Electrical Components Overview
1. Wire (Conductor Wire - Single Core / Multi-core / Flexible)
A wire is the most essential electrical component, used for conducting electric current
from one point to another.
It is made of highly conductive materials such as copper or aluminum to ensure
minimal resistance and maximum current flow.
The wire is insulated using PVC, rubber, or XLPE material to protect against electric
shock, short circuit, and environmental damage.
Based on construction, wires can be single-core (one conductor), multi-core (two or
more conductors), or flexible wires (stranded copper for easy bending).
Choosing the correct type and thickness of wire is important for safety and efficient
power transmission.
Types of Wires:
- Single-Core Wire: One conductor; used in control panels and simple circuits
- Multi-Core Wire: Two or more insulated conductors in one sheath; used in complex
circuits
- Flexible Wire: Made of thin copper strands; suitable for temporary wiring, gadgets, and
devices
- House Wiring Cable: PVC-insulated, often color-coded for phase, neutral, and earth
Specifications:
- Material: Copper / Aluminum
- Sizes: 1.5 mm², 2.5 mm², 4 mm², 6 mm², 10 mm²
- Voltage Rating: 240V / 415V
- Insulation: PVC / FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke)
- Standards: IS 694
Uses:
- Electrical wiring in homes and industries
- Power supply to fans, lights, sockets
- Inside appliances and switchgear
- Panels, meters, and distribution boards
2. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker - DP / TP / 4P)
An MCB is an automatic switching device that breaks the circuit during abnormal
conditions like overload or short circuit.
It is safer and reusable compared to fuses.
MCBs are commonly used in homes and industries for protection of circuits.
They are classified into types based on the number of poles like Double Pole (DP), Triple
Pole (TP), and Four Pole (4P).
Types:
- Double-Pole MCB (DP): Breaks both phase and neutral; ideal for single-phase safety
- Triple-Pole MCB (TP): Breaks all three phases; used in industrial 3-phase loads
- Four-Pole MCB (4P): Breaks all three phases and neutral; for total isolation
Specifications:
- Voltage: 240V (DP) / 415V (TP & 4P)
- Current Ratings: 6A, 16A, 32A, 63A, 100A
- Breaking Capacity: 6kA / 10kA
- Standard: IS/IEC 60898
- Operation: Thermal and magnetic tripping
Uses:
- DP: Homes, single-phase distribution, ACs, geysers
- TP: Motors, industrial machines, commercial 3-phase loads
3. Potentiometer
A potentiometer is a three-terminal adjustable resistor that works as a voltage divider.
By rotating or sliding its knob, it varies the resistance, thus controlling the output
voltage. It is widely used to adjust current and voltage in devices.
Types:
- Rotary Potentiometer: Round knob type, commonly used in volume control
- Slide Potentiometer: Linear movement, used in mixing consoles
Specifications:
- Resistance: 10kΩ, 50kΩ, 100kΩ
- Power Rating: 0.25W - 0.5W
- Material: Carbon track or wire-wound
- Mounting: PCB or panel mount
Uses:
- Volume control in audio devices
- Fan regulators
- Calibration in instruments
- Dimmer circuits
4. Glass Fuse
A glass fuse is a cylindrical device that protects circuits from overcurrent by melting its
wire element inside a transparent glass tube. It is useful in low-current devices for quick
replacement.
Types:
- Fast Blow Fuse: Reacts quickly to overcurrent
- Slow Blow Fuse: Delays blow, used for inrush current protection
Specifications:
- Voltage: 250V-415V
- Current Ratings: 0.5A to 10A
- Material: Glass body with copper/brass caps
- Wire Gauge: 18 SWG
Uses:
- Phone chargers
- Power adapters
- DC power supplies
- Protection for small circuits
5. Cartridge Fuse
Cartridge fuses are enclosed fuses with ceramic or glass bodies designed for
high-current applications. They are more durable and offer better arc quenching.
Types:
- HRC Fuse (High Rupturing Capacity)
- Rewirable Type (used in old domestic panels)
Specifications:
- Voltage: 415V
- Current Ratings: 6A - 100A
- Body: Ceramic or glass
- Filling: Quartz powder for arc suppression
Uses:
- Main distribution boards
- Motor protection
- Industrial machines
6. ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker)
ELCBs protect people from electric shocks by detecting leakage current to the ground
and disconnecting the supply instantly.
Types:
- Voltage ELCB: Detects voltage on the earth wire
- Current ELCB (RCCB): Detects leakage current
Specifications:
- Voltage: 240V - 415V
- Trip Sensitivity: 30mA, 100mA, 300mA
- Pole: 2P / 4P
- Frequency: 50Hz
Uses:
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Industrial plants
- Hospitals and schools
- Homes for child safety
7. Choke Coil
A choke coil (ballast) is an inductor used to limit the current in fluorescent tubes by
generating high starting voltage.
Types:
- Conventional Choke: Magnetic
- Electronic Choke: Lightweight and energy-efficient
Specifications:
- Voltage: 240V
- Power: 40W
- Frequency: 50Hz
Uses:
- Tube lights
- Discharge lamps
- HID lights
8. Starter
A starter is used in tube lights to preheat the filament and trigger ignition in
coordination with the choke.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 230V - 250V
- Delay: 0.5 to 1 second
- Type: Glow-type
Uses:
- Fluorescent tube lamps
- