BATAAN HEROES COLLEGE

Module 2

Connection of Resistors
BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

ENGR. GIAN ANGELO D. GARDUCE

Department of Electrical Engineering

MODULE 2: CONNECTION OF RESISTORS

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Module 2: Connection of Resistors

This module discusses the principles of series connected resistors, parallel

connected resistors, combination of series and parallel as well as delta and wye
connection.

Learning Objectives
After studying this module, students should be able to:
a. To familiarize students with the different connection of resistors.
b. To analyze and solve circuit problems regarding series and parallel connections.
c. To analyze and transform delta to wye and wye to delta connections.

2.1 SERIES CONNECTED RESISTORS

Resistor - is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as
a circuit element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal
levels, to divide voltages, bias active elements, and terminate transmission lines, among other
uses.

A series circuit is a circuit in which resistors are arranged in a chain which are connected end to
end, so the current has only one path to take.

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where: Vt = total voltage V1 = voltage drop across Resistor 1

It = total current I1 = current in Resistor 1
Rt = total resistance R1 = Resistor 1

➢ The total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual resistances.

Rt = R1 + R2 + … + Rn

➢ The total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across each resistance.

Vt = V1 + V2 + … + Vn

➢ The current flowing in each resistances are the same.

It = I1 = I2 = … In

Sample Problems:

1. A 3-ohm resistor and a 6-ohm resistor are connected in series across a DC supply. If the
voltage drop across the 3-ohm resistor is 4V, what is the voltage of the supply.
➢ We need to find the supply voltage (Vt) of the circuit. Let us draw first the circuit so that
we can analyze it better.
R1 = 3𝛀 R2 = 6𝛀

Vt = ? V1 = 4V

➢ We know that the resistors are connected in series so we can use the formula for total
voltage Vt = V1 + V2
➢ Since V1 is given we only need to find the V2 and in order to find V2 we must first know
how much current is in the R2. Recall formula of Ohm’s Law.
V1 4V
I1 = =
R1 3Ω

I1 = 1.333 A

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➢ Since it is connected in series, we know that currents flowing in each resistances are the
same.
I1 = I2 = It
V2 = (I2)(R2) = (1.333A)( 6𝛀)
V2 = 8V
Vt = V1 + V2
Vt = 4V + 8V
Vt = 12 V

2. A load of 10 ohms was connected to a 12-V battery having an internal resistance Rb. The
current drawn in the circuit was 1.18 A. What is the internal resistance of the battery?
➢ We need to find the internal resistance of battery (Rb).
Rb = ? R1 = 10𝛀

Vt = 12V It = 1.18A

➢ We can use the formula for total series resistance Rt = Rb + R1 then rearrange the
formula to find Rb. We get Rb = Rt – R1
➢ Since R1 is given we need to find Rt.
Vt 12V
Rt = =
It 1.18 A
Rt = 10.17 𝛀
Rb = Rt – R1
Rb = 10.17𝛀 – 10𝛀
Rb = 0.17 𝛀

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2.2 PARALLEL CONNECTED RESISTORS

A parallel circuit is a circuit in which the resistors are arranged with their heads connected
together, and their tails connected together. They are connected across each other. The current in
a parallel circuit breaks up, with some flowing along each parallel branch and re-combining
when the branches meet again.

➢ The total resistance is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each
individual resistances.

1 1 1 1
Rt = 1 1 1 or Rt = ( + + …+ ) -1
+ +…+ R1 R2 Rn
R1 R2 Rn

➢ The total current is equal to the sum of the currents flowing in each resistance.

It = I1 + I2 + … + In

➢ The voltage drop across each resistor is equal to the total voltage or the same.
Vt = V1 = V2 = … Vn

Sample Problems:

1. A 5-ohm resistance is connected in parallel with a 10-ohm resistance. What is the

equivalent resistance?

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➢ We need to find the equivalent or total resistance (Rt) of the parallel resistors.

