Chapter 13

Electrical
Systems
 Trigger Question
What are the different parts of an electric
system?
 CHAPTER OUTLINE
PART 1: Theory of electricity
1. What does an electrical system comprise?
2. How do electrical components affect the output of
an electrical system? (NA optional)

PART 2: Electricity in everyday life

3. What are some benefits and risks associated with
the applications of electrical systems?
4. How do we reduce the consumption of electrical
energy?
WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COMPRISE?

What you will learn:

• Draw and interpret circuit diagrams and
• Set up circuits containing electrical sources,
switches, lamps, resistors (fixed and variable),
ammeters and voltmeters
• Explain what is current, potential difference and
resistance of an electrical system and state their
units
 Electric Circuits

• Electric circuits are made up of connecting wires

electrical components electric cell

Note:
Components refer to the
light bulb, wires, battery
light bulb circuit board
 Flow of electricity in an electric circuit
• An electric current flows through a path that is set up by an electric circuit.
• All the components of the electric circuit must be connected correctly for it
to work.
• A circuit diagram shows how the electrical components are connected in an
electrical system.
The battery (energy source) provides energy
for electric current to flow in the circuit.
The switch turns the
current on or off.

Wires connect the various

components together. The bulb converts electrical
This provides a complete energy into light and heat.
path for the current to flow.
 Note:
Electric circuits Components refer to the light bulb, wires, battery

• Electrical components must be joined together without any gap in between

to form a closed circuit.
• Incomplete circuits are called open circuits.
connecting wires connecting wire no source of
is missing electrical energy
electric cell

light bulb circuit board Both the circuits in the diagram are incomplete,
hence they are known as “open circuits”.
 connecting wires water pump
Flow of electricity in an
electric cell
electric circuit – water model
flow of
water
molecules

light bulb circuit board pipes water wheel

Electric circuit Water model
Electric cell / battery Water pump
- Provides electrical energy in circuit. - Provides energy to move water.
Electric charge Water molecules
- Moving through in circuit. - Moving in the pipes.
Electrical component Water wheel
- Converts electrical energy to other forms (heat - Converts gravitational potential energy of water into
and light for light bulb) kinetic energy.
Wires Pipes
- Made of electrical conductors to allow electric - Allows the water molecules to move about the model.
charge to flow.
How to draw circuit diagrams
Symbols are used to represent electrical components in circuits.

Component Symbol Component Symbol

An electric cell (battery) Two batteries

Light bulb (lamp) Switch

Switch (open)

Switch (closed)
Connecting wires (not joined) Connecting wires (joined)
 Circuit symbols

A switch is used to open or close a circuit.

Main switch used Switches used on circuit boards

in buildings

Open

Close
• Resistors contain resistance values
• Fixed resistor has only one resistance value
• Variable resistors have different resistance values

Component Symbol
Fixed Resistor

Variable Resistor
Component Symbol
Ammeter
An ammeter is a device used to
measure electric current.
A
Voltmeter
A voltmeter is a device used to
measure voltage or potential
V difference.
 Are you able to draw the Test yourself!
circuit diagram for the
following electrical set up?
Answer

A
Draw the following types of circuits including a cell, a switch and a lightbulb:

Open circuit Closed circuit

Bulb does not light up Bulb will light up when

when the switch is open. the switch is closed.
Conditions for current to flow

From the previous two slides, can you tell the conditions for
current to flow through a circuit?
connecting wires
An electric current flows only when there is:
electric cell
•a source of electrical energy and

•a closed circuit

light bulb circuit board

What causes electricity?

Electricity is due to the flow of negatively

charged particles called electrons.
I The electrons that flows in the wire are free
electrons (only in metals and graphite.)

What is an electric current?

An electric current is the rate of flow of electric charges in a circuit.
• It has a symbol of I.
• The SI unit for electric current is ampere (A).
 Instrument to measure current
• The ammeter is an instrument used for measuring A
electric current. ammeter symbol
Two types of ammeters:
1. Analogue ammeter 2. Digital ammeter
How to connect ammeter
• Ammeters are always connected in series in a circuit.
• Positive side of ammeter must be connected nearest to the
positive terminal of the battery (electric cell), and vice versa.
What causes the electrical charges to move?

