Electrical Basics
what is voltage?
electrical pressure
this simple tool uses a clear handle and a small bulb to indicate the presence of voltage
test light
in this type of circuit, the amperage remains constant throughout
series circuit
to test a fuse with a test light, where should we attach our clamp lead?
negative of the battery
these units are responsible for receiving inputs and sending outputs to other components
control unit
what is current?
flow of electrons
to communicate with a vehicles electronics, we use a ________
scanner, scan tool
how do we find total resistance in a series circuit?
add the resistances together, sum of all reisstances
in most cases we will be testing for this type of voltage in a vehicle
DCV
there are numerous amounts of these in a vehicle
electronics
what is resistance?
the opposition to flow, impedance, restriction to electrons
what tool will give us real time insight into what voltage is doing?
an oscilloscope
in this type of circuit, voltage is the same to each load/consumer
parallel circuit
what is source voltage?
battery voltage
what two things are required for any electrical system to work
power and ground
what is the name of the Law, which shows the relationship between voltage, resistance, and amperage?
Ohm's law
a meter that does not have multiple settings on its setting dial is most likely what style of meter
auto ranging meter
if, in a series circuit, there is an added resistance, what will happen to the circuits current?
amperage (current) will decrease
when measuring amperage of a circuit, it is important to have our meter ___________
set up in series
these components may use a 5v reference in order to send out a signal back to a control unit
sensors
a circuit that has multiple branches is what type of circuit?
parallel circuit
these needle like accessories allow the technician to test electrical circuits without opening the circuit
back probes
in this measurement, we can use a meter set to voltage to determine if a circuit has an unwanted resistance
voltage drop
measuring this gives insight into the voltage available at a component but does not tell us whether that voltage is being consumed or not
open circuit voltage
what is the main component in a vehicles electrical system
the battery