R1 = 5𝛀 R2 = 10𝛀

➢ We can use the formula for total parallel resistance

1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1
𝑅1 𝑅2
1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1
5Ω 10Ω
Rt = 3.33𝛀

2. Three resistors R1, R2 and R3 are connected in parallel and take a total current of 7.9A
from a dc source. The current through R1 is half of that through R2. If R3 is 36𝛀 and
takes 2.5A, determine the values of R1 and R2.
➢ We need to find the values of resistors 1 and 2 (R1, R2)

It = 7.9 A
R1 R2 R3= 36𝛀
Vt

I1 I2 I3= 2.5A
➢ In order to find the value of resistors we must know first the current and voltage of each
resistor.
➢ We can use the formula It = I1 + I2 + I3 (refer to page ) to find the currents first.
➢ From the problem, it is also stated that current through R1 is half of that through R2,
therefore, I1 = 0.5 I2
It = I1 + I2 + I3
7.9 A = 0.5 I2 + I2 + 2.5 A
7.9A − 2.5A 1.5 I2
=
1.5 1.5
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I2 = 3.6A
I1 = 0.5(3.6A)
I1 = 1.8A
➢ We know that in parallel connected resistors voltage drop across resistors are the same.
V3 = (I3)(R3) = (2.5A)(36𝛀)
V3 = 90 V
V3 = V2 = V1 = Vt
V1 90V V2 90V
R1 = = R2 = =
I1 1.8 A I2 3.6 A
R1 = 50 𝛀 R2 = 25𝛀

Series-Parallel or Parallel Series Combination Circuit

If resistors are series-connected in some parts and parallel in others, we won’t be able to apply a
single set of rules to every part of that circuit. Instead, we will have to identify which parts of
that circuit are series and which parts are parallel, then selectively apply series and parallel rules
as necessary to determine what is happening.

Sample Problems:

1. Two resistances of 10 and 15 ohms each respectively are connected in parallel. The two
are then connected in series with a 5 ohm resistance. What is the equivalent resistance of
the whole circuit?
➢ We need to find the value of total resistance (Rt)

R1= 10𝛀 R2= 15𝛀 Since R1 and R2 are parallel to each other we apply
the formula of total parallel resistance in R1 and R2,
and since this combination is in series with R3, we
also apply the total series resistance between the
R3= 5𝛀 combination and R3.

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1 1 -1
Rt = ( + ) + R3
𝑅1 𝑅2

1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1 + 5𝛀
10Ω 15Ω

Rt = 11 𝛀

2. A 5-ohm resistance is connected in parallel with a 10-ohm resistance. Another set of 6-

ohm and 8-ohm resistances are also connected in parallel. The two sets are connected in
series, what is the equivalent resistance?
➢ We need to find the value of total resistance (Rt)
R1= 5𝛀 R3= 6𝛀

R2= 10 𝛀 R4= 8𝛀

➢ Since R1 and R2 are parallel to each other we apply the formula of total parallel resistance
in R1 and R2, as well as in R3 and R4, and since both sets are in series with each other,
we also apply the total series resistance between the two sets.
1 1 1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1 + ( + ) -1
R1 R2 R3 R4
1 1 1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1 + ( + ) -1
5Ω 10Ω 6Ω 8Ω
Rt = 6.76 𝛀

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2.3 Voltage Division Theorem (VDT)

The voltage is divided between two series resistors in direct proportion to their resistance. In
using VDT if we are finding the voltage drop across a specific resistor, we simply multiply the
value of that resistor and the total voltage then dividing it by the total series resistance. It can
only be used for series connected components.

𝑉𝑡(𝑅1) Vt(R2)
V1 = V2 =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 +⋯+𝑅𝑛 R1 + R2 +⋯+Rn

Sample Problem:

A 10, 15 and 20 ohm resistors are connected in series across a 48-V source. What is the voltage
across the 15 ohm resistor? Use VDT.

➢ We need to find the voltage drop across the 15ohm resistor (V2)
R1= 10𝛀 R2= 15𝛀 R3= 20𝛀

Vt= 48V

➢ By simply using and substituting to the formula of VDT:

Vt(R2)
V2 =
R1 + R2 +R3
48V(15Ω)
V2 =
10Ω + 15Ω +20Ω
V2 = 16 V

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Current Division Theorem (CDT)

A parallel circuit acts as a current divider as the current divides in all the branches in a parallel
circuit, and the voltage remains the same across them. In using CDT, we are finding the current
of a specific resistor, for ex. we have R1 and R2 connected in parallel, if we want to find the
current through R1, we simply multiply the other parallel resistor R2 and the total current, then
dividing it by the total resistance. CDT can only be used for two parallel connected components,
if there are more than two resistors in parallel reduce first the circuit in two resistors in parallel
before applying the CDT.

