The Use of Math by Electricians

Did you know that electricians often have to use math to determine voltage and current? They must know about Ohm’s law, resistance and trigonometry. What are these terms and how do they relate to your life? Here are some examples.

Ohm’s law

Ohm’s law is one of the most fundamental concepts in electrical engineering. It describes how voltage and current flow through a simple electrical circuit. In particular, it describes how current flows through a conductor.

Electricians use Ohm’s Law to size and troubleshoot their circuits. They may also use Ohm’s Law to detect circuit problems.

The basic concept is that the amount of current flowing through a circuit is directly proportional to the applied potential difference of Electrician Tauranga. This is also known as the law of resistance. A resistor acts as a barrier between the electric current and the conductor.

When the resistance is increased, the current will decrease. On the other hand, when the voltage is increased, the current will increase. To determine the current, an electrician uses an electrical measuring apparatus.

Voltage

A lot of people don’t realize how much math goes into electrical work. While most electricians don’t have a degree in math or computer science, they do use a lot of arithmetic and trigonometry. If you’re planning on getting a job as an electrician, you should definitely brush up on your mathematics. This isn’t limited to the workplace, either. There are plenty of books available in bookstores, libraries, and online to keep you on the right track.

Electricians typically have to do some number crunching, especially in terms of figuring out how much current flows through a particular circuit. In order to do so, they will have to do some reading up on the various electrical codes and standards. They’ll also have to figure out what gauge of wire to use.

Current

In general, electricians will use mathematics and geometry to make safe and efficient electrical connections. Whether it’s determining the appropriate height for an outlet, calculating voltage or the distance between two lights, a solid grasp of arithmetic, a basic understanding of electrical circuits and a healthy dose of common sense will help to ensure your safety and the success of your project.

While the majority of the equations involved in wiring an outlet or running wires through walls will be simple, some calculations will be more complex. If you’re interested in advancing your career, you might want to take the time to attend a local community college. The aforementioned acronyms will give you a better foundation to tackle more difficult and complex problems.

One of the more useful math concepts is the physics and electronics of electrical circuits. Among other things, electrical engineers use trigonometry and algebra to calculate the dimensions of various electrical materials. These same techniques are also used to solve more complicated mathematical equations.

Resistance

The use of math by electricians is essential for many jobs. Not only do electricians have to know how to calculate measurements, they also need to understand how current and voltage interact with each other. A solid foundation in math helps them to understand the National Electrical Code (NEC) and how to apply it to their work.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, the use of math is something you will never be without. It is used in virtually every job, including accounting and engineering. For example, data scientists and academic researchers use complex math to perform statistical analyses. However, most electricians are much more likely to rely on simple arithmetic to calculate voltages and currents.

Current is the rate at which electric charges flow. It is measured in amps. Similarly, the electrical resistance is the amount of obstruction that the charge encounters as it flows through a wire.

Trigonometry

Almost every electrician’s job entails some type of math. While it’s unlikely that the average electrician will ever be able to count on a slamming loan from the bank, they will likely need to know their way around a calculator. Among other skills, they will need to master trigonometry and arithmetic to a degree.

They will also need to learn how to read blueprints and understand how a circuit is built up. A solid foundation in arithmetic and algebra will serve them well as they embark on this challenging and rewarding career.

Using trigonometry is not only necessary to master the craft, but it will pay off in the long run. For example, you’ll need to know the proper angle for a bend to avoid fires and accidents. You may not think it, but conduits and wires have to be bent around staircases and other obstructions all too often. The best way to handle these tangles is to learn trigonometry so you know the right angle to use.