BASIC 

ELECTRICAL 
ENGINEERING  
Module 2 
Series and Parallel Network  
■ Why it is important to understand?  
Series  and  parallel  networks  There  are  two  ways  in  which  components  may  be 
connected  together  in  an  electric  circuit.  One  way  is  ‘in  series’  where  components  are 
connected  ‘end-to-end’;  another  way  is  ‘in  parallel’  where  components  are  connected  ‘across 
each  other’.  When  a  circuit  is  more  complicated  than  two  or  three  elements,  it  is  very  likely  to 
be a network of individual series and parallel circuits. 

Series and Parallel Network  

At  first  glance,  these  circuits  may  seem  very  complicated,  but  with  a  methodical 
analysis  ​approach  the functionality of the circuit can become obvious. This chapter explains with 
examples,  series,  parallel  and  series/parallel  networks.  The  relationships  between  voltages, 
currents and resistances for these networks are considered through calculations. 
 From Ohm’s law:  

V1 = IR1,V2 = IR2,V3 = IR3 and V = IR   

where R is the total circuit resistance.   
Since V = V1 + V2 + V3   
then IR =IR1+IR2+IR3  
Dividing throughout by I gives:  
In a series circuit:  
R = R1 + R2 + R3   
Series Circuit   (a) The current I is the same in all 
parts of the circuit and hence the 
same reading is found on each of the 
two ammeters shown.   
 resistance  ​is  obtained  by  adding 
(b) The sum of the voltages V1, V2 and  together  the  values  of  ​the  separate 
V3 is equal to the total applied  resistances. 
voltage, V , i.e. ​V = V1 + V2 + V3  
Thus  for  a  series  circuit,  the  total 

Series Circuit  
EXAMPLE 1: ​SOLUTION 
Determine  (a)  the  battery  voltage  V  , 
(b)  the  total  resistance  of  the  circuit, 
and  (c)  the  values  of  resistance  of 
resistors  R1,  R2  and  R3,  given  that 
the  p.d.s  across  R1,  R2  and  R3  are 5 
V, 2 V and 6 V,  
 (b) Total circuit resistance :  
R = V / I = 13V/4 A=3.25 ohms  
(c) Resistance R1 = V1/ I = 5V /4a 
=1.25 ​ohm  
Resistance R2 = V2 /I = 2V /4a 
=0.5 ohms  
Resistance R3 = V3 /I = 6V /4a 
 
=1.5 ​ohms  
(a) Battery voltage :   (Check: R1 + R2 + R3 =1.25 + 0.5 + 1.5 =3.25= 
V =V1 + V2 + V3    R)  
=5 + 2 + 6  
=13V   

Series Circuit  
 EXAMPLE 2: ​SOLUTION 
Determine  the  p.d.  across  resistor  P.d. across R3,  
R3.  If  the  total  resistance  of  the  V3 =25 − 10− 4=11V   
circuit  is  100,  determine  the  current  P3 = 11V(0.25A) = 2.75W  
flowing  through  resistor  R1.  Find  also  Current I = V / R = 25V 
the value of resistor R2.,   /100ohms =0.25 A,   

which is the current flowing in each 

resistor ​Resistance R2 = V2/ I = 4V 
/0.25 A=16 ​ohms  

 
 Potential Divider  

 
The voltage distribution for the circuit  
shown in Figure 5.5(a) is given by:  
The circuit shown in Figure(b) is often referred   
to as a potential divider circuit. Such a 
circuit ​can consist of a number of similar  A potential divider is the simplest way 
elements in series connected across a  of producing a source of lower e.m.f. 
voltage source, voltages being taken from  from a source of higher e.m.f., and is 
connections ​between the elements.  the basic operating mechanism of the   
Frequently the divider ​consists of two  potentiometer, a measuring device 
resistors, as shown in Figure 5.5(b), where 
for accurately measuring potential 
differences 
 
 Divider ​EXAMPLE 
EXAMPLE 1:   2:  
Potential 
Determine the value of voltage V 
shown in Figure  

SOLUTION 
Two  resistors  are  connected  in  series 
across  a  24  V  supply  and  a  current  of 
3  A  ​flows  in  the  circuit.  If  one  of  the 
resistors  ​has  a  resistance  of  2, 
determine  (a)  the  value  of  the  other  resistor.  If  the  circuit  is  ​connected  for 
resistor,  and  (b)  the  p.d.  across  the  2  50 hours, how much ​energy is used?  

