Electrical Functions - Secondary 3

| Science and Technology
Definition

An electrical function is the role of a component in an electrical circuit.

The following table describes the main electrical functions.

Click on an electrical function to access the corresponding concept sheet.

Electrical function

Description

Examples of electrical components performing this function

Power supply

Supplies or generates an electric current.

  • Battery

  • Electrical outlet

Control

Opens or closes the electrical circuit.

Conduction

Allows current to flow from one component to another in a circuit.

  • Wire

  • Cable

Insulation

Prevents the flow of current.

  • Plastic sheathing

  • Wire connector cap

Protection

Interrupts the flow of current in the event of an electrical issue.

  • Circuit breaker

  • Fuse

  • Surge protector power bar

Energy transformation

Transforms electrical energy into another form of energy.

  • Light bulb

  • Heating element

  • Motor

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