5 Series and parallel networks

At the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• calculate unknown voltages, currents and resis- • understand current division in a two-branch parallel
tances in a series circuit network
• understand voltage division in a series circuit • understand and perform calculations on relative and
• calculate unknown voltages, currents and resist- absolute voltages
ances in a parallel network • describe the advantages and disadvantages of series
• calculate unknown voltages, currents and resist- and parallel connection of lamps
ances in series-parallel networks

5.1 Series circuits Dividing throughout by I gives

Figure 5.1 shows three resistors R1 , R2 and R3 connected R = R1 + R2 + R3

end to end, i.e. in series, with a battery source of V volts.
Since the circuit is closed a current I will flow and the p.d.
across each resistor may be determined from the voltmeter Thus for a series circuit, the total resistance is obtained by
readings V1 , V2 and V3 adding together the values of the separate resistances.

Problem 1. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.2, deter-

mine (a) the battery voltage V , (b) the total resistance
of the circuit, and (c) the values of resistance of resis-
tors R1 , R2 and R3 , given that the p.d.’s across R1 , R2
and R3 are 5 V, 2 V and 6 V respectively.

Figure 5.1

In a series circuit Figure 5.2

(a) the current I is the same in all parts of the circuit and
hence the same reading is found on each of the two
ammeters shown, and (a) Battery voltage V = V1 + V2 + V3
(b) the sum of the voltages V1 , V2 and V3 is equal to the
= 5 + 2 + 6 = 13 V
total applied voltage, V , i.e.
V 13
(b) Total circuit resistance R = = = 3.25

I 4
V = V1 + V2 + V3
V1 5
(c) Resistance R1 = = = 1.25

I 4
From Ohm’s law:
V2 2
Resistance R2 = = = 0.5

V1 = IR1 , V2 = IR2 , V3 = IR3 and V = IR I 4
V3 6
where R is the total circuit resistance. Resistance R3 = = = 1.5

I 4
Since V = V1 + V2 + V3 (Check: R1 +R2 +R3 = 1.25+0.5+1.5 = 3.25
= R)
then IR = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
 Series and parallel networks 29

Problem 2. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.3, deter- 5.2 Potential divider
mine the p.d. across resistor R3 . If the total resistance PART
of the circuit is 100
, determine the current flowing The voltage distribution for the circuit shown in 1
through resistor R1 . Find also the value of resistor R2 . Figure 5.5(a) is given by:


R1
V1 = V
R1 + R2

Figure 5.3

R2
V2 = V
R1 + R1
P.d. across R3 , V3 = 25 − 10 − 4 = 11 V
V 25
Current I = = = 0.25 A, which is the current
R 100
flowing in each resistor
V2 4
Resistance R2 = = = 16

I 0.25

Problem 3. A 12 V battery is connected in a circuit

having three series-connected resistors having resist-
ances of 4
, 9
and 11
. Determine the current
flowing through, and the p.d. across the 9
resistor.
Find also the power dissipated in the 11
resistor.

The circuit diagram is shown in Figure 5.4.

Figure 5.5

Figure 5.4
The circuit shown in Figure 5.5(b) is often referred to
as a potential divider circuit. Such a circuit can consist
Total resistance R = 4 + 9 + 11 = 24
of a number of similar elements in series connected across
a voltage source, voltages being taken from connections
V 12 between the elements. Frequently the divider consists of
Current I = = = 0.5 A, which is the current in the two resistors as shown in Figure 5.5(b), where
R 24
9
resistor.


R2
P.d. across the 9
resistor, V1 = I × 9 = 0.5 × 9 VOUT = VIN
R1 + R2
= 4.5 V
Power dissipated in the 11
resistor, P = I 2 R = 0.52(11) A potential divider is the simplest way of producing a
= 0.25(11) source of lower e.m.f. from a source of higher e.m.f., and
is the basic operating mechanism of the potentiometer,
= 2.75 W a measuring device for accurately measuring potential
differences (see page 99).
30 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

Problem 4. Determine the value of voltage V shown Energy used = power × time
in Figure 5.6.
=V ×I ×t

= (24 × 3 W) (50 h)
= 3600 Wh = 3.6 kWh
Now try the following exercise.

Exercise 10 Further problems on series circuits

Figure 5.6
1. The p.d’s measured across three resistors connected
in series are 5 V, 7 V and 10 V, and the supply current
Figure 5.6 may be redrawn as shown in Figure 5.7, and is 2 A. Determine (a) the supply voltage, (b) the
voltage total circuit resistance and (c) the values of the three
resistors.
[(a) 22 V (b) 11
(c) 2.5
, 3.5
, 5
]


6
V= (50) = 30 V
6+4
2. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.9, determine
the value of V1 . If the total circuit resistance is
36
determine the supply current and the value
of resistors R1 , R2 and R3 .
[10 V, 0.5 A, 20
, 10
, 6
]

Figure 5.7

Problem 5. Two resistors are connected in series

across a 24 V supply and a current of 3 A flows in the Figure 5.9
circuit. If one of the resistors has a resistance of 2

determine (a) the value of the other resistor, and (b) the
p.d. across the 2
resistor. If the circuit is connected 3. When the switch in the circuit in Figure 5.10 is
for 50 hours, how much energy is used? closed the reading on voltmeter 1 is 30 V and that
on voltmeter 2 is 10 V. Determine the reading on
the ammeter and the value of resistor Rx .
The circuit diagram is shown in Figure 5.8 [4 A, 2.5
]

Figure 5.8

V 24
(a) Total circuit resistance R = = =8
Figure 5.10
I 3
Value of unknown resistance, Rx = 8 − 2 = 6

4. Two resistors are connected in series across an 18 V
(b) P.d. across 2
resistor, V1 = IR1 = 3 × 2 = 6 V supply and a current of 5 A flows. If one of the
Alternatively, from above, resistors has a value of 2.4
determine (a) the


 value of the other resistor and (b) the p.d. across the
R1 2 2.4
resistor. [(a) 1.2
(b) 12 V]
V1 = V= (24) = 6 V
R1 + R x 2+6
 Series and parallel networks 31

Dividing throughout by V gives:

5. An arc lamp takes 9.6 A at 55 V. It is operated from
a 120 V supply. Find the value of the stabilizing PART
resistor to be connected in series. [6.77
] 1 1 1 1 1
= + +
R R1 R2 R 3
6. An oven takes 15 A at 240 V. It is required to reduce
the current to 12 A. Find (a) the resistor which must
be connected in series, and (b) the voltage across This equation must be used when finding the total resist-
the resistor. [(a) 4
(b) 48 V] ance R of a parallel circuit. For the special case of two
resistors in parallel

1 1 1 R2 + R 1
= + =
R R1 R2 R 1 R2
5.3 Parallel networks


R1 R2 product
Figure 5.11 shows three resistors, R1 , R2 and R3 connected Hence R= i.e.
across each other, i.e. in parallel, across a battery source R1 + R2 sum
of V volts.

Problem 6. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.12,

determine (a) the reading on the ammeter, and (b) the
value of resistor R2 .

Figure 5.11 Figure 5.12

In a parallel circuit:
P.d. across R1 is the same as the supply voltage V .
(a) the sum of the currents I1 , I2 and I3 is equal to the
total circuit current, I, i.e. I = I1 + I2 + I3 , and Hence supply voltage, V = 8 × 5 = 40 V
(b) the source p.d., V volts, is the same across each of the
V 40
resistors. (a) Reading on ammeter, I = = =2A
R3 20
From Ohm’s law: (b) Current flowing through R2 = 11 − 8 − 2 = 1 A
V V V V V 40
I1 = , I2 = , I3 = and I = Hence, R2 = = = 40

R1 R2 R3 R I2 1

where R is the total circuit resistance.

Problem 7. Two resistors, of resistance 3
and 6
,
Since I = I1 + I2 + I3
are connected in parallel across a battery having a volt-
age of 12 V. Determine (a) the total circuit resistance
V V V V
then = + + and (b) the current flowing in the 3
resistor.
R R1 R2 R3
32 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

The circuit diagram is shown in Figure 5.13. 1 1 1 1 1 + 3 + 6 10

Alternatively, = + + = =
R 60 20 10 60 60
60
Hence total resistance R = =6

10
V 60
Current I = = = 10 A
R 6

Problem 9. Given four 1
resistors, state how they

must be connected to give an overall resistance of
Figure 5.13 (a) 41
(b) 1
(c) 1 13
(d) 2 21
, all four resistors
being connected in each case.
(a) The total circuit resistance R is given by
1 1 1 1 1 (a) All four in parallel (see Figure 5.15),
= + = +
R R1 R2 3 6 1 1 1 1 1 4 1
since = + + + = , i.e. R =

1 2+1 3 R 1 1 1 1 1 4
= =
R 6 6
6
Hence, R = = 2

3


R 1 R2 3 × 6 18
Alternatively, R = = = =2

R1 + R2 3 + 6 9
V 12
(b) Current in the 3
resistance, I1 = = = 4A
R1 3

Problem 8. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.14, find Figure 5.15
(a) the value of the supply voltage V and (b) the value
of current I. (b) Two in series, in parallel with another two in series
(see Figure 5.16), since 1
and 1
in series gives 2
,
2×2 4
and 2
in parallel with 2
gives: = =1

2+2 4

Figure 5.16

Figure 5.14 (c) Three in parallel, in series with one (see Fig-
ure 5.17), since for the three in parallel,

1 1 1 1 3 1 1
= + + = , i.e. R =
and
in series
(a) P.d. across 20
resistor = I2 R2 = 3 × 20 = 60 V, R 1 1 1 1 3 3
hence supply voltage V = 60 V since the circuit is
connected in parallel. with 1
gives 1 31

V 60
(b) Current I1 = = = 6 A; I2 = 3 A
R1 10
V 60
I3 = = = 1A
R3 60
Current I = I1 +I2 +I3 and hence I = 6+3+1 = 10 A Figure 5.17
 Series and parallel networks 33


(d) Two in parallel, in series with two in series (see R1 R 2
and V = IRT = I
Figure 5.18), since for the two in parallel R1 + R 2 PART
1×1 1 1
V I


R 1 R2


R2
 1
R= =
, and
, 1
and 1
in series
1+1 2 2 Current I1 = = = (I)
R 1 R1 R1 + R 2 R1 + R2
1
gives 2

2 Similarly,



V I R 1 R2 R1
current I2 = = = (I)
R 2 R2 R1 + R 2 R1 + R2

Figure 5.18 Summarizing, with reference to Figure 5.20



Problem 10. Find the equivalent resistance for the R2 R1
I1 = (I) and I2 = (I)
circuit shown in Figure 5.19. R1 + R2 R1 + R2

Problem 11. For the series-parallel arrangement

shown in Figure 5.21, find (a) the supply current, (b)
the current flowing through each resistor and (c) the
p.d. across each resistor.
Figure 5.19

R3 , R4 and R5 are connected in parallel and their equivalent

resistance R is given by:

1 1 1 1 6+3+1 10
= + + = =
R 3 6 18 18 18
Figure 5.21
18
Hence R = = 1.8

10

The circuit is now equivalent to four resistors in series and (a) The equivalent resistance Rx of R2 and R3 in paral-
the equivalent circuit resistance = 1 + 2.2 + 1.8 + 4 = 9
lel is:
6×2 12
Rx = = = 1.5

6+2 8
5.4 Current division The equivalent resistance RT of R1 , Rx and R4 in
series is:
For the circuit shown in Figure 5.20, the total circuit
resistance, RT is given by: RT = 2.5 + 1.5 + 4 = 8

R1 R2 V 200
RT = Supply current I = = = 25 A
R1 + R 2 RT 8

(b) The current flowing through R1 and R4 is 25 A

The current flowing through R2



R3 2
= I= 25
R2 + R 3 6+2

Figure 5.20 = 6.25 A

34 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

The current flowing through R3 The equivalent resistance of resistors R3 and Rx in

R2


6
 parallel is equal to 25
− 6
, i.e. 19
.
= I= 25 There are three methods whereby Rx can be deter-
R2 + R 3 6+2 mined.
= 18.75 A
Method 1
(Note that the currents flowing through R2 and R3 The voltage V1 = IR, where R is 6
, from above,
must add up to the total current flowing into the i.e. V1 = (10)(6) = 60 V
parallel arrangement, i.e. 25 A) Hence V2 = 250 V − 60 V = 190 V = p.d. across R3
(c) The equivalent circuit of Figure 5.21 is shown in = p.d. across Rx
Figure 5.22.
p.d. across R1 , i.e. V1 = IR1 = (25)(2.5) = 62.5 V V2 190
I3 = = = 5 A. Thus I4 = 5 A also,
p.d. across Rx , i.e. Vx = IRx = (25)(1.5) = 37.5 V R3 38
p.d. across R4 , i.e. V4 = IR4 = (25)(4) = 100 V since I = 10 A
Hence the p.d. across R2 = p.d. across R3 = 37.5 V
V2 190
Thus Rx = = = 38

I4 5

Method 2
Since the equivalent resistance of R3 and Rx in
parallel is 19
,
Figure 5.22


38Rx product
19 = i.e.
Problem 12. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.23 cal- 38 + Rx sum
culate (a) the value of resistor Rx such that the total
Hence 19(38 + Rx ) = 38Rx
power dissipated in the circuit is 2.5 kW, and (b) the
current flowing in each of the four resistors. 722 + 19Rx = 38Rx
722 = 38Rx − 19Rx = 19Rx
722
Thus Rx = = 38

19

Method 3
When two resistors having the same value are con-
nected in parallel the equivalent resistance is always
half the value of one of the resistors. Thus, in
this case, since RT = 19
and R3 = 38
, then
Figure 5.23 Rx = 38
could have been deduced on sight.



R2 10
(b) Current I1 = I= (10)
R1 + R 2 15 + 10
(a) Power dissipated P = VI watts, hence 2500 = (250)(I)


2
2500 = (10) = 4 A
i.e. I = = 10 A 5
250



V 250 R1 15
From Ohm’s law, RT = = = 25
, where RT Current I2 = I= (10)
I 10 R1 + R 2 15 + 10
is the equivalent circuit resistance.

The equivalent resistance of R1 and R2 in parallel is 3
= (10) = 6 A
5
15 × 10 150
= = 6
From part (a), method 1, I3 = I4 = 5 A
15 + 10 25
 Series and parallel networks 35



2 2
Problem 13. For the arrangement shown in Fig- From Figure 5.24, Ix = (I1 ) = (3) = 0.6 A
ure 5.24, find the current Ix . 2+8 10 PART
1
Now try the following exercise.

Exercise 11 Further problems on parallel

networks
1. Resistances of 4
and 12
are connected in paral-
Figure 5.24 lel across a 9 V battery. Determine (a) the equivalent
circuit resistance, (b) the supply current, and (c) the
current in each resistor.
Commencing at the right-hand side of the arrangement [(a) 3
(b) 3 A (c) 2.25 A, 0.75 A]
shown in Figure 5.24, the circuit is gradually reduced in
stages as shown in Figure 5.25(a)–(d). 2. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.26 determine
(a) the reading on the ammeter, and (b) the value
of resistor R. [2.5 A, 2.5
]

Figure 5.26
3. Find the equivalent resistance when the following
resistances are connected (a) in series, (b) in parallel
(i) 3
and 2
(ii) 20 k
and 40 k

(iii) 4
,8
and 16
(iv) 800
,4 k
and 1500

[(a) (i) 5
(ii) 60 k
(iii) 28
(iv) 6.3 k

(b) (i) 1.2
(ii) 13.33 k
(iii) 2.29
(iv) 461.5
]
4. Find the total resistance between terminals A and B
of the circuit shown in Figure 5.27(a) [8
]

Figure 5.25
17
From Figure 5.25(d), I = =4A
4.25



9 9
From Figure 5.25(b), I1 = (I) = (4) = 3 A Figure 5.27
9+3 12
36 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

