TVE 1 (Basic Electricity/Electronics) Lessons

TECHNICAL TERMS

Ampere is the standard unit used in measuring the strength of an electric current.
Atom is the smallest particle of molecule in which an element can be divided.
Current is the flow or the rate of the flow of electric force in a conductor.
Electricity is a form of energy generated by friction, induction or chemical change.
Electron has a magnetic, chemical and radiant effect. It is also the negatively charged
particle of an atom.
Joint is a process whereby one length of wire is connected or tapped together.
Neutron is the particle of an atom which do not carry electrically charged.
Nick is a slight cut on wire.
Ohms is the unit of electrical resistance.
Power is the rate at which heat is generated.
Proton is the positively charged particle of an atom.
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current.
Skinning /Stripping is a process of removing wire insulation.
Solder is a fusible metal or alloy used for joining metallic surfaces or margins
Splice is termed “straight joint”; a series connection of a pair of conductor or cables.
Taping is the method of insulating conductor joints.
Taps is the connection of one wire to some along the run of another wire
Volt is the unit of measure for voltage.
Voltage is the electrical pressure that causes the electrons to move through a
conductor.
Wire stripper is a tool used to cut and remove wire insulation from wire.

PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES OF ELECTRON

Electricity is a property of the basic particle of matter which, like an atom, consists
of proton, electron and neutron. The electron is the negatively charged particle of an
atom which is sometimes referred to as the negatively charge of electricity. On the
other hand, the proton is the positively charged particle of an atom which is sometimes
referred to as the positively charge of electricity that weighs about 1850 times as much
as the electron. The neutron is the particle which is not electrically charged and
weighs slightly more than proton.

Molecular theory

1. All matters are made up of molecules.

2. All molecules are made up of atoms.
3. All the atoms contain neutron, electrons and protons.
2. The entire neutron is neutral, hence, neither positively nor negatively charged.
3. The electron of an atom of any substance could be transferred to another atom

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The electron theory

The electron theory states that all matter is made up of electricity. Matter is
anything which has weight, occupies space is made up of molecules, of which millions
of different kinds. The molecules in turn, are made up of atoms of which are the
smallest units of the several elements and of a limited number. All atoms believed to
be composed of electrons, which are minute particle of negative electricity normally
held in place in each atom by positively charged particles called nucleus. Thus, the
electron, which are interlocked in the atoms, are constantly revealing at great speeds in
orbits around positive nuclei. In a normal atom, the amount of negative electricity of
the electrons is exactly neutralized by an equal amount of opposite or positive
electricity of the nucleus. Thus, a normal atom exhibits no external sign of
electrification.

Structure of an atom
Electron
All atoms consist of two basic parts: a body
at the center of the atom called the nucleus, Nucleus
orbiting around the nucleus. Atoms may have
more than one orbiting electron, but each
atom contains only one nucleus.

Electron
The attraction between the nucleus and Electron
the electron is called electrostatic force, which force holds
holds the electron in an orbit. Bodies that the electron
attract each other in this special electrostatic orbit.
way are described as charged object. The Nucleus
electron carries the negative charge (-), while
the nucleus carries the positive charge (+).

Electron
The positive charge of the nucleus is due to
the particles called protons which are found
inside the nucleus and have a positive charge
equal to the electron’s negative charge.
Nucleus Proton

The structure of neutrons in the atoms showing the position of its proton, electron,
nucleus and neutron is shown below.

First Law of Electrostatics

The protons and electrons attract each other inside the atom. It has been known
that by nature, unlike charges (like the positive protons and negative electrons) attract

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each other while like charges repel each other; meaning, electrons and protons repel
each other’s protons.

Like charges repel each other

Unlike charges attract each other

HISTORY OF ELECTRICITY

Electricity plays an important role in man’s conquest for existence .It has been
said that it is here with us since the beginning of the time.
In 600 B.C, Thales a Greek philosopher accidentally discovered static electricity.
Noticing that his garment had bits of hair and straw, Thales decided to remove them by
rubbing piece of amber stone on his clothes. To his surprise, several pieces of straw
clung to the amber when rubbed on the clothes, the amber became electrified and it
attracted the pieces of straw. Thales simply wrote the incident and did not do anything
about it because he could not explain the mystery. He did not know that he had just
discovered static electricity.
In 1600, William Gilbert, an English Physician was able to put an electrical
charged on the objects by means of friction or rubbing. He observed that two materials
when rubbed together received opposite charges, that is, one object got a positive
charge and the other a negative charge. He also noticed that two oppositely charged
materials attract each other. Gilbert experiment was a re-discovery of static electricity,
the word static means standing still or at rest. The Greek word for amber stone is “
ELEKTRON” and so the term electricity came about.

