iii Electricity is an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to light, power, heat, cool, and even control our homes. We use electricity in our cars, mobile devices, and wearable technology. The practical applications of this form of energy are endless. An introduction to the basic principles of electricity and their practical applications is an important foundation for any technical course or general knowledge. In addition to the Electrical Trades and Electronics Technologies, several career paths require knowledge of electricity. Automotive technicians must understand electricity to work with lighting, batteries, ignition, and security. HVAC-R technicians must understand how to take circuit measurements and make calculations and understand motors and magnetism. Those in mechatronics must know the fundamentals of circuits, transformers, generators, and alternators. A foundational knowledge of electricity is very benefi cial. The materials provide, in easy-to-understand language, information on sources of electricity, types of circuits, operating principles of electric motors, measuring instruments, generators and transformers, inductance, capacitance, and an introduction to solid-state devices. Also included is a chapter on general and lab-specifi c safety to help ensure safe practices during application. The text ends with an introduction to soldering/desoldering and nine hands-on projects that apply chapter concepts. Preface About the Authors Kenneth P. DeLucca is a Professor in the Department of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Dr. DeLucca has been employed as an electronics professional in the biomedical engineering fi eld and at the University of Missouri’s Research Nuclear Reactor. He has taught at Keene State College, New Hampshire, and Millersville University, where he has spent most of his professional career. He teaches all levels of electronics, from basic electricity to wireless technology. Dr. DeLucca has participated in numerous professional organizations as a presenter and in elected and volunteer service positions. He is an amateur radio operator. William E. Dugger, Jr., taught at Martinsville City Schools, Ohio State University, and Western Kentucky University. He was Director of Standards for Industrial Arts Programs Project, Virginia Tech and Co-director, Mission 21 Project, NASA—Virginia Tech. He was president of the American Industrial Arts Association, setting the standards for industrial arts programs, president of the International Technology Education Association and a Senior Fellow for ITEEA. He served as Director for the Technology for All Americans Project, International Technology Education Association. Howard H. Gerrish taught at San Jose State College while developing the high school and middle school curricula for the electricity and electronics fi eld. He hosted a science-focused children’s television show. Mr. Gerrish wrote several textbooks, including Electricity & Electronics. He was a strong supporter of the California Industrial Technology Education Association and the International Technology Education Association.