5. Find the equivalent resistance between terminals C 10. A resistor of 2.4
is connected in series with
and D of the circuit shown in Figure 5.27(b) another of 3.2
. What resistance must be placed
[27.5
] across the one of 2.4
so that the total resistance
of the circuit shall be 5
? [7.2
]
6. Resistors of 20
, 20
and 30
are connected in
parallel. What resistance must be added in series 11. A resistor of 8
is connected in parallel with one
with the combination to obtain a total resistance of of 12
and the combination is connected in series
10
. If the complete circuit expends a power of with one of 4
. A p.d. of 10 V is applied to the
0.36 kW, find the total current flowing.[2.5
, 6 A] circuit. The 8
resistor is now placed across the
4
resistor. Find the p.d. required to send the same
7. (a) Calculate the current flowing in the 30
current through the 8
resistor. [30 V]
resistor shown in Figure 5.28.

5.5 Relative and absolute voltages

In an electrical circuit, the voltage at any point can be

quoted as being ‘with reference to’ (w.r.t.) any other point
in the circuit. Consider the circuit shown in Figure 5.31.
The total resistance,
Figure 5.28
(b) What additional value of resistance would have RT = 30 + 50 + 5 + 15 = 100

to be placed in parallel with the 20
and 30
200
resistors to change the supply current to 8 A, and current, I = = 2A
100
the supply voltage remaining constant.
[(a) 1.6 A (b) 6
]
8. Determine the currents and voltages indicated in I = 2A 30 Ω A 50 Ω B
the circuit shown in Figure 5.29.
[I1 = 5 A, I2 = 2.5 A, I3 = 1 23 A, I4 = 56 A
I5 = 3 A, I6 = 2 A, V1 = 20 V, V2 = 5 V, 200 V 5Ω
V3 = 6 V]
C 15 Ω

Figure 5.31

If a voltage at point A is quoted with reference to

point B then the voltage is written as VAB . This is
known as a ‘relative voltage’. In the circuit shown in
Figure 5.31, the voltage at A w.r.t. B is I × 50, i.e.
2 × 50 = 100 V and is written as VAB = 100 V.
It must also be indicated whether the voltage at A w.r.t.
B is closer to the positive terminal or the negative terminal
Figure 5.29 of the supply source. Point A is nearer to the positive
terminal than B so is written as VAB = 100 V or VAB =
9. Find the current I in Figure 5.30. [1.8 A] +100 V or VAB = 100 V + ve.
If no positive or negative is included, then the voltage
is always taken to be positive.
If the voltage at B w.r.t. A is required, then VBA is neg-
ative and written as VBA = −100 V or VBA = 100 V −ve.
If the reference point is changed to the earth point then
any voltage taken w.r.t. the earth is known as an ‘absolute
potential’. If the absolute voltage of A in Figure 5.31 is
required, then this will be the sum of the voltages across
Figure 5.30 the 50
and 5
resistors, i.e. 100 + 10 = 110 V and is
written as VA = 110 V or VA = +110 V or VA = 110 V
 Series and parallel networks 37

+ve, positive since moving from the earth point to point Now try the following exercise.
A is moving towards the positive terminal of the source. If PART
the voltage is negative w.r.t. earth then this must be indi- Exercise 12 Further problems on relative and
cated; for example, VC = 30 V negative w.r.t. earth, and is 1
absolute voltages
written as VC = −30 V or VC = 30 V −ve.
1. For the circuit of Figure 5.33, calculate (a) the abso-
lute voltage at points A, B and C, (b) the voltage at A
Problem 14. For the circuit shown in Fig. 5.32, cal- relative to B and C, and (c) the voltage at D relative
culate (a) the voltage drop across the 4 k
resistor, to B and A.
(b) the current through the 5 k
resistor, (c) the power [(a) +40 V, +29.6 V, +24 V (b) +10.4 V, +16 V
developed in the 1.5 k
resistor, (d) the voltage at point (c) −5.6 V, −16 V]
X w.r.t. earth, and (e) the absolute voltage at point X.
15 Ω A 13 Ω B
1 kΩ 4 kΩ
100 V 5Ω 7Ω
5 kΩ
X
6Ω D C

