wires to power homes and devices.
Characteristics	Charge buildup occurs without a continous flow, noticeable when it suddenly discharges, a shock.	Requires a closed circuit to be measured in amperes (A).

Laser printers use static to put toner on paper.

Currents

AC (Alternating Current)

• Electricity constatly changes direction (positive to negative and back), like a wave. Measured in Hertz.
• Produced in power plants.
• Can easily be transformed to higher or lower voltages.
• Can travel long distances.
• House wall outlets
• Powering homes, appliances
• Easy to transform to lower voltages
• Electric shock can be very dangerous

DC (Direct Current)

• Electricity flows in a constant direction (only positive to negative).
• Primarily batteries
• Batteries convert chemical energy to currents
• Phone, laptop, solar panels, etc., often after converting to DC
• Can't go over long distances, lose power over distance
• High voltage DC is now being used in new ways to go over long distances in specific applications
• Devices that require consistent power use DC
• lower energy output over long distance
• harder to convert
• Generally safer, less EMF and shock. High voltage can be dangerous
• Preferred in sensitive environments

Measuring Electricity

• Voltage (V, Volts) potential difference between two points in an electrical field. Like pressure pushing water through a pipe.
• Current (Amperes, A) current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Like the flow of water through a pipe.
• Resistance (Ohms, Ω) resistance is a measure of how material opposes the flow of the current. It's like the friction that water experiences in a pipe.
• Step up or step down is converting voltage up or down
• Voltage is how much you feel, amps is the damage.
• Ohms law describes the relationship

Electronic Circuit

• Controls electri current to perform tasks
• It includes components like resistors and transistors onnected by wires
• Found in all electronic devices

Series Circuit

• Configuration: components are connected end to end forming a single path for current flow
• Current: same current through all components
• Voltage: Total is the sum of voltages across each component
• If one component fails, the entire circuit is broken
• Simplistic applications, like decorative lights

Parallel Circuit

• Configuraiton: Components are connected across common points, providing multiple paths for current
• Current: different paths can have different currents; total current is the sum of the currents through each path
• Voltage: voltage across each component is the same.
• Easier to troubleshoot.
• Adding more branches decreases reistence, decreasing load on a single path
• If one component fails, all continue to operate
• Complex systems, like home or auto electrical systems

Resistance

• Opposition to current flow in a material, measured in ohms (Ω)
• Influenced by material, length, cross-sectional area, and temperature.
• Longer or thinner wires have a higher resistance
• copper and aluminum has low resistance
• rubber, glass, and plastic have high resistance
• Semi-conductors: Silicone flow between conductor and insulator, under certain condiditons
• Resistance typically increases with temperature for conductors.
• Semi-conductors and other materials may decrease resistance with temperature increase

Ohm's Law

• Volate (V) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R)
• Used for calculating volatge, current or resistance in circuits.
• P = Power (Watts)
• V = Voltage (Volts)
• C = Current (Amps)
• In AC is used to understand impedence, DC is resistance

$$V=I \times R$$

$$5V=0.5A \times 10Ω$$

Health and Safety

• Critical importance: adhering to electical safety protocols is essential
• Consequences: electrical accidents can causae severe injuries and damage

Risks

• Exposed wire: can cause shock or short circuits
• Overloaded circuits: risk of overheating and fires
• Wet conditions: increase the likelihood of electrical shocks
• Faulty equipment: can lead to unpredictable hazards

PPE and Controlling Hazards

• Purpose: protects against electrical hazards and injuries
• Type of PPE: gloves, helmets, and protective clothing
• Proper use: ensure correct fitting and usage for maximum protection
• Maintence: regular cleaning and storage to maintain effectiveness
• inspection: check for damage or wear before each use to ensure safety

Controlling Hazardouse Energy

• Definition: Lockout/tagout prevents accidental energy relase during maintenance
• Procedure steps: follow a specific sequence to safely de-energize equipment
• Authorized personal: Only trained individuals should perform lockout/tagout.
• Verification: Ensure all energy sources are effectively isolated before work begins.

graph LR
    A((Prepare)) --> B
    B((Notify)) --> C
    C((Shudown)) --> D
    D((Isolate)) --> E
    E((Dissipation)) --> F
    F((Lockout / Tagout)) --> G
    G((Verrfication))

Best Practices

• Safety guidelines: follow specific procedures for each type of electrical equipment
• Codes and standards: adhere to established electrical codes for safety.
• Equipment inspection: regularily check and maintain electrical equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment: Use appropiate PPE when working with eletrical devices
• Emergency prodecures: know the steps to take in case of electrical accidents

Responding to Emergencies

• Effects of shock: can cause burns, muscle contractions, and cardiac arrest
• Response proedures: safely disconnect the victim from the electical source
• CPR importance: provide immediate CPR if the victim is unresponsive
• AED training: Use and AED to help restore normal heart rhythm