Lighting Circuitry

The world of lighting is full of interesting aspects worth knowing. The matter of lighting circuitry is one of the most often misunderstood or overlooked components. Let’s take a look at the basics of lighting circuitry and how it works.

How do basic circuits work?

In order to understand the basis of lighting circuitry, you need to know the most common circuit and how it works. The general outline of a basic circuit is made up of a power source, two conducting wires with one end attached to each terminal of the cell, and the lamp where the free ends from the cell are attached. The connection of the wires is crucial to success. When the wires are connected correctly, it creates a connection which causes the circuit to close so to speak allowing the current to flow through the circuit. This is what gives illumination to a lamp. What does a closed circuit versus an open circuit mean? When a circuit is closed, it means there is nowhere for the current to flow other than where it should to create illumination. An open circuit is one where the wires are not attached correctly or damaged in some way which results in the lamp not being able to illuminate. An opened circuit can also refer to any break in the flow. The break in the flow can be created by switches as well when you turn off the lamp.

Different types of circuits

In addition to the basic operation, there are a few different types of circuits worth knowing. One of the more common options for lighting circuitry is classified as series. Series is when the elements are connected end to end with multiple components. The current flows at a consistent rate from one part to another in a continuous pattern throughout the series and the voltage across the components is the sum of the voltages of each individual component.

There is also what is called parallel circuitry. In this type of circuit, the voltage across each component is the same and the total current equals the sum through each component, but they are placed parallel rather than in a series. If components are connected in parallel, they carry the same voltage across the ends and have the same polarities. Parallel can also refer to the fact that some bulbs or lamps might be wired to the battery or power source in a separate loop.