Basic DC Theory
DC CIRCUIT FAULTS
Figure 57 Shorted Parallel Circuit
Parallel circuits are more likely than series circuits to develop damaging short circuits. This is
because each load is connected directly across the power source. If any of the load becomes
shorted, the resistance between the power source terminals is practically zero. If a series load
becomes shorted, the resistance of the other loads keeps the circuit resistance from dropping to
zero.
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
DC Circuit Faults Summary
An open series DC circuit will result in no power being consumed by any of
the loads.
The effect of an open in a parallel circuit is dependent upon the location of
the open.
A shorted DC circuit will result in a sudden and very large increase in circuit
current.
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