The battery in a circuit gives energy to the electrical

charges and causes them to flow through the circuit.
Voltage
Voltage is the amount of energy given
to each unit of electrical charge, driving
them around a complete circuit.
• It has a symbol of V.
• SI unit of voltage is volts (V).
Different voltages are supplied by different cells and batteries.

1.5 V Dry Cell

9 V Dry Cell
12 V Car Battery
 How to measure voltage?

V A voltmeter is the instrument used for measuring voltages.

voltmeter symbol
Two types of ammeters:
1. Analogue voltmeter 2. Digital voltmeter
 How to connect the voltmeter
• Voltmeters must be connected in parallel to a circuit or electrical
component.
• The positive side of voltmeter is connected to the positive
terminal of the cell, and vice versa.
 Which is the correct
position for an ammeter?

A B

Ammeters are always connected in series in a circuit.

 Ammeter vs Voltmeter

Ammeter must be Voltmeter must be

connected in series connected in parallel
 Potential Difference (p.d)

• P.d is a measure of the amount of electrical energy converted to other

forms of energy when per unit of electric charge flows through the
component.
• Units: volts (V)
What exactly is potential difference (p.d)?

• Electric charges will flow from a point of higher

potential (energy) to lower potential. electric
cell connecting
• This difference in electric potential between 2 wire

points in a circuit is the potential difference. filament

flow of electrons
Resistance
• An electrical component hinders the flow of electric charges when it is
connected in a circuit.
• The resistance to the flow of charges is similar to how a narrow channel
resists the flow of water.
 Resistance
The resistance of a conductor refers to its
ability to hinder current flow.
• When an electric current flows through a circuit, there will
be some resistance that opposes it. (similar to friction)
• It has a symbol of R.
• The SI unit for resistance is ohm()
Instrument to measure resistance

The ohmmeter is the instrument

used to measure resistance.
Resistance
• Different electrical components have different resistance
• For example, nichrome wires have a higher resistance than copper wires.
Good conductor Poor conductor
Low resistance High resistance
Electricity is able to flow through easily. Electricity is NOT able to flow through easily.
e.g. metal objects e.g. wood, cloth

So when do we use nichrome wires or copper wires?

(Hint: The resistance of a substance allows it to convert some of

the electrical energy into other forms of energy, such as heat.)

Nichrome is used for heating element of a electrical appliances.

Copper is used to make electrical wires
Resistors
• An electrical component that is specially made to have a certain
resistance is called a resistor.
• They can be connected in a circuit to resist the current flow.
• There are two types of resistors:

1 Fixed resistors 2 Variable resistors

1 Fixed resistors
• Fixed resistors have only one resistance value fixed resistor symbol

Coloured bands indicate the

resistance of the resistor.

In a circuit contains only fixed resistors, we can change the total effective resistance of
the circuit by adding or removing fixed resistors in different arrangements (either
in series or parallel arrangements).
2 Variable resistors
variable resistor symbol
• Variable resistors or rheostat can be adjusted to change the
resistance.
• There are two types of rheostats:

1 Sliding rheostat 2 Rotating rheostat

sliding contact
sliding contact control
knob
resistance
wire

connecting
wires

resistance wire
 How does resistance affect brightness of a bulb?

When the slider is on the left, current When the slider is on the left, current
passes through lesser wires, hence passes through more wires, hence
lower resistance. higher resistance.

→ Current flowing through the → Current flowing through the

circuit increases. circuit decreases.
→ Hence, the light bulb is brighter. → Hence, the light bulb is dimmer.
2 Variable resistors
Rheostats have many uses.
speed controller of a
volume controls on radios remote-control car

light dimmers
HOW DO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AFFECT THE
OUTPUT OF AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM?

