Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

What are the differences between neutral line, grounding and ground contact?To grasp the distinctions among Neutral, Ground, and Earth, we must first understand the purposes of these elements.NeutralThe neutral wire serves as the return path for electric current in an electrical circuit, designed to carry current under normal operating conditions. This current primarily arises from phase current imbalances and occasionally from the presence of 3rd and 5th harmonics.The neutral wire provides a pa

DefinitionThe maximum value of the reverse voltage that a PN junction or diode can withstand without damage is termed thePeak Inverse Voltage (PIV). This PIV rating is specified and explained in the datasheet provided by the manufacturer.However, if the voltage across the junction under reverse bias exceeds this specified value, the junction will be damaged.As shown in the figure above, a PN junction or diode is commonly used as a rectifier, i.e., to convert alternating current (AC) to direct cu

DefinitionTheForm Factoris defined as the ratio of the root mean square (R.M.S) value to the average value of an alternating quantity (either current or voltage). The average value of an alternating quantity is the arithmetic mean of all instantaneous values of current or voltage over one complete cycle.Mathematically, it is expressed as:Ir.m.s and Er.m.s are the root-mean-square values of current and voltage respectively, while Iav and Eavare the average values of alternating current and voltag

DefinitionThe Peak Factor is defined as the ratio of the maximum value to the root - mean - square (R.M.S) value of an alternating quantity. The alternating quantity can be either voltage or current. The maximum value refers to the peak value, crest value, or amplitude of the voltage or current. The root - mean - square value is the value of direct current that, when passed through the same resistance for the same given time, produces the same amount of heat as the alternating current.Mathematic

Source TransformationSource transformation refers to replacing one type of electrical source with an equivalent alternative. A practical voltage source can be converted into an equivalent practical current source, and vice versa.Practical Voltage SourceA practical voltage source consists of an ideal voltage source in series with an internal resistance (or impedance, for AC circuits). For an ideal voltage source, this internal impedance is zero, meaning the output voltage remains constant regardl

DefinitionA photovoltaic (PV) cell is a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical energy. The voltage induced by the PV cell depends on the intensity of the incident light. The term "photovoltaic" originates from its capability to generate voltage ("voltaic") through light ("photo").In semiconductor materials, electrons are bound by covalent bonds. Electromagnetic radiation consists of tiny energy particles called photons. When photons strike the semiconductor material, electrons

Definition: Just as an electromotive force (EMF) is required to drive electric current in an electrical circuit, a magnetomotive force (MMF) is necessary to establish magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit. MMF is the magnetic "pressure" that generates and sustains magnetic flux. The SI unit of MMF is the ampere-turn (AT), while its CGS unit is the gilbert (G). For the inductive coil depicted in the figure below, the MMF can be expressed as:Where:N = number of turns of the inductive coil I = curren

Definition: When conductors carry high alternating voltages, the currents are non - uniformly distributed across the cross - sectional area of the conductor. This phenomenon is known as the proximity effect. The proximity effect causes an increase in the apparent resistance of a conductor because of the presence of other current - carrying conductors in its vicinity.When two or more conductors are positioned close to one another, their electromagnetic fields interact. As a result of this interac

Definition: The corona effect refers to the phenomenon where the surrounding air around a conductor ionizes, resulting in a luminous glow accompanied by a hissing noise.Air serves as a dielectric medium between transmission lines. In other words, it acts as an insulator between current - carrying conductors. When the voltage induced between conductors is of an alternating nature, a charging current flows between the conductors. This charging current increases the voltage of the transmission line

Comparative Analysis of 50 Hz and 60 Hz Power Supply FrequenciesIn the realm of electrical power systems, the choice of supply frequency significantly impacts various aspects of equipment performance, cost, and operational efficiency. Notably, North American countries such as the United States and Canada predominantly utilize a 60 Hz power supply frequency, whereas the United Kingdom, European Union, and numerous other nations adhering to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards