INTRODUCTION

When talking about controlling the current in the circuit, we often refer to the voltage and the opposing resistance. All circuits are designed for a specific amount of voltage or resistance. This allows you to know the flow of current. It is necessary to maintain an appropriate level of current in the circuit. 

Before jumping to the control of the current, we must understand the meaning of electric circuits.

An electric circuit is the closed-loop type of path that allows the flow of electrons for the conversion of one form of energy to another form of energy. Excess current flow damages the circuit, and thus it is important to control the current in the electric circuit.  

WHAT IS CURRENT?

• Electric current is said to be the flow or movement of electrons from one side of the circuit to the other side.  
• And the voltage is defined as the difference in electric potential between the two points.
• Moreover, to control the current, we must reduce the thickness of the wires in the circuit.
• The wire’s thickness here acts as the resistance to the flow of current.

 

DEVICES TO CONTROL CURRENT

1. A FUSE

• A fuse is one of the most common single-use devices controlling the current in the circuit.
• When the overcurrent passes through the circuit, the fuse placed sacrifices itself to provide full protection to the electrical circuit.

Source 

2. A CIRCUIT BREAKER

• Circuit Breakers also control the flow of current by opening the circuit whenever there is an overflow of current.
• It is designed with a switch, technically connected with the electromagnet.

 

3. SURGE PROTECTORS

• Surge protectors are another important instrument for controlling current.
• If the current in the circuit spikes up to an unexpected level, the surge protector directs the extra current into the outlet’s grounding wires.

 

Source 

SUMMARY

• An electric circuit is a closed-loop path, allowing the flow of electrons for the transformation of one form of energy to another form of energy.
• The common devices used to control current in an electric circuit are circuit breakers, switches, fuses, rheostat, and surge protectors. 
• Resistors are used to limit the flow of current in the electrical circuit.
• Current electricity is the movement of electrons from one section of the circuit to the other section.

FAQs

1. How do you control current in a circuit?

To control the current in a circuit, we can create resistance and make use of devices like a fuse, Rheostat, surge protectors, or circuit breakers. 

2. What controls electric current?

Resistance and protectors like a fuse, circuit breakers, and surge protectors can easily control electric currents in a circuit.

3. How are electrical circuits controlled?

A switch of circuit breakers and surge protectors often helps in controlling the current in electrical circuits. 

4. What limits the current in a circuit?

Resistors are the instrument that limits the current in a circuit.

We hope you enjoyed studying this lesson and learned something cool about Controlling Current in Electric Circuits! Join our Discord community to get any questions you may have answered and to engage with other students just like you! We promise, it makes studying much more fun!😎

REFERENCES

1. Controlling Current in Electric Circuits: https://www.ck12.org/physics/controlling-current-in-electric-circuits/lesson/Controlling-Current-in-Electric-Circuits-PHYS/?referrer=concept_details Accessed 19th April 2022.
2. Controlling Current in Electric Circuits:https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-physics-flexbook-2.0/section/17.2/primary/lesson/controlling-current-in-electric-circuits-phys/ Accessed 19th April 2022.
3. Controlling Current:http://powerup.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powerup/en/over-11/circuits/controlling-current/ Accessed 19th April 2022.
4. Current Electricity: https://byjus.com/physics/current-electricity/ Accessed 19th April 2022.

]]>