Great persons who involved in the discovery of electricity:

1760- Benjamin Franklin, An American scientist, proved that atmospheric electricity

(lightning) and static electricity are the same.
1800- Alessandro Volta, An Italian Professor, discovered the voltaic file by means of
stocking zinc plate (-) and silver plate (+).
1819- Hans Christian Oestered, A Danish Physicist proved in an experiment that
current electricity can produced a magnetic field.
1831 Michael Faraday, An English scientist discovered the first electric generator.
1831- Samuel Morse, developed the telegraph.
1868-George de Clanche, developed the first practical dry cell.
1878-Charles Brush, invented the arc lamp
1879- Thomas Alba Edison, perfected the first electric bulb

How electricity is Produce

1. Friction -It is a static electricity which is generated by rubbing two

materials.

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2. Chemical action - It is a great deal of the world’s electricity produced by
batteries. These devices generate a different potential means
of chemical action.
3. Heat action - Two dissolution metals bonded together in a junction when
heated, exhibits a difference of potential. Such bond is
called thermocouple. The trip of an iron wire, for example,
may be welded to that of a copper wire. When, this junction
is heated, the iron wire shows a positive charge and the
copper wire has a negative charge. Electricity generated by
heat action is called thermoelectric.
4. Light action - Photo cells are semi-conduction devices which convert light
electrical energy directly into electrical energy. Either
sunlight or artificial illumination may be employed. This
action is due to the ability of lights energy to free electrons
from the atoms of the semi-conductor material. This process
is called photo-electricity.
5. Pressure - It is a difference of potential appears across the face of
certain crystal such as quarts, when they are squeezed or
stretched. This is called piezo-electricity.
6. Mechanical action - All electricity in large useful amount is at present produced
by rotating machines working with the use of magnets.
These machines, known as generator, are turned by water
power, gas engines or steam engines and sometimes by
electric motor.
There are many different types of mechanical power plants to produce electrical
energy.

SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY

Hydropower is an energy obtained from flowing water. Energy in water can be

harnessed and used in the foot motive energy or temperature differences. The most
common application is the dam.

Power produced by the fall of water from a higher to a lower level and extracted by
means of waterwheels or hydraulic turbines. Hydro-power is a natural resource
available wherever a sufficient volume of steady water flow exists.

Nuclear Power is the method in which steam is produced by heating water through
a process called nuclear fission. In a nuclear power plant, a reactor contains a core of
nuclear fuel, primary enriched uranium. When atoms of uranium fuel are hit by
neutrons they fission (split), releasing heat neutrons.

Nuclear power is an electrical power produced from energy released by controlled

fission or fusion of atomic nuclei in a nuclear reaction. Mass is converted into energy
and the amount of released energy greatly exceeds that from chemical processes such
as combustion.

Solar Power is a power derived from the energy of the sun. A radiant energy
produced in the Sun as a result of nuclear fusion reactions. It is transmitted to the
earth through space by electromagnetic radiation in quanta of energy called photons
which interact with the earth’s atmosphere and surface.

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 Wind Power is the kinetic energy of wind or the extraction of this energy by wind
turbines. Windmill machine converts wind into useful energy. This energy is derived
from the force of wind acting on oblique blades or sails that radiate from a shaft. The
turning shaft may be connected to machinery used to perform such work as milling
grain, pumping water, or generating electricity. When the shaft is connected to a load,
such as a pump, the device is typically called a windmill. When it is used to generate
electricity, it is known as a wind turbine generator.

Fossil Fuel Power Plant (FFPP) – (also known as steam electric power plant in the
US, thermal power plant in Asia, or power station in UK). The most common source of
energy is fossil fuel. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Fossil fuel is formed from the remains of plant and animals which live thousands of
years ago. The burning of those fossil fuel provides energy which can be used to
generate electricity.

Geothermal power comes from heat energy buried beneath the surface of the
earth. In some areas of the country, enough heat rises close to the surface of the earth
to heat underground water into steam which can be tapped for use in steam-turbine
plants.