Potential Divider  
SOLUTION 
Value of unknown resistance,  
(a) Total circuit resistance   Energy used = power× time = V 
RT = V/ I = 24 V/ 3 a =8 ohms × I × t  
 = (24V × 3a) (50 hr)  
Rx =8ohms − 2ohms=6  V1 =IR1=3 × 2=6 V  
ohms   V2 = IRx = 3a x 6ohms = 
18 V  
(b) P.d. across 2 resistor,  = 3600Wh ​= 3.6 kWh  

Parallel Networks  
Figure shows three resistors, R1, R2 and R3,  
connected across each other, i.e. in parallel,  
across a battery source of V volts.  
In a parallel circuit:   
(a) The sum of the currents I1, I2 and I3 is equal   
to the total circuit current, I, i.e. I =I1 +I2 +I3   
(b) The source p.d., V volts, is the same across   
each of the resistors 
 the total resistance R of a parallel circuit.  
For the special case of two resistors in  
parallel.  

From Ohm’s law: 

Parallel Networks  

This equation must be used when finding  

where R is the total circuit 
resistance. Since I =I1 + I2 + I3   
then V/ R = V/ R1 + V /R2 + V 
/R3 Dividing throughout by V 
gives:   

Networks 
EXAMPLE 1:   SOLUTION 
Parallel 
Determine  (a)  the  reading  on  the 
ammeter,  and  (b)  the value of resistor 
 supply voltage V .  
Hence supply voltage,  
V =8 A× 5ohms=40V  
(a) Reading on ammeter,  
I3 = V/ R3 = 40V /20ohms =2 A  
(b) Current flowing through  
I2 =11A−8A−2A=1A  
Hence,  
R2   R2 = V /I2 = 40 V/ 1A =40 ohms  
P.d. across R1 is the same as the 
Parallel Networks  
SOLUTION  
EXAMPLE 2: ​(a) The total circuit 
resistance R is given by​ T​ wo resistors, of 
resistance 3 and 6,  
are connected in parallel across a  
battery having a voltage of 12 V.  
Determine (a) the total circuit  
resistance and (b) the current flowing 
in the 2 resistor
 ohms Hence,   
R = 6/ 3 = 2 ohms   
Alternatively,   

(b) Current flowing in the 2 resistor 

I = V/R = 12V/2ohms =6 amp 
  
1 / R = (2 + 1)/ 6 = 3 / 6 
Current Division  
resistance, RT , is given 
For the circuit shown, the total circuit 
 by :  
and  
Summarizing, with reference to circuit  
Similarly,  

 
It is important to note that current division   
can only be applied to two parallel   
resistors. If there are more than two   
parallel resistors, then current division   
cannot be determined using the above  
 Division 
EXAMPLE 1:   SOLUTION  
Current 
For the series-parallel arrangement shown in 
Figure, find (a) the supply current, (b) the 
current flowing through ​each resistor and (c) 
the p.d. across ​each resistor.  

The equivalent resistance Rx of R2 and 

R3 in parallel is:  
 RT = 2.5 + 1.5 + 4 = 8 ohms  
Supply current I = V / RT  
  = 200V / 8ohms  
The equivalent resistance RT of R1, Rx  I = 25A 
and ​R4 in series is:  
Current Division  
SOLUTION ​(c) The equivalent circuit of given is shown   
(b) The current flowing through R1 and R4 is  The current flowing through R3
25 A The current flowing through R2 

 
 
below  
p.d. across R1, i.e. V1 =IR1 
=(25)(2.5)=62.5 V p.d. across Rx , i.e. 
Vx =IRx =(25)(1.5)=37.5 V p.d. across 
R4, i.e. V4 =IR4 =(25)(4)=100 V Hence 
the p.d. across R2 =p.d. across R3 
=37.5 V   
(a) (Note that the currents flowing through R2 and R3 must add up to the total 
current flowing into the parallel arrangement, i.e. 25 A  