1.5 kΩ 24 V Figure 5.33

Figure 5.32 2. For the circuit shown in Figure 5.34, calculate (a)
the voltage drop across the 7
resistor, (b) the
current through the 30
resistor, (c) the power
developed in the 8
resistor, (d) the voltage at
(a) Total circuit resistance, RT = [(1 + 4)k
in parallel
point X w.r.t. earth, and (e) the absolute voltage
with 5 k
] in series with 1.5 k

at point X.
[(a) 1.68 V (b) 0.16 A (c) 460.8 mW (d) +2.88 V
5×5
i.e. RT = + 1.5 = 4 k
(e) +2.88 V]
5+5
8Ω X 7Ω 5Ω
V 24
Total circuit current, IT = = = 6 mA 18 Ω
RT 4 × 103
30 Ω
By current division, current in top branch


5
= × 6 = 3 mA
5+1+4 12 V

Hence, volt drop across 4 k
resistor Figure 5.34

= 3 × 10−3 × 4 × 103 = 12 V 3. In the bridge circuit of Figure 5.35 calculate (a) the
(b) Current through the 5 k
resistor absolute voltages at points A and B, and (b) the
voltage at A relative to B. [(a) 10 V, 10 V (b) 0 V]


1+4
= × 6 = 3 mA A
5+1+4
2 kΩ 1 kΩ
(c) Power in the 1.5 k
resistor
= I2T R = (6 × 10−3 )2 (1.5 × 103 ) = 54 mW
(d) The voltage at the earth point is 0 volts. The volt drop
across the 4 k
is 12 V, from part (a). Since moving 16 Ω 8Ω
from the earth point to point X is moving towards the
negative terminal of the voltage source, the voltage at B
point X w.r.t. earth is −12 V
(e) The ‘absolute voltage at point X’ means the ‘voltage 30 V
at point X w.r.t. earth’, hence the absolute voltage
at point X is −12 V. Questions (d) and (e) mean the Figure 5.35
same thing.
38 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

5.6 Wiring lamps in series and in parallel (ii) If any lamp is removed from the circuit or develops
a fault (open circuit) or a switch is opened, the
Series connection remaining lamps are unaffected.
(iii) The addition of further similar lamps in parallel does
Figure 5.36 shows three lamps, each rated at 240 V, not affect the brightness of the other lamps.
connected in series across a 240 V supply. (iv) More cable is required for parallel connection than
for a series one.

The parallel connection of lamps is the most widely used

in electrical installations.

Problem 15. If three identical lamps are connected

in parallel and the combined resistance is 150
, find
the resistance of one lamp.
Figure 5.36
Let the resistance of one lamp be R, then,
240
(i) Each lamp has only V, i.e. 80 V across it and thus 1 1 1 1 3
3 = + + = , from which, R = 3 × 150
each lamp glows dimly. 150 R R R R
(ii) If another lamp of similar rating is added in series = 450

with the other three lamps then each lamp now has
240
V, i.e. 60 V across it and each now glows even
4 Problem 16. Three identical lamps A, B and C are
more dimly.
connected in series across a 150 V supply. State (a) the
(iii) If a lamp is removed from the circuit or if a lamp
voltage across each lamp, and (b) the effect of lamp C
develops a fault (i.e. an open circuit) or if the switch
failing.
is opened then the circuit is broken, no current flows,
and the remaining lamps will not light up.
(iv) Less cable is required for a series connection than for (a) Since each lamp is identical and they are connected
a parallel one. 150
in series there is V, i.e. 50 V across each.
3
The series connection of lamps is usually limited to (b) If lamp C fails, i.e. open circuits, no current will flow
decorative lighting such as for Christmas tree lights. and lamps A and B will not operate.

Parallel connection
Now try the following exercise.
Figure 5.37 shows three similar lamps, each rated at 240 V,
connected in parallel across a 240 V supply.
Exercise 13 Further problems on wiring lamps in
series and parallel
1. If four identical lamps are connected in parallel
and the combined resistance is 100
, find the
resistance of one lamp. [400
]
2. Three identical filament lamps are connected (a) in
series, (b) in parallel across a 210 V supply. State
for each connection the p.d. across each lamp.
[(a) 70 V (b) 210 V]

Figure 5.37

(i) Each lamp has 240 V across it and thus each will glow
brilliantly at their rated voltage.