Electricity: Theory and Applications, Online Textbook
Electricity: Theory and Applications provides valuable insight into the electrical theories and concepts that form a solid foundation of knowledge, onto which more advanced learning and understanding can be structured. Designed for foundational electrical theory courses in electrical technology, construction, and industrial maintenance programs, the textbook features a clear and simple presentation of concepts and many illustrations. Each chapter of the textbook begins with a Sparking Discussion question that encourages classroom discussion. To emphasize the importance of safety for anyone working on or around electric circuits, systems, and equipment, safety guidelines, safety-related issues, and Safety Alert features are provided throughout the text.
Table of Contents
Abbreviated Contents
Electricity: Theory and Applications, Online Textbook
- Electricity
- Copyright © 2027 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
- Preface
- About the Author
- Reviewers
- Acknowledgments
- Features of the Textbook
- Tools for Student and Instructor Success
- Brief Contents
- Contents
- Section 1 Getting Started
- Chapter 1 Introduction to Electricity
- Chapter 2 Careers in the Electrical Field
- Chapter 3 Workplace Safety
- Chapter 3 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 3 Technical Terms
- Chapter 3 Introduction
- 3.1 Electrical Hazards
- 3.2 Electrical System and Circuit Safety
- 3.3 Personal Protective Equipment
- 3.4 Fire Safety
- 3.5 Workplace Awareness
- 3.6 Working at Heights
- 3.7 Working with Other Trades
- 3.8 Working in Confined Spaces
- 3.9 Working in Open Trenches and Pits
- Chapter 3 Review
- Chapter 4 Building Blocks of Electricity and Electronics
- Chapter 5 Magnetism Fundamentals
- Section 2 Electrical Quantities and Relationships
- Chapter 6 Electrical Characteristics
- Chapter 7 Mathematical Manipulation and Conversions
- Chapter 8 Electrical Tools and Testing Instruments
- Section 3 Electric Circuits and Circuit Evaluation Techniques
- Chapter 9 The Electric Circuit
- Chapter 10 Series Circuits
- Chapter 11 Parallel Circuits
- Chapter 12 Combination Circuits
- Chapter 13 Current, Voltage, and Superposition Laws and Theorems
- Section 4 AC Fundamentals
- Chapter 14 Angles, Triangles, and Vectors
- Chapter 15 Single-Phase Alternating Current Power
- Chapter 16 Three-Phase Alternating Current Power
- Section 5 Inductance, Capacitance, Reactance, and Impedance
- Chapter 17 Inductors and Inductance
- Chapter 18 Capacitors and Capacitance
- Chapter 18 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 18 Technical Terms
- Chapter 18 Introduction
- 18.1 Capacitors
- 18.2 Capacitor Construction
- 18.3 Capacitor Charge and Ratings
- 18.4 Permittivity, Relative Permittivity, and Dielectric Constant
- 18.5 Basic Capacitor Operation
- 18.6 Capacitive Reactance
- 18.7 RC Time Constants
- 18.8 Parallel-Connected Capacitors
- 18.9 Series-Connected Capacitors
- 18.10 Capacitor Quality Factor
- Chapter 18 Review
- Chapter 19 Power in Capacitive and Inductive Circuits
- Chapter 20 Resistive, Capacitive, and Inductive Circuits
- Chapter 20 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 20 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 20 Technical Terms
- Chapter 20 Introduction
- 20.1 Impedance, Resistance, and Reactance
- 20.2 Impedance in Series Circuits
- 20.3 Impedance in Parallel Circuits
- 20.4 Current Flow in Series Circuits
- 20.5 Voltage Drops in Series Circuits
- 20.6 Current Flow in Parallel Circuits
- 20.7 Power Factor and Phase Angle
- Chapter 20 Review
- Section 6 Transformers
- Chapter 21 Single-Phase Transformers
- Chapter 21 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 21 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 21 Technical Terms
- Chapter 21 Introduction
- 21.1 Transformer Applications
- 21.2 Basic Transformer Theory
- 21.3 Single-Phase Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers
- 21.4 Isolation Transformers
- 21.5 Multitap Transformer
- 21.6 Variable Transformer
- 21.7 Multiple-Winding Transformer
- 21.8 Autotransformers
- 21.9 Transformer Polarity
- 21.10 Transformer Voltage and Current Waveforms
- 21.11 Transformer Troubleshooting
- Chapter 21 Review
- Chapter 22 Three-Phase Transformers
- Chapter 22 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 22 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 22 Technical Terms
- Chapter 22 Introduction
- 22.1 Three-Phase Transformer Construction
- 22.2 Three-Phase Transformer Windings
- 22.3 Common Three-Phase Transformers
- 22.4 Other Three-Phase Transformer Configurations
- 22.5 Calculating Three-Phase Transformer Loads
- Chapter 22 Review
- Section 7 Motor Fundamentals
- Chapter 23 Motor Operation Basics
- Chapter 24 Motor Anatomy, Types, and Construction
- Chapter 25 Motor Drives
- Chapter 25 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 25 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 25 Technical Terms
- Chapter 25 Introduction
- 25.1 Motors are Not Motor Drives
- 25.2 Energy-Saving Benefits of Varying Motor Speed
- 25.3 Pulse Width Modulation
- 25.4 Transistors
- 25.5 Variable Frequency Drives
- 25.6 Motor Drives and Torque
- Chapter 25 Review
- Chapter 26 Motor Installation and Replacement
- Chapter 26 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 26 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 26 Technical Terms
- Chapter 26 Introduction
- 26.1 Safety Considerations
- 26.2 Selecting a Motor
- 26.3 Troubleshooting Motor Failure
- 26.4 Removing a Motor
- 26.5 Lifting a Motor
- 26.6 Mounting a Motor
- 26.7 Pulley Positioning and Alignment
- 26.8 Belt Tension
- 26.9 Electrical Connections
- 26.10 Motor Start-Up
- Chapter 26 Review
- Section 8 Motor Functionality
- Chapter 27 DC Motors
- Chapter 27 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 27 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 27 Technical Terms
- Chapter 27 Introduction
- 27.1 Overview of DC Motors
- 27.2 Right-Hand Rule for Motors
- 27.3 Basic DC Motor Construction and Operation
- 27.4 Series DC Motors
- 27.5 Shunt DC Motors
- 27.6 Compound DC Motors
- 27.7 Permanent Magnet DC Motors
- 27.8 Separately Excited DC Motors
- 27.9 Efficiency Losses in DC Motors
- Chapter 27 Review
- Chapter 28 Single-Phase AC Motors
- Chapter 28 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 28 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 28 Technical Terms
- Chapter 28 Introduction
- 28.1 Shaded-Pole Motors
- 28.2 Split-Phase Motors
- 28.3 Induction-Start, Induction-Run Motors
- 28.4 Capacitor-Start, Induction-Run Motors
- 28.5 Permanent-Split Capacitor Motors
- 28.6 Capacitor-Start, Capacitor-Run Motors
- 28.7 Multispeed Motors
- 28.8 Single-Phase Motor Direction of Rotation
- 28.9 Dual-Voltage, Single-Phase Motors
- Chapter 28 Review
- Chapter 29 Three-Phase AC Motors
- Chapter 29 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 29 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 29 Technical Terms
- Chapter 29 Introduction
- 29.1 Three-Phase Motor Winding Polarity
- 29.2 Three-Phase Motor Speed
- 29.3 Three-Phase Motor Slip
- 29.4 Three-Phase Motor Winding Configurations
- 29.5 Dual-Voltage Three-Phase AC Motors
- 29.6 Three-Phase Motor Direction of Rotation
- Chapter 29 Review
- Chapter 30 Electronically Commutated Motors
- Chapter 30 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 30 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 30 Technical Terms
- Chapter 30 Introduction
- 30.1 What is an ECM?