Division 
EXAMPLE 2:   SOLUTION 
Current 
For  the  circuit  shown  ;  calculate  (a)  the  value  of  resistor  Rx  such  that  the 
total  power  dissipated  in  the  circuit  is  =25,  where  RT  is  the  equivalent  circuit 
2.5  ​kW,  and  (b)  the  current  flowing  in  resistance.  
each ​of the four resistors.   The equivalent resistance of R1 and R2 
in ​parallel is  
(15 × 10) /(15 + 10) = 150 / 25 = 6 
ohms The equivalent resistance of 
resistors R3 ​and Rx in parallel is equal 
to 25 − 6, i.e. ​19. There are three 
methods whereby Rx can be 
  determined.  
(a) Power dissipated P =VI 
watts, hence 2500= (250)(I)  
i.e. I = 2500W/ 250V = 10A   SOLUTION​Method 1  
From  Ohm’s  law,  RT  =  V  /  I  =  250/  10 
 I3 = V2 / R3 = 190 /38 =5A. 
Current Division   Thus I4 =5A also,  
since I =10A  
Thus Rx = V2/ I4 = 190/5a 
=38 ohms  
of R3 and Rx in parallel is 19,  
Method 2 Since the equivalent 
resistance   19 = (38Rx)/(38+Rx) i.e. product sum 
The voltage V1 =IR, where R is 6,  Hence  
from above,   19(38 + Rx ) = 38Rx  
i.e. V1=(10)(6)=60V   722 + 19Rx = 38Rx  
Hence   722 = 38Rx − 19Rx  
V2=250V − 60V=190V   = 19Rx  
190V =p.d. across R3   Thus Rx = 722 /19 = 38 ohms  
=p.d. across Rx  
 Current Division  
SOLUTION 
Method 3  
When  two  resistors  having  the 
same value are connected in ​parallel 
the  equivalent  resistance  ​is  always 
half  the  value  of  one  of  the 
resistors.  Thus,  in  this  case,  since 
RT  =19  and  R3  =38,  then  Rx  ​=  38 
could  have  been  deduced  on 
 sight.  
WYE-DELTA TRANSFORMATIONS  
Situations  often  arise  in  circuit  analysis  when  the  resistors  are  neither  in parallel nor in 
series.  These  are  the  wye  (Y)  or  tee  (T)  network  shown  in  the  figure  (a)  and  the  delta  or  pi 
network  shown  in  the  figure  (b).  These  networks  occur  by  themselves  or  as  part  of  a  larger 
network.  They  are  used  in  three-phase  networks,  electrical  filters,  and  matching  networks.  Our 
main  interest  here  is  in  ​how  to  identify  them  when  they  occur  as  part  of  a  network  and  how  to 
apply wye-delta ​transformation in the analysis of that network. 
WYE-DELTA TRANSFORMATIONS
 
Wye to Delta Connected Resistors 

 
  
To  obtain  the  conversion  formulas  sum of all possible products of Y 
for  transforming  a  wye  network  to  resistors taken two at a time, divided by 
an ​equivalent delta network.   the opposite Y resistor. 
Each resistor in the delta network is the 
Wye to Delta Connected Resistors  
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION 
Transform the circuit Y to delta  

 
Delta to Wye 

Conversion 

 
  

Each resistor in the Y network is the 

product of the resistors in the two 
adjacent delta branches, divided by the 
sum of the three ​delta resistors. 
 Delta to Wye Conversion  
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION 
Transform the circuit from delta to Y  
  

For Video Binge:  

You could go to the following websites to see further explanation of the topic.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Xy2_3tIUE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQYRc9UibKk&pbjreload=10
1​ ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLjrS4krO2E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0-nHbGQZqo

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem  

The maximum power transfer theorem  

states: ‘The power transferred from a  
supply source to a load is at its maximum  
when the resistance of the load is equal  
to the internal resistance of the source.’  

Hence, in Figure, when R =r the power  

transferred from the source to the load is  

a maximum.​Typical practical applications of the  

maximum power transfer theorem are  
found in stereo amplifier design, seeking  
to maximize power delivered to speakers,  
and in electric vehicle design, seeking to  
maximize power delivered to drive a  
motor 
 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem 
EXAMPLE 1: SOLUTION  
A  d.c.  source  has  an  open-circuit 
voltage  of  30  V  and  an  internal 
resistance  of  1.5.  State  the  value  of 
load  resistance  that  gives  maximum 
power  dissipation  and  determine  the 
value of this power.  