Geothermal Power is the energy extracted from the heat generated by natural
concentrations of hot water and steam in the earth’s interior. It can be used in electric
power generation and direct heat applications such as space heating and industrial
drying processes.

Tides is another kind of energy that involves water. Ocean tides can be used to turn
turbines to generate electricity. For this to be possible, a dam must be built across the
month of a bay. Water then in trapped behind the dam at the high tide. At the low tide, the
water is allowed to run out through the dam and used to turn on electrical generator.

CONDUCTORS and INSULATORS

Conductor

- Are materials through which electrons can move easily from atom to atom.
- All metals are good conductors.
- Allows electric current to flow with minimum opposition.
- have very low resistance

Examples:

1. Silver
- This may be the conductor but it is also the most expensive.
- It is used in contact plating to minimized sparking
2. Aluminum
- This is the second best conductor and is used in transmission lines and
company service conductors.
3. Copper
- This one of the best conductors and is commonly used in electrical work.
- It is commonly used in electric motors and generators.
4. Zinc
This is used to manufacture cells and fuses.

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5. Brass
This is an alloy of zinc and copper and used as conductor where spring action is
needed.
6. Platinum
This is used in making contact points.
7. Iron
This is a good conductor but due to its heavy weight and moderate resistance, it
should not be used as an electrical conductors.
8. Nickel
This is used in electroplating and in making nickel cadmium cells
9. Tin
This is combined with lead to make a solder.
10. Lead
This is used in manufacturing solders and fuses.
11. Nichrome
This is an alloy of nickel and chromium and in used for heating.
12. Gold
This is used for the terminals of integrated circuits (IC).

INSULATOR
- A materials that will not allow electrons to pass.
- It has a vey high resistance.
- Cannot conduct any current when voltage is applied.
- Are known as dielectric materials which means they can store a charge.

Examples:

• Rubber . Oil
• Vacuum . Paper
• Wax . Plastic
• Shellac . Dry Wood
• Glass . Dry Cloth
• Mica . Hair
. Porcelain

TAPS, SPLICES AND JOINTS

Method of Skinning Electrical Wire

Removing the insulation in preparing the insulated conductors for making joints or
splices, the insulation must first be removed from each conductor a proper distance
depending upon the type of joint or splice to be made.
This process is called skinning or stripping.

Cleaning the Conductor

After removing the insulation, the wires must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure good
electric contact between the ends of the wires so that the solder will adhere properly.
The wire may be cleaned by scraping.

Different electrical wires, splices and joints

Types of taps, Splices and Joints of Conductor

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 Rat tail joints are used to join conductors in outlet boxes or when fixture leads
are connected through conductors. The joints are made by skinning about 2 inches,
the end of the conductor is to be joined. Then twist the bare conductors about six
times.

Western Union Short tie splice - To make the splice, the wires are first skinned
for about 3 inches at the ends. They are then placed in crossed position about 1 inch
from the insulation. Four or five short turns are then wrapped on each side of the
longest twist, and the free ends cut off and squeezed down closed to the straight
position of the wire so that they will not extend over the surface of the short turns and
permit the sharp to cut through the tape with the splice to be wrapped.

Western Union Long Tie Splice is used extensively for outside wiring and is quite
similar to the short tie splice. It is also being used for interior wiring. The difference is
that a number of long twist are made before wrapping the end turns. This is done so
to withstand greater stress of pressure on the wire. The wire for this splice are bared
about 4 ½ inches. They are then placed in the form of an X at a point midway between
the insulation and the end of the base wire. Five or six long twists are then made and
each side those turns are wrapped.

Britannia Splice is used in interior wiring where solid wires of No. 6 AWG gauge or
larger sizes are to be joined and where large wire connectors or pliers are not at hand.
The two wires are based for about 4 inches in a No. 6 wire. About ½ inch of the
extreme end of each beat to almost a right angle to the straight portion of the
conductor. A wrapping wire made of No. 18 bare wire copper is then cut to about 6 ft.
in length and prepared by cleaning and bending in half. The large conductors are then
laid together, one bent end pointing upward and the other downward. The center of
the wrapping wire is then brought to the center of the conductor, one half of which is
wrapped in one direction and other remaining half in the other as far as the best
portion. The free ends are then forced through the grooves from one ends to the other
end of the other of the large single conductors. The best ends are then cut off close to
the joint.