It(R2) It(R1)
I1 = I2 =
R1 + R2 R1 + R2

Sample Problem:

A 10 ohm and a 20 ohm resistance are connected in parallel. Another resistance of 5ohm is
connected in series with the two. If the supply voltage is 48V, what is the current through the 10
ohm resistance? Use CDT.

➢ We need to find the current through the 10 ohm resistor (I1)

R1= 10𝛀 R2= 20𝛀

Vt= 48V

R3= 5𝛀

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➢ In order to find the current through Resistor 1, we must find first the current that goes
through the parallel connected resistor which is R1 and R2.

1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1 + R3
R1 R2

1 1
Rt = ( + ) -1 +5𝛀
10 Ω 20 Ω

Rt = 11.67𝛀

Vt 48V
It = =
Rt 11.67 Ω
It = 4.113 A
➢ After finding the total current of the circuit, we all know that the parallel combination
resistor R1 and R2 are in series with R3 therefore
It = I12 = I3 (I12 means the whole or total current that goes through the parallel
combined resistors only)
➢ By simply using and substituting to the formula of CDT:

(I12)(R2)
I1 =
R1 + R2

(4.113 A)(20 Ω)
I1 =
10Ω + 20Ω

I1 = 2.74 A (current at 10 ohm resistor)

More Sample Problems:

1. Two 115-V incandescent lamps A and B are connected in series across a 230-V source. If
lamp A is rated 75 watts and lamp B is rated 50 watts, determine the current drawn by the
series connection.
➢ We need to find the total current (It) of the series circuit.

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Ra Rb

Vt= 230 V Pa= 75W Pb= 50W

➢ In order for us to solve the current through the circuit we need to find first the
Resistances of the two loads Ra and Rb.
➢ Since we know that both loads are 115V lamps, we can solve the resistances through their
given power. Recall formula for power.
➢ We can use the formula
V2
P=
R
➢ Rearranging the formula for resistance, we use
V2
R=
P
Va2 Vb2
Ra = Rb =
Pa Pb
(115V)2 (115V)2
Ra = Rb =
75W 50W
Ra = 176.333 𝛀 Rb = 264.5 𝛀
➢ We can now get the total series resistance of the two loads, using the formula
Rt = Ra + Rb
Rt = 176.333 𝛀 + 264.5 𝛀
Rt = 440.833 𝛀
➢ Recall formula for Ohm’s Law to solve the total current.

Vt
It =
Rt

230 V
It =
440.833 Ω

It = 0.52 A

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2. Load A takes 10 amperes at 50 volts. Another resistance B is to be place in series so that

the load can handle a 110V supply. Find the power wasted in the resistor B.
➢ We need to find the power at resistor B (Pb).
Ra Rb

Vt= 110 V Va= 50V

Ia = 10A

➢ In order to find the power at Rb, we need to find first the value of Rb. Since we know that
currents are the same at series connected resistances, we can find the total Resistance of
the circuit as well as Resistance of load A.
Ia = Ib = It

Va 50V
Ra = =
Ia 10A

Ra = 5 𝛀

Vt 110V
Rt = =
It 10A

Rt = 11 𝛀

➢ Using the formula for total series resistances, we can rearrange the formula to find the
value of Rb
Rt = Ra + Rb
Rb = Rt – Ra
Rb = 11𝛀 – 5𝛀
Rb = 6𝛀
➢ We can now find the power at Rb

Pb = (Ib)2(Rb)

Pb = (10A)2(6𝛀)
Pb = 600 W

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3. Two resistors X and Y are connected across a 100 V supply. Resistor Y takes twice as
much power as resistor X. The total power supplied by the source is 2280 watts.
Determine the total equivalent resistance if the resistors are connected in series.
➢ We need to determine the total equivalent series resistance of the circuit. (Rt)
➢ From the term “connected across” we know that the two resistors are connected in
parallel.

