Classifications of electric current

1. Direct current, electricity the flows only in one direction. The flow is
said to be from negative to positive. Common source of direct current is
the dry cell or battery.
2. Alternating current, electricity that constantly reverses its direction of
flow. This type of electricity is generated by machines called AC
generators. Alternating current is universally accepted due to its unlimited
number of applications and the following advantages:
1. Easily produced
2. cheaper to maintain
3. could be transformed into higher voltage

4. could be distributed to farther distance with low voltage drop

5. more efficient compared with the direct current.
RESISTANCE
In a hydraulic system, the flow of fluid is impeded or resisted by
friction caused by the wall of the pipe, fittings and other turns and offsets.
In the same manner, the flow of current in a circuit, electric wiring
installation, is also resisted/impeded by the wire, transformer or other
devices. Impedance is the term used as friction in AC electricity, in DC
circuits it is called as resistance and they both have the unit Ohms.
Ohms law states that:
1. the higher the voltage, the larger the current

2. the higher the resistance the lower the current

Current flow is directly proportional to electromotive force and inversely

proportional to resistance
I=
I= Current flow (amperes)
V= electromotive force (volts)
R= Resistance (Ohms)

V
R

Illustration
1. Determine the current flow in a circuit having a resistance of 5 Ohms on
a 120volts and 240 volts supply.
2. a circuit has a resistance of 20 Ohms and the current flows at 12
amperes. Determine the voltage.