Scarfed splice. It is used only on a large solid wire where there is an objection to
the bulkiness of the Western Union or Britannia splice. The wires are bared for about
3 inches when a No. 6 wire is used.

The bared wire is then filed to a wedge shape starting about ½ inch from the
insulations. A piece of No. 18 bare copper wire is cut to about 5 ft. in length and
prepared by cleaning and bending in half.

The two file sides of the conductors are then laid together and wrapping wire
wound around them as similarly done in Britannia Splice. The wrapping is completed
by winding about six and seven turns of the free ends around the unfilled portion of
the conductor.

Multiple wrapped cable splice is used more extensively on small strand wires and
cables because these stands are more pliable and may be wound together without
much difficulty. Large strands are rigid and require considerable time in making such
a splice. To make the splice, the ends of the conductors are skinned at the distance of
about 6 inches. The strands are cleaned and spread about apart. Next, the strands are
cut about 3 inches from the insulation to right angle with the conductor. The strands
of both conductors are then laced together, one group of strands wounds in the
opposite direction. Care should be done that all strands in each group are wrapped
simultaneously and parallel to one another.

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 Plain tap or Tee Joints is used to a great extent joining a tap or other conductor
to a through conductor, as for example, a branch or main circuit. To make the joint,
skin the tap wire about 2 inches and the main wire about 1 inch. Next, the wires are
crossed intersecting about ¼ inch from the insulation of the tap wire and the main
wire. A hook or sharp bend is then made in the tap and about five or six turns wound
around the main wire. The joint is soldered and tape. Care must be taken that the
solder flows and sticks through all the crevices and that the tape covers all part of the
conductors, beginning and ending on the original insulation.

Knotted or loop, tap joint is very strong joint and will not untwist even enough
strain is placed upon it. It is occasionally used in practice, particularly for temporary
lighting systems, where time is not taken to solder joints. To make the join using No.
14 AWG wire, the tap wire is skinned about 3 inches and is then placed over the
insulation of the tap and main wire. The tap wire is bent and hooked over the main
wire and brought forward and bent over itself. Lastly, the remaining portion is wound
into four or five short turns around the main wire.

Wrapped Tap, Tee Joint is used on large solid conductors where is difficult to
wrap the heavy tap wire around the main wire. When a No. 6 AGW wire is used, both
the main wire and the tap wire are skinned about 4 inches. The tap wire is bent into
an L shape about ½ inches from the insulation so that it will rest along the side of the
main wire. A wrapping wire is then prepared using size No. 18 bare conductors
terminating beyond the bent of tap wire and up to the installation of the main
conductor.

Ordinary Cable Tap or Tee Joint is used where large stranded wire or cables are
tapped to a through conductor. To make the joint, the main strands should be scraped
through with a knife blade or sandpaper. The tap wire of similar wire size cable should
be skinned about 6 inches distance and the strands separated or fanned each strands
of the tap into the shape. The main cable is placed into this V-shaped space and
forced down to within 1 inch from the insulation of the tap conductor. One group of
tap wires is then wound around the main conductor, each strands should be placed
parallel to the other, and all wrapped at the same time and in one direction. The other
group is wound in similar manner but in opposite directions.

Split Cable Tap or Tee Joint is used where stranded cables or wire are tapped to
a through conductor. This joint is stronger than the ordinary cable tap and will not
unwrap even though a strain is placed upon it prior soldering. To make this joint, the
main wire is skinned a distance of 5 inches No. 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire
size is used and the strands thoroughly scraped as for the ordinary cable tap. The
strands are next divided in half by forcing the screw driver through the center of the
bared portion of the main wire. The tap wire is prepared by skinning it about 6 inches,
scraping each strand until thoroughly cleaned and fanning out the strands so that
they can be pushed around the space in the main wire. A space about 1 ½ inch
should be left between the main wire and the insulation of the tap wire. In completing
the joint, one group is wound around the main conductor, in one direction; and the
second group is wound in the opposite direction.

The Through Fixture Joint is used where fixtures are connected to branch wires at
an intermediate point. In making this joint, the end of one conductor is skinned about
2 inches and the other about 4 inches. At a point ¼ inches away from the insulation
of the longer wire, three or four long twists are made similar to the rat-tail joint. The
long bared portion of the long wire is bent over parallel with the free ends. Both free
ends are then place alongside each other wrapped together around the straight bared
portion.