What you will learn:

• Explain how arrangement of the components of an
electrical system affects the outputs of the system
(e.g. how series or parallel arrangement of resistors
affects the brightness of the bulb)
• Investigate the effect of varying resistance on the
current in the circuit using fixed or variable resistors
Recall: Arrangement of circuits

There are 2 ways in which an electric circuit can be arranged:

1. Series 2. Parallel
Series Circuit

• A series circuit connects the components one after the other.

• Same current flows through the components.
• A break in any part of a series circuit stops the flow of current in the
whole circuit.
Parallel Circuit

• A parallel circuit divides into two or more branches.

• The current divides and flows through each parallel branch.
• If a component breaks or is removed, the other components
remain on.
 Which of the following is a series circuit?
Which is a parallel circuit?

A B

Parallel Circuit Series Circuit

 Which is a parallel
A circuit, A or B?

B
 SHORT
CIRCUIT!

A short circuit is an electrical circuit that

allows a current to travel along an unintended
path, often where zero (or a very low)
electrical resistance is encountered.

• This is because electricity tends to take the

path of least resistance.
• Short circuits can lead to a surge in current
in the circuit which can result in
overheating and electrical fires.
ADDING 2 BULBS IN SERIES OR PARALLEL
- DIFFERENT BRIGHTNESS?
HANDS-ON: Investigating parallel and series
pHet Simulation:
Use the “Lab” settings!
Use the handout to help you
in your investigation.
[Link]

Conclusions:
1. How does adding a resistor in series affect the total resistance of a circuit?
2. How does adding a resistor in parallel affect the total resistance of a circuit?
3. How does adding a resistor in series affect the brightness of the light bulb?
4. How does adding a resistor in parallel affect the brightness of the light bulb?
Adding a resistor in SERIES

In this circuit the light When another resistor is added in

bulb lights up. series, the light bulb becomes dimmer.

Fixed resistor 2 fixed resistors

Adding another resistor in series increases the total resistance in the circuit.
Hence the current flowing through the light bulb decreases.
Adding a resistor in PARALLEL

In this circuit the light When another resistor is added in

bulb lights up. parallel, the light bulb becomes brighter.

2 fixed
resistors
Fixed resistor

Adding another resistor in parallel decreases the total resistance in the circuit.
Hence, the current flowing through the light bulb increases.
Observation: How does resistance
affect brightness of a bulb?
Resistors can be added in series or parallel.
Greater total resistance
→dimmer bulb

Original
circuit has a
single resistor Lower total resistance
→ brighter bulb
What are some benefits and risks associated with
the applications of electrical systems?
What you will learn:
• Useful effects of electricity
• Harmful effects of electricity
• Safety devices in our household electrical system
 Effects of electric current

Heating Lighting

Effects of electric current

Chemical Magnetic

SLS Lesson – 13.3a What are Some Effects of an Electric Current?: [Link]
library/lesson/view/881af637-c221-4f7b-9de1-9f828cc16d47/page/42282199
 Effects of electric current Using what you learnt
from SLS-

Heating Lighting Create your own mind

map of the Effects of
Electric Current
Effects of electric current

Chemical Magnetic

SLS Lesson – 13.3a What are Some Effects of an Electric Current?: [Link]
library/lesson/view/881af637-c221-4f7b-9de1-9f828cc16d47/page/42282199
Sample Mind Map
Electromagnet
• An electromagnet is a magnet that is made by making current flow in a wire
coiled around a metal rod (eg. Iron).
• The coil of wire is called a solenoid.

coil of wire
iron core

from battery

to battery Solenoid generates an electromagnetic field,

disrupting the Earth’s magnetic field.
→ Compass needle is deflected.
 What does the Solenoid do?
The compass of the needle is deflected by the
electromagnetic field generated by the solenoid.

All three compass needles

were originally pointing north!

Next slide shows how the

compass needle deflects
around the solenoid!
 What does the Solenoid do?
The compass of the needle now points only in the
electromagnetic field generated by the solenoid.
Electromagnet
An electromagnet behaves like a temporary magnet, but it only
works when there is an electric current passing through it.
 Hands on: How to increase magnetic effect?