Vt= 100V Rx Ry

➢ We must analyze the problem and create an equation. Take note that power in series or
parallel are always additive.
Py = 2 Px Eq. 1
Px + Py = 2280W Eq. 2
➢ Substituting Eq.1 to Eq. 2
Px + 2 Px = 2280 W
3 Px = 2280 W
3 Px 2280 W
=
3 3
Px = 760 W
Py = 2(760 W) = 1520 W
➢ Since we now know the power in both resistors, we can now solve the value of both
resistances using the formula
V2
P=
R
➢ Rearranging the formula for resistance, we use
V2
R=
P
➢ Since they are connected in parallel, voltage drop across the resistors are equal to the
supply voltage
Vt = Vx = Vy
(100V)2 (100V)2
Rx = Ry =
760W 1520W
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Rx = 13.16 𝛀 Ry = 6.58 𝛀
➢ If they are connected in series we simply add the resistances to get the total equivalent
resistance
Rt = Rx + Ry
Rt = 13.16𝛀 + 6.58𝛀
Rt = 19.74 𝛀

2.4 Delta(∆) and Wye(Y) Connected Resistors

The Delta and Wye names come from the shapes of the circuits, which resemble letters. The
transformation allows you to replace three resistors in a ∆ configuration by three resistors in a Y
configuration, and the other way around. The Y-configuration is also called star connection.

∆ - Connection Y/Star - Connection

From Delta to Wye Transformation:

AC AB BC
X= Y= Z=
A+B+C A+B+C A+B+C

From Wye to Delta Transformation:

𝑋𝑌+𝑌𝑍+𝑋𝑍 𝑋𝑌+𝑌𝑍+𝑋𝑍 XY+YZ+XZ

A= B= C=
𝑍 𝑋 Y

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Sample Problem:

A circuit consisting of three resistors rated 10-ohm, 15-ohms and 20-ohms are connected in
delta. What would be the resistances of the equivalent wye connected load?

➢ From delta connected resistors, we need to find the equivalent resistances if the resistors
are connected in Wye.

10𝛀 = = 20𝛀

= 15𝛀

➢ By using and substituting to the formula

AC AB BC
X= Y= Z=
A+B+C A+B+C A+B+C
(10)(20) (10)(15) (15)(20)
X= Y= Z=
10+15+20 10+15+20 10+15+20
X = 4.44𝛀 Y = 3.33𝛀 Z = 6.66𝛀

Practice Problems:

1. A 20, 45 and 60 Ω respectively are connected in series across a 120 V source. What is the
voltage across the 45 Ω resistor? Use VDT.

2. Three resistors are connected in parallel-series connection, wherein a 16-ohm resistor is

connected in parallel across a series connection of 20-ohm and 14-ohm resistor. What
will be the total current if the supply voltage is 150V?

3. A 50 and 85 ohm resistances are connected in parallel. Another resistances of 4 and 9

ohm are also connected in parallel. The two sets are connected in series. If the supply
voltage is 89 V, what is the current through the 9 ohm resistance? Use CDT.

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4. Two identical resistors connected in series takes a total power of 800W having a total
circuit current of 6A, what is the value of the two resistors?

5. A certain voltage supplies a load of 20 ohms, 30 ohms and 40 ohms connected across
each other. If the current through the 30-ohm load is 7A, what is the power across each
loads?

6. Solve for the total resistance of the given circuit.

1𝛀 2𝛀 3𝛀 4𝛀

7. When two resistors A and B are connected in series, the total resistance is 50 ohms.
When connected in parallel the total resistance is 8 ohms. What are the values of the two
resistors?

8. The equivalent resistance of three resistors A, B and C connected in series is 100 ohms. If
A is twice of B and C is half as much as B, find the equivalent resistance when the three
of them are connected in parallel.

9. A circuit consisting of three resistors rated 11 Ω, 24 Ω and 8 Ω are connected in delta.

What would be the resistances of the equivalent wye connected load?

10. A circuit consisting of three resistors rated 11 Ω, 24 Ω and 8 Ω are connected in wye.
What would be the resistances of the equivalent delta connected load?

End of Module 2

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References:

Romeo A. Rojas Jr. (May 2001). 1001 Solved Problems in Electrical Engineering. Excel Review
Center, Jaime R. Tiong.

Romeo A. Rojas Jr. (January 2004). Complete Electrical Engineering Formulas and Principles.
Excel Review Center.

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