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Dizzy lost thread

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[ QUOTE ]

and still I have no real understanding of electric
current flow, grounding effect, etc.



[/ QUOTE ]

I don't trust anything that I can't see....like electricity.


Bill
 
Bill,

You have to mentally visulize electricity like water flowing through a pipe. I know you can't see the electrons flow like water but always assume it's live unless you test for it with a test light or voltmeter. Just remember the bigger the pipe (wire) the bigger the flow(less resistence)and the more pressure it can take before it bursts (melts). Relays, switches, fuses, and diodes, are like water valves which turns flow (current) on and off or restricts the flow. Now if you know nothing about plumbing and water flow then what I just wrote probably made no sense what so ever.

Have a great day!
 
My Dad was an electrition. He told me it was like being a plumber. Switches were taps etc. Flip the switch and juice would flow just like water. I told him "I can see water and it won't knock me on my Butt.
 
Or as I learned at a very young age, when Mr.Fork meets Miss Wall Outlet, an inquisitive little boy goes for a ride across the room and parents get very upset as house lights flash on and off with house full of company. This was in the 50's and the fuse did blow, thank goodness, but so did my Dad and my little butt was sore for awhile after I got over the shock, in a manner of speaking.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Bill,

You have to mentally visulize electricity like water flowing through a pipe. I know you can't see the electrons flow like water but always assume it's live unless you test for it with a test light or voltmeter. Just remember the bigger the pipe (wire) the bigger the flow(less resistence)and the more pressure it can take before it bursts (melts). Relays, switches, fuses, and diodes, are like water valves which turns flow (current) on and off or restricts the flow. Now if you know nothing about plumbing and water flow then what I just wrote probably made no sense what so ever.

Have a great day!

[/ QUOTE ]

Good analogy. Having zero training in the wonders of electricity and experiencing something similar to the fork-in-the-outlet trick (mine was a fork-in-the-toaster), I have developed a very healthy respect for the stuff. I read diagrams over and over before I attempt any repairs. I just know that when it leaves the battery, it has to come back to the battery for it to work, even if via the body grounds. That keeps me safe and smoke-free.

Thanks for the tip.



Bill
 
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