Using the simulation, find out how we can increase the magnetic
effect of a solenoid:

[Link]
model_EMStrengthpaperclips/EMStrengthpaperclips_Simulation.xhtml

What is the best set-up to attract the

greatest number of paper clips?
Electromagnet
The magnetic effect of the electromagnet can be increased by:
1. Increasing the current in the wire coil (increasing number of
batteries).
2. Increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil.
3. Winding the coil around an iron rod.
Uses of electromagnet crane

• Crane that lift iron/steel

• Electric bell
• Magnetic levitation train
• Electric motor
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) train

Uses of electromagnet
Telephone
• In telephones, a changing magnetic effect causes
a thin sheet of metal (diaphragm) to vibrate.
• The diaphragm is made of a metal that can be
attracted to magnets.

1. The diaphragm is attached

to the springs that are 3. The diaphragm becomes attracted to the
fixed to the earpiece. electromagnets.

As the person on the other end of the line

2. When a current flows through speaks, his voice causes the current in the
the wires, the soft-iron bar circuit to change. This causes the diaphragm in
become an electromagnet. the earpiece to vibrate, producing sound.
Telephone receiver and mouthpiece

Current flows
through the circuit

At the mouthpiece, a
varying electric Magnetic effect of varying
current is generated current causes electromagnet
to alternately attract and
repel the iron diaphragm.
Sound wave is produced
Electric Bell

Electric bell

Electric door bell

 Electromagnet and magnet

Electromagnet Magnet

A temporary magnet A permanent magnet

which can be turned on retains magnetism until
and off using electric it is purposely
current. demagnetised (spoilt).

Magnet can be made Magnet remains the

stronger or weaker same strength
Electromagnet and magnet

In an electric motor, both types of

magnets are found:
• Permanent magnet
• Electromagnet
Electric motor in fans

The strong permanent magnet interacts with the

electromagnet, causing the motor to rotate.
 Understanding Household Electricity

• Our homes have many circuits hidden behind walls.

• These circuits are intricately connected, and have to
be in good working condition to function perfectly.
• A short circuit can cause extensive damage.

SLS Lesson – 13.3b How May Changes In An Electrical System Cause Electrical Hazards?:
[Link]
5b438635c061/page/36510892
 Understanding Household Electricity

Using what you learnt

from SLS-

Create your own mind

map of the Electrical
Hazards

SLS Lesson – 13.3b How May Changes In An Electrical System Cause Electrical Hazards?:
[Link]
5b438635c061/page/36510892
 Electricity
- Complete
Mind Map

Hazards
Hazards of Electricity

Electric shocks and electrocution

• Electrocution occurs when a person is injured or killed by a large
current passing through the body.
• This can happen if the insulation of the wires has been damaged or
if the earth wire of an appliance is not properly connected to the
metal casing.
• When a person touches the live wires / live metal casing, current
flows through his body, giving him an electric shock.
 Hazards of Electricity
Electrical fires
• A short circuit occurs when the
live wire touches the neutral
wire.
• This provides a shorter path of
low resistance for the current to
flow through.

• The large current flowing through the wires may

cause the wires to overheat and start a fire.
Hazards of Electricity
Electrical fires
• Electrical sparks from a short
circuit may occur and start a fire
when they come into contact with
flammable materials

• Connecting too many electrical

appliances to the same output
socket or forgetting to switch off
an appliance may cause overheating of
wires. This may cause a fire.
Making it Safe to Use Electricity

• The flow of a large current in wires or in our body is an electrical

hazard.
• There are three safety features found in all household electrical circuits
to deal with large currents:
• Earth wire
• Fuse
• Circuit breaker
The neutral wire (colour:
blue) is at zero voltage. It is The earth wire (colour:
kept at zero by earthing. BOTH yellow AND green) is
at zero voltage. Usually, no
current flows in this wire. It is
connected to the ground.

The live wire (colour:

brown) is at a high voltage,
usually 240 V. The amount of
voltage can be different in
other countries. In Japan,
for example, it is 120 V.
 Live, neutral
and earth
wire

Metal casing
Heating element of kettle

Current flows from live wire through the

heating element and back through the
neutral wire. Earth wire is connected to
the metal casing, preventing a person from
being electrocuted.
 Importance of Earth Wire

1. In the damaged kettle, the wire at high

potential is disconnected from the heating
coil and touches the metal casing.

wire at
0V 2. The electric potential of the casing
increases to 240 V.
wire at
240 V
wire touches 3. There is a large potential difference
metal casing
between the kettle and the ground.

4. If a person touches the metal casing, current

flows through his body into the ground.
 Importance of Earth Wire
The earth wire prevents the user from getting an electric shock.
1. The earth wire connects the appliance to the earth.

2. If the live wire touches the metal casing, the

current will flow through the earth wire L
N
preventing the person from receiving an E
current flows
electric shock. to the ground ground

current flows
3. If there is no earth wire, electricity will flow through live wire through the
boy
the person instead and cause an electric shock! touches the
kettle

L
N

ground
Circuit Symbol for Earth Wire

Circuit symbol for Earth wire

Component Symbol
earth connection
 Making it Safe to Use Electricity

• Appliances with metal casing, such as washing machines, electric kettles,

toasters and ovens are earthed.
• Appliances which do not have exposed metal surfaces such as plastic
hairdryers and blenders are not earthed. Their internal circuitry is also
insulated preventing the ‘live’ parts from being exposed. This is known as
double insulation.
 Making it Safe to Use Electricity

People who work with high voltage electrical equipment must

wear rubber shoes.

• The resistance of the shoes is so high

that very little current will flow
through the person to the ground.
• The person will be safe from
electrocution.
 Making it Safe to Use Electricity
Fuse
• A fuse is a safety device included in an electrical
circuit to prevent excessive current flow.
• A fuse is a short thin piece of wire that gets
heated up and melts when the current flowing
through it is higher than its rating.
• When it melts or blows, the circuit breaks. This
prevents large current from damaging the
appliance.

A fuse should have a SLIGHTLY higher rating than

the current the appliance requires!
 Importance of Fuse
• Two pin plugs do not have earth wiring.
• For e.g. in the case of the television, there is no real metal-body. The
housing/casing is plastic. There is no risk of coming in contact with a metal-
[Link], a two-pin plug suffices.
• Designed for low-power devices
• These devices rely on another mechanism known as circuit breakers.
 Switches
• All switches are designed to complete or break an electrical circuit.
• Like fuses, switches must be fitted onto the live wire so that switching off
disconnects the high voltage from an appliance.

N
L
2-way switch
Example 6

Complete the following diagram to show how the kettle should be

connected. Include a fuse and a switch to the circuit.
Example 7

Name the parts labelled in the diagram.

Earth wire

Neutral wire

Live wire

Fuse
 Circuit Breakers
• A circuit breaker is a type of switch.
• It is usually turned on to allow a current to flow.
• When the current in the circuit becomes too large, a trigger
mechanism switches it off and breaks the circuit.
 Circuit Breakers

• This shuts off the large current before it can cause any serious damage or
start a fire.
• Each circuit breaker is a switch-like lever connected to a different part of
the household circuit. Unlike a fuse, it does not need to be replaced.
 Circuit Breakers
The circuit breaker in our home is found in the consumer unit.
 Keywords
• Power
• Watt
• Live wire, neutral wire, earth wire
• Fuse
• Circuit breaker
HOW DO WE REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION
OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

What you will learn:

• Consumption of electrical energy
• Ways to conserve energy in households
Power

The power of a circuit component tells you how much electrical

energy is being converted per unit time by the component.

E
P=
t
• The S.I. unit of power is the Watt (W).
• When the rate of energy is converted to one joule per
second, the power is said to be one watt.
Power Ratings of Household Appliances

As most household appliances have high power ratings,

their electrical power is measured in kilowatts (kW)
instead of watts. (1 kW = 1000 W)
Energy Usage at Home
• We can calculate the electrical energy by an electrical appliance if we
know its power rating.