 
RL =r=1.5   

From Figure, current   

 =((10)^2)(1.5)  
I = E r / Rt = 30 V/(1.5+1.5 )=10 A   =150 W  
W=maximum power dissipated. 
Power   
P = (I^2) RL   
Batteries and Cell  
A  ​battery  is  a  device  that  converts  chemical  energy  to  electricity. If 
an  appliance  is  placed between its terminals the current generated will 
power  the  device.  Batteries  are  an  indispensable  item  for  many 
electronic  ​devices  and  are  essential  for  devices  that  require  power 
when  no  mains  ​power  is  available.  For  example,  without  the  battery 
there would be no mobile phones or laptop computers. 
 Batteries and Cell  
Batteries  tend  to  be  split  into  two  categories  –  primary,  which  are 
not  designed  to  be  electrically  re-charged,  i.e.  are  disposable  ,  and 
secondary  batteries,  which  are  designed  to  be  re-charged,  such  as 
those  used  in  ​mobile  phones  .  In  more  recent  years  it  has  been 
necessary  to  design  ​batteries  with  reduced  size,  but  with  increased 
lifespan  and  capacity.  If  an  application  requires  small  size  and  high 
power  then  the  1.5  V  battery  is  used. If longer lifetime is required then 
the  3  to  3.6  V  battery  is  used.  In  the  1970s  the  1.5  V  manganese 
battery  was  gradually  replaced  by  the  alkaline  battery.  Silver  oxide 
batteries  were  gradually  introduced  in  the  1960s  and  are  still  the 
preferred  technology  for  watch  batteries  today.  ​Lithium-ion  batteries 
were  introduced  in  the  1970s  because  of  the  need  ​for  longer  lifetime 
applications. 
Some chemical effects of electricty  
A  material  must  contain  charged  particles  to  be  able  to  conduct 
electric  current.  In  solids,  the  current  is  carried  by  electrons. 
Copper,  lead,  aluminium,  iron  and  carbon  are  some  examples  of 
solid  ​conductors.  In  liquids  and  gases,  the  current  is  carried  by  the 
part  of  a  ​molecule  which  has  acquired  an  electric  charge,  called 
ions.  These  can  possess  a  positive  or  negative  charge,  and 
examples  include  hydrogen  ion  H+,  copper  ion  Cu++  and  hydroxyl 
ion  OH−.  Distilled  water  contains  no  ions  and  is a poor conductor of 
electricity,  whereas  salt  water  contains  ions  and  is  a  fairly  good 
conductor of electricity. 
Some chemical effects of electricty  
Electrolysisis  the  decomposition  of  a  liquid  compound  by  the 
passage  of  electric  current  through  it.  Practical  applications  of 
electrolysis  include  the  electroplating  of  metals  (see  below),  the 
refining  of  copper  and  the  extraction  of  aluminium  from  its  ore.  An 
electrolyte  is  a  compound  which  will  undergo  electrolysis.  Examples 
include  salt  water,  copper  sulphate  and  sulphuric  acid.  The 
electrodes  are  the  two conductors carrying current to the electrolyte. 
The  positive  connected  electrode  is  called  the  anode  and  the 
negative-connected electrode the cathode. 
 Some chemical effects of electricty  
When  two  copper  wires  connected  to  a  battery  are  placed  in  a 
beaker  containing  a  salt  water  solution,  current  will  flow  through the 
solution.  Air  bubbles  appear  around  the  wires  as  the  water  is 
changed  ​into  hydrogen  and  oxygen  by  electrolysis.  Electroplating 
uses  the  ​principle  of  electrolysis to apply a thin coat of one metal to 
another  metal.  Some  practical  applications  include  the  tin-plating  of 
steel,  silver-plating  of  nickel  alloys  and  chromium-plating  of  steel.  If 
two  copper  electrodes  connected  to a battery are placed in a beaker 
containing  copper  sulphate  as  the  electrolyte  it  is  found  that  the 
cathode  (i.e.  the  electrode connected to the negative terminal of the 
battery) gains copper whilst the anode loses copper. 
The Simple Battery   
The purpose of an electric cell is to convert chemical energy into 
electrical energy. A simple cell comprises two dissimilar 
conductors (electrodes) in an electrolyte. Such a cell is shown in 
Figure on the next, ​comprising copper and zinc electrodes. An 
electric current is found to ​flow between the electrodes. Other 
possible electrode pairs exist, including zinc–lead and zinc–iron. 
  
The Simple Battery   

The electrode potential (i.e. the p.d.  

measured  between  the  electrodes) 
varies  ​for  each  pair  of  metals.  By 
knowing  the  ​e.m.f.  of  each  metal  with 
respect  to  some  standard  electrode,  the 
e.m.f.  of  any  pair  of  metals  may  be 
determined.  The  standard  used  is  the 
hydrogen  electrode.  The  electrochemical 
series  is  a  way  of  listing  elements  in 
order  of  electrical  ​potential,  and  Table 
shows  a  number  of  ​elements  in  such  a 
series. 
Corrosion   
 Corrosion  is  the  gradual  destruction  of  a  metal  in  a  damp 
atmosphere  by  means  of  simple  cell  action.  In  addition  to  the  presence 
of  moisture  and  ​air  required  for  rusting,  an  electrolyte,  an  anode  and  a 
cathode  are  required  ​for  corrosion.  Thus,  if  metals  widely  spaced  in  the 
electrochemical  series  are  used  in  contact  with  each  other  in  the 
presence  of  an  electrolyte,  corrosion  will  occur.  For  example,  if  a  brass 
valve is fitted to a heating system made of steel, corrosion will occur. 
Corrosion   

The  effects  of  corrosion  include  the  weakening  of  structures,  the 
reduction  of  the  life  of  components  and  materials,  the  wastage  of 
materials  and  the  expense of replacement. Corrosion may be prevented 
by  ​coating  with  paint,  grease,  plastic  coatings  and  enamels,  or  by 
plating  with  tin  or  chromium.  Also,  iron  may  be  galvanized,  i.e.  plated 
with zinc, the layer of zinc helping to prevent the iron from corroding.