- 30.2 ECM Components and Configurations
- 30.3 Underlying Electronic Concepts of ECMs
- 30.4 Creating a Three-Phase Signal
- 30.5 Frequency and Speed Adjustment
- 30.6 ECM Evaluation
- Chapter 30 Review
- Section 9 Motor Starting, Protection, and Troubleshooting
- Chapter 31 Single-Phase Motor Starting and Protective Devices
- Chapter 31 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 31 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 31 Technical Terms
- Chapter 31 Introduction
- 31.1 Relays and Contactors
- 31.2 Motor Amperage Ratings and Values
- 31.3 Poles and Throws
- 31.4 Temperature Coefficient Devices
- 31.5 Centrifugal Switches
- 31.6 General-Purpose Relays
- 31.7 Contactors
- 31.8 Current Magnetic Relays
- 31.9 Potential Magnetic Relays
- 31.10 Overload or Overcurrent Protective Devices
- 31.11 Electronic Motor Protective Devices
- 31.12 Selecting Motors, Motor Components, and Overload Protection
- Chapter 31 Review
- Chapter 32 Three-Phase Motor Starting and Protective Devices
- Chapter 32 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 32 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 32 Technical Terms
- Chapter 32 Introduction
- 32.1 Single-Phasing
- 32.2 Motor Starters
- 32.3 Heaters Used for Overload Protection
- 32.4 Across-the-Line Starting
- 32.5 Primary Resistor Starting
- 32.6 Part-Winding Starting
- 32.7 Star-Delta Starting
- 32.8 Autotransformer Starting
- 32.9 Solid-State (Soft) Starting
- 32.10 Other Overcurrent Protection Devices
- Chapter 32 Review
- Chapter 33 Motor Evaluation and Troubleshooting
- Chapter 33 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 33 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 33 Technical Terms
- Chapter 33 Introduction
- 33.1 General Motor Troubleshooting Techniques
- 33.2 Mechanical Problems with Electric Motors
- 33.3 Electrical Problems with Open Motor Windings
- 33.4 Electrical Problems with Shorted Motor Windings
- 33.5 Electrical Short Circuit to Ground
- 33.6 Checking Capacitors on Single-Phase Motors
- Chapter 33 Review
- Section 10 Generators
- Chapter 34 Generator Fundamentals
- Chapter 34 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 34 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 34 Technical Terms
- Chapter 34 Introduction
- 34.1 Generator Construction
- 34.2 Generator Operation
- 34.3 Direction of Current Flow
- 34.4 Armature Coil Configuration
- 34.5 Stator and Reluctance Torque
- 34.6 Generator Start-Up Torque
- 34.7 Generator Efficiency
- Chapter 34 Review
- Chapter 35 DC Generators
- Chapter 35 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 35 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 35 Technical Terms
- Chapter 35 Introduction
- 35.1 Commutator and Brushes
- 35.2 DC Generator Operation
- 35.3 Armature Winding Configurations
- 35.4 Armature Winding Terms
- 35.5 DC Generator Field Windings
- 35.6 DC Generator Power
- 35.7 DC Generator Efficiency
- Chapter 35 Review
- Chapter 36 AC Generators
- Chapter 36 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 36 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 36 Technical Terms
- Chapter 36 Introduction
- 36.1 AC Generator Construction
- 36.2 Common Types of AC Generators
- 36.3 Single-Phase AC Generators
- 36.4 Three-Phase AC Generators
- 36.5 Generator Frequency and Speed
- 36.6 Using Multiple AC Generators
- Chapter 36 Review
- Section 11 Electricity Sources, Production, and Distribution
- Chapter 37 Electricity Production
- Chapter 37 Sparking Discussion
- Chapter 37 Learning Outcomes
- Chapter 37 Technical Terms
- Chapter 37 Introduction
- 37.1 Law of Conservation of Energy
- 37.2 Chemically Produced Electricity
- 37.3 Pressure-Produced Electricity
- 37.4 Wind-Produced Electricity
- 37.5 Heat-Produced Electricity
- 37.6 Light-Produced Electricity
- Chapter 37 Review
- Chapter 38 Power Distribution: From the Generator to You
- Appendix A: Commonly Used Formulas
- Ohm’s Law Formulas
- Watt’s Law Power Formulas
- Series Circuit Formulas
- Parallel Circuit Formulas
- Purely Inductive (L) Circuit Formulas
- Series-Connected Inductance Formula
- Parallel-Connected Inductance Formulas
- Purely Capacitive (C) Circuit Formulas
- Series-Connected Capacitance Formulas
- Parallel-Connected Capacitance Formulas
- Resistive-Capacitive (R-C) Series Circuit Formulas
- Resistive-Capacitive (R-C) Parallel Circuit Formulas
- Resistive-Inductive (R-L) Series Circuit Formulas
- Resistive-Inductive (R-L) Parallel Circuit Formulas
- Inductive-Capacitive (L-C) Series Circuit Formula
- Inductive-Capacitive (L-C) Parallel Circuit Formula
- Resistive-Inductive-Capacitive (R-L-C) Series Circuit Formulas
- Resistive-Inductive-Capacitive (R-L-C) Parallel Circuit Formulas
- Transformer Formulas
- Transformer Impedance Formulas
- Three-Phase Formulas
- AC Motor Formulas
- True, Apparent, and Reactive Power Formulas
- Appendix B: Equivalent and Conversion Charts
- Appendix C: NEMA Motor Dimensions, Frame Numbers, and Frame Letters
- Appendix D: Answers to Now It’s Your Turn
- Glossary
- Index