Project - Analysis of a practical automotive wiring circuit

1. Identify each of the major elements in the above automotive wiring diagram.

Fuse , Ammeter , Battery , Starter , Current & Voltage regulator , Generator , Ignition coil, Distributor , Breaker , Junction Block .

2. Explain the purpose and working of any three elements briefly.

Fuse - The purpose of fuse is to prevent the excessive flow of electric current in a circuit.The fuse wire is made up of conductive and low melting point material. So when high current passes through the wire, the temperature of the wire increases. This melts the fuse wire and the circuit breaks.

Battery : An electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy contained in its active materials directly into electrical energy through oxidation or reduction reactions. It consists of two electrodes :Anode &Cathode (typically made of different materials) immersed in an electrolyte solution. When the battery is connected to a circuit, chemical reactions occur at the electrodes, causing electrons to flow from one electrode to the other through the external circuit, generating electrical current. This flow of electrons creates the electric potential difference, or voltage, which powers electronic devices.

Ammeter : It is used to measure flow of electric current in a circuit. When an ammeter is connected in series in a circuit, the current flowing through the ammeter is equal to the current flowing through the circuit. Due to this current, there are deflections in the magnetic coils of the ammeter which moves the pointer across the graduated scale. This results in the measurement of the load current.

3. If the total load is 10A from battery, what should be the fuse rating?

Fuse rating = maximum current * margin safety factor

= 10 * 1.25

= 12.5 A

4. If 500W is the load, what is the voltage and capacity of battery you recommend?

5.Identify any two elements which are connected parallel to each other. Why they are connected in parallel?

6. Identify any two elements which are connected in series. Why they are connected in series?

Ammeter : An ammeter is connected in series because it measures the current flowing through a circuit. When an ammeter is connected in series, it becomes a part of the circuit through which the current flows. This arrangement ensures that all of the current in the circuit passes through the ammeter, allowing it to accurately measure the current without affecting the circuit's operation. Connecting in parallel would cause short circuit.

Battery : When battery is connected in series , the current is shared equally across all the components.