Basic Direct Current (DC) Theory

In Basic Direct Current (DC) Theory , you'll learn ...

• Basic DC circuit calculations
• The polarities and circuit direction associated with DC circuits
• How to apply the laws governing DC circuits to DC circuit analysis
• The various effects of DC circuit faults

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 4 CPD

Length: 65 pages

Direct current or DC electricity is the continuous movement of electrons from an area of negative (-) charges to an area of positive (+) charges. A DC circuit is necessary to allow the current or stream of electrons to flow. Such a circuit consists of a source of electrical energy (such as a battery) and a conducting wire running from the positive end of the source to the negative terminal. DC circuits may be in series, parallel, or a combination. Understanding DC circuits is important for learning about the more complex AC circuits.

This course introduces the basic electricity and electrical circuit concepts associated with direct current. Topics include calculation of current, voltage, resistance, and power in series, parallel, and combination circuits with direct current power sources.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how DC voltage is produced and identify the elements of a complete electric circuit.
• Differentiate half-wave and full-wave bridge rectifiers by circuit configuration and output behavior.
• Distinguish schematic, one-line, block, and wiring diagrams by purpose and content.
• Analyze how material resistivity and temperature affect electrical resistance.
• Classify open, closed, and short-circuit conditions from circuit descriptions or diagrams.
• Identify series, parallel, and combination circuits from their electrical characteristics.
• Calculate current and voltage drop in series, parallel, and combination DC circuits.
• Compute equivalent resistance for series, parallel, and combination networks.
• Apply voltage-divider and current-division principles to representative DC circuits.
• Compare electron-flow theory with conventional-current theory.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 20 questions. CPD credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.