Engine Repair Work Example 18

WorkKey Level: 6
NATEF Task(s): I.C.5

Problem:

A technician is rewiring a parallel circuit in an auto with a 12-volt system. The circuit has four branches, each with one load with the following resistance values:

Load 1—6 ohms
Load 2—3 ohms
Load 3—2 ohms
Load 4—1 ohm

What is the circuit total amperage? (Hint: Don't forget Ohm's law, E = I * R)

 

Solution:

Load 1	12 = I* 6	I = 12/6	I = 2
Load 2	12 = I *· 3	I = 12/3	I = 4
Load 3	12 = I *· 2	I = 12/2	I = 6
Load 4	12 = I *· 1	I = 12/1	I = 12

Parallel circuit amperage is the "sum" of all the branches.

2 + 4 + 6 + 12 = 24 amps