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Safety procedure in splicing and joining wire

Before the splice is made, the insulation is first removed on both ends with the use
of an electrician’s knife or diagonal pliers. An electrician should be very careful in
removing wire insulation in order that the wire will not be nicked by the knife or pliers
to prevent breaking. However, a specially designed tool to avoid nicks is called
automatic wire stripper. The function of the tool is to cut the wire insulation and
remove it automatically by inserting the wire corresponding to the size of hole in the
wire stripper. After removing the insulation, the end of the wire is twisted firmly. When
the joint has been made, the correct practice is to solder it to prevent loose contact
and to have a continuous flow of electricity. The splice and joint are then covered
properly with an electrical tape in order to prevent short circuit.

Procedures

1. Using a wire stripper:

a. Assume the proper length of insulation to be removed then place the wire end
at the jaw of the wire stripper.
b. Grip the handle with minimum pressure.
c. Pull the wire or the stripper side ward until such time that the wire and the
insulator are separated.
2. Using side cutting pliers.
a. Place the wire to be stripped between the handle grips close behind the
gutter/plier hidge.
b. Squeeze the insulator enough to soften it and break down.
- Check the wire if there is a nick. (Note: Nick will cause the wire to break
easily).
3. Cleaning the wire.
- Scrape the wire.
4. Perform good housekeeping.

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
- Is a complete path where electrons move freely on a conductor.

Parts of a Complete Circuit

In order that electricity can be better understood different parts or components of a

complete circuit must be known well. First, the electrical circuit should have a source
of power where the electric current starts to flow. The power source can be a generator,
storage cell one or more cells. Second, a path such as electrical wires is needed in order
that electricity from the source can be transmitted. Third, there should be a current-
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consuming device or appliance that will consume or use electricity. And lastly, a control
or switch that will cut off the flow of current, when the appliance will not be in use. All
the requirements mentioned are important in order to have complete electrical circuit.
The absence of one will not make a complete electric circuit.

Fuse Path

Source
Load/Consuming Device

Switch

Parts of complete circuit

Types of circuit

1. Series Circuit. In a series circuit, many bulbs are wired one after the other, so that
when one of the bulb is busted, all will not light up. The reason is that the current
cannot pass through the bulb because of the filament is cut. So there is no
continuity for current in order to go back to the power source.

In a series connection, electricity flows through each electrical device. You have
to observe that the two bulbs connected in series would light more brightly than if
there were three bulbs in the circuit. The brightness of the light depends on the
amount flowing in each device.
B1 B2

Source
of Power B3
Switch

Series circuit

Laws of series circuit:

 The total resistance in the circuit is the sum of all individual resistances.
 The current throughout the circuit is the same.
 The total voltage in the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltages.

2. Parallel Circuit. This is the circuit whereby two or more bulbs are wired with each
bulb having its own circuit. This means that if one is busted, the other bulb will still
light up because current passes separately in each circuit. In a parallel circuit, the

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 electric current flows and only a part of the total current in the circuit goes through
each bulb. Each bulb has a circuit of its own with the battery so the electric current
flowing through each bulb moves in a different path in the circuit.

B1 B2 B3

parallel circuit

Laws of Parallel Circuit

 The voltage is the same across each branch.

 The total current is the sum of all the current in each circuit.
 The total resistance is less or approximately equal to the smallest resistive branch

3. Parallel Series Circuit 4. Series Parallel Ciscuit

Conditions of Electric Circuit

1. Close Circuit

- A close circuit is one in which current travels

from source through a load and back to the source.
- Any of the parts of electric circuit is functioning.

2. Open Circuit

- In an open circuit, current flow is interrupted by a

break/cutoff in the circuit.
- This result in the off condition of a load or the
switch is open.
- Any of the parts of electric circuit is not functioning.

3. Shorted Cicuit

- a short circuit, current flow bypass the load.