Energy = Power × Time

• When a device with a power rating of one kilowatt is used for one
hour, it will use up one unit of electrical energy known as the
kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Energy = 1 kW × 1 h = 1 kWh
Example 1
An oven rated 1.2 kW is being turned on for 2 hours. Calculate the
electrical energy used by it.

Solution
Electrical energy used = Power  Time
= 1.2. kW  2 h
= 2.4 kWh
Example 2
An oven rated 1.2 kW is being turned on for 40 minutes. Calculate the
electrical energy used by it.

Solution
Time = 40 min = 40/60 h = 2/3 h

Electrical energy used = Power  Time

= 1.2. kW  2/3 h
= 0.8 kWh
Example 3
TV rated 2.2 kW is switched on for 3 hours. Calculate electrical energy used
and the cost if 1kWh costs $0.30.

Solution
Electrical energy used = Power x Time
= 2.2 x 3
= 6.6 kWh

Cost of electricity = 6.6 x 0.30

= $ 1.98
Example 4
A computer that was turned on for 5 hours was measured to have used 10.0 kWh.
Calculate the power rating (W) of the computer and the cost of electricity if 1 kWh
cost $0.30.

Solution
Electrical energy used = Power x Time
10000 = P x 5
P = 10000 ÷ 5
= 2000 W
= 2 kW

Cost of electricity = 10.0 x 0.30

= $ 3.00
Example 5
An LCD television set has a power rating of 125 W. The television uses 15 kWh of
electrical energy in a month (30 days). On average, how long is the television switched on
each day? Give your answer in hours.

Solution
Period of time used in a month = Energy used ÷ Power
= 15 ÷ 0.125
= 120 hours
⸫ Television is switched on for 120 ÷ 30 = 4 hours
 Electricity in Singapore

• Power stations in Singapore use natural gas

to generate electrical energy.
• 80% of Singapore’s natural gas is bought
from other countries.

• If the price of natural gas increases, the cost of using electricity at home would increase
too.
• The amount of electrical energy we use at home depends on the appliances we use and
for how long they are switched on.

SLS Lesson – How Do We Reduce Consumption of Electrical Energy?:

[Link]
Reducing Wastage of Electricity
It is important for us to minimise electricity wastage
because:
– Singapore does not have natural energy resources such as
fossil fuels. The electrical energy we need comes from
imported fuels.
– Our economic performance and survival depends on
our careful management of limited energy resources.

•We need to conserve resources so that the

depleting fuel reserves can last longer and reduce
global warming.
Reducing Wastage of Electricity

We can minimise wastage by:

1. Turning off electrical appliances when they
are not in use.
2. Ensuring that all your electrical appliances are
in good working condition.
3. Using energy efficient electrical appliances
(e.g. fluorescent lamps instead of conventional
filament lamps.)
Reducing Wastage of Electricity
 Electrical systems are found in

can be quantified in terms of Household electricity

Resistance Current SI unit: Potential
SI unit: ohm (Ω) ampere (A) difference
Electrical hazards
is defined as SI unit: volt (V)
• fire
is is defined as • electrocution
the ratio of potential
difference across the defined the amount of energy
component to current as needed to move one unit Safety features
flowing through it of electric charge from • fuse
one point to another • circuit breaker
the amount of • earth wire
electric charge is measured
moving past any one using a
point in one second
Power Electrical
SI unit: watt (W) energy
is measured using a
Ammeter Voltmeter Optional for N(A)
• connected in • connected in Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
produce effects series in a circuit parallel in a circuit
such as

Heating and
Magnetic effect Chemical effect
lighting effect
Try to draw
your own
 Electrical Systems
Essential Takeaways
1. The parts of an electrical system include the
energy source and other components that work
together to make a device work.

2. The components present in the electrical system

and how they are arranged can affect the output
of the electrical system.