Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

What is Overvoltage Protection ?Overvoltage Protection DefinitionOvervoltage protection is defined as measures taken to prevent electrical systems from damage due to excessive voltage levels.Causes of OvervoltageOvervoltages can be caused by lightning, switching operations, insulation failure, arcing ground, and resonance.Switching ImpulseWhen a no-load transmission line is suddenly switched on or off, it can create a transient overvoltage in the system.Lightning ImpulseLightning can cause very

What is an Electric Arc?Arc DefinitionAn arc is a glowing path created by ionized gas between circuit breaker contacts when they open.Arc in Circuit BreakerThe arc phenomenon in circuit breakers occurs between separating contacts under load, maintaining current flow until quenched.Thermal IonizationHeating gas molecules increases their velocity and collisions, leading to ionization and plasma formation.Ionization by Electron CollisionFree electrons accelerated by an electric field collide with a

What is an Electrical Fuse?Electrical Fuse DefinitionAn electrical fuse is a protective device that breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined value to prevent damage.Fuse Wire FunctionThe fuse wire carries normal current without excessive heating but melts and breaks the circuit when excess current flows through.Major Parameter Minimum Fusing Current Current Rating of Fuse Fusing Factor Prospective Current in Fuse Melting Time of Fuse Operating Time of FuseFuse LawMaterials for

What are Dielectric Gaes ?Dielectric Gas DefinitionA dielectric gas is defined as an insulating gas that prevents electrical discharge and can be polarized by an electric field.Breakdown in GasesBreakdown in gases occurs when the applied voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage, causing the gas to conduct electricity.Paschen’s LawThis law states that the breakdown voltage depends on the product of the gas pressure and the gap length between electrodes.Breakdown MechanismThe breakdown mechanism vari

What is a Shunt Reactor?Shunt Reactor DefinitionA shunt reactor is defined as an electrical device used in high voltage power systems to stabilize voltage during load changes.Voltage StabilizationIt controls dynamic overvoltage and provides capacitive reactive power compensation in systems above 400kV.Impedance TypesShunt reactors come in gapped core or magnetically shielded air core types to maintain constant impedance and avoid harmonic currents.Loss Measurement MethodsLosses are measured at l

What is Electrical Reactor ?Electrical Reactor DefinitionAn electrical reactor, also known as a line reactor or choke, is a coil that creates a magnetic field to limit current rise, reducing harmonics and protecting electrical drives from power surges.Types of Reactors Shunt Reactor Current Limiting and Neutral Earthing Reactor Damping Reactor Tuning Reactor Earthing Transformer Arc Suppression Reactor Smoothing ReactorShunt Reactor FunctionShunt reactors absorb reactive power to balance the cap

What is Power Factor?Power Factor DefinitionPower factor is defined as the ratio of real power used by a system to the apparent power transmitted through the circuit.Understanding Reactive PowerReactive power does no useful work itself, but it supports the active power in accomplishing useful work.Power Factor FormulaThe power factor is calculated as the cosine of the phase angle between the source voltage and current.Power Factor Improvement Methods Capacitor banks Synchronous condensers Phase

What is Solar Electricity?Solar Electricity DefinitionSolar electricity is produced by sunlight hitting photovoltaic cells, generating power.Photovoltaic EffectSolar energy electrical engineering relies on the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight creates electricity in semiconductor materials.Structure of Solar CellsA solar cell consists of a thin n-type layer on top of a thicker p-type layer, with a depletion region at their junction.Charge SeparationSunlight causes electrons to move to the n-la

What is Photovoltaic Effect?Photovoltaic Effect DefinitionThe photovoltaic effect is the direct conversion of light energy to electrical energy using semiconductor materials.Semiconductor RoleSemiconductors like silicon are crucial as they facilitate the movement and interaction of electron-hole pairs necessary for electricity generation.Charge Carrier DynamicsThe movement of electrons and holes across the semiconductor junction is essential for establishing an electric field that aids in electr

What is an Electric Lamp?Electric Lamp DefinitionAn electric lamp is defined as a light-emitting component used for lighting and indicating purposes in circuits.ConstructionElectric lamps have a tungsten filament inside a transparent glass cover that glows when current flows through it.Voltage RatingThis rating indicates the voltage needed for proper brightness. Exceeding the voltage can damage the lamp.Types of Electric Lamps Edison Screw lamps Miniature Center Contact lamps Small Bayonet Cap l