- is results in the overload of the circuit and can blow it.
- causes the fuse to blown.
-

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 Ohm’s Law and Power Law

If we are going to study the meaning of electricity deeper, there are three essential
elements involved. These are voltage, current and resistance. George Simon Ohm, a
German scientist, discovered in 1826 the relations among them. The discovery led to
one of the major laws in electricity called Ohm’s Law. Each of the elements has its own
unit of measurement, volt for voltage, ampere for current, ohm for resistance.
Volt is named after Alessandro Volta, a physicist whose invention made volt as an
electrical pressure needed in allowing one ampere of current pass through resistance of
one ohm. Another inventor, named Andre Marie Ampere, a physicist and
Mathematician, whose one ampere of current is the rate of flow of charge passing in a
wire conductor that is equal to one coulomb per second. Electric power is measured in
watts, abbreviated W as a unit. This unit is named after James Watt, a Scotch inventor.
It is equal to the product of the voltage multiplied by the current. The total power of a
circuit is obtained by multiplying the total current by the voltage.

The statement of Ohms law

The amount of current through the material varies directly to the applied voltage
and varies inversely to the resistance.

Summary of the Ohm’s Law and Power Law

Unknown Unit Unit of measure Symbol Formula

VOLTAGE Volt E or V E= I x R
CURRENT Ampere I I=E/R
RESISTANCE Ohms R or Ω R=E/R
POWER Watt W P=ExI
VOLTAGE E = P/ I
CURRENT I=P/E

RESISTOR

Resistors are one of the most common electronic components. A resistor is a device
that limits or resists the flow of current. Resistor can be made from many different
materials but the most common is carbon composition. The current limiting ability or
resistance can be varied by charging the ratio of carbon to binding agent. Resistance is
measured in ohms, represented by the Greek symbol omega (Ω).

Types of resistors

1. Carbon Composition is made either by hot or cold molding from mixtures of

carbon and clay binder. Its resistive value ranges from 10 ohms to mega ohms, in

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power ranges from 1/8 to 4 watts. It has the ability to withstand higher current surges
and ruggedness.

This type is as well popular. It is made from a mixture of carbon powder and glue-
like binder. To increase the resistance, less carbon is added. These resistors show
predictable performance, low inductance, and low capacitance. Power ratings range
from about 1/4 to 2 W. Resistances range from 1 Ohm to about 100 MOhm, with
tolerances around +/- 5 percent.

2. Carbon Film is made from carbon graphite, mixed with powdered insulating
material. It has two main characteristics; resistance and power rating. Carbon resistor
is available in resistance values from tenths of ohms to hundred of mega ohms.

3. Metal Film is formed by means of vacuum decomposition, a process by which a

number of different metal or metal oxide film is deposited on a suitable insulating
mandrel or core. Nickel and chromium are deposited in the alumina ceramic core and
the unit is then subjected to laser trimming.

4. Wire wound highly resistive wire is wrapped around the insulating core. The length
of the wire determines the resistance of the device. Insulating cores are usually
made of cement of ceramic materials or just plain paper or pressed cardboard. This
type of resistor provides low resistance. The unit is encased by insulating materials.

Table showing the color band and its numerical value

Reading a 4-color band resistor

Reading a 5-color band resistor

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 CAPACITORS

INTRODUCTION

Capacitor is a device that stores energy in the electric field created between a
pair of conductor on which equal but opposite electric charge have been placed. A
capacitor is occasionally referred to using the older term condenser. A capacitor has
two or more conducting plates segregated from each other by good insulating material
called dielectric.

Types of capacitor

1. Electrolytic capacitor is made of electrolyte, basically conductive salt in solvent.

Leaky condition can be checked by connecting the ohmmeter test leads across the
capacitor in one polarity.

2. Ceramics are made with materials such as titanium acid barium for dielectric.
Internally, these capacitors are not constructed as a coil, so they are suited for use
in high frequency applications. They are shaped like a disk, available in very small
capacitance value and very small size.

3. Polyester film (mylar) uses a thin polyester film as a dielectric. Not as high
tolerance polypropylene, but cheap, temperature stable, readily available, widely
used. Tolerance is approximately 5% to 10%. It can be quite large depending on
capacitor rate voltage and so many are not be suitable for all application.

4. Mica is an extremely accurate device with very low leakage currents. It is

constructed with alternate layers of metal foil and mica insulation, stacked and
encapsulated. These capacitors have small capacitances and are often used in high
frequency circuits (eg. : RF circuits). They are very stable under variable voltage and
temperature conditions. Tolerances range from +/-0.25 to +/-5 percent.
Capacitances range from 1 pf to 0.01 uF, with maximum voltage ratings from 100 V
to 2.5 kV. This capacitor uses a thin polyester film as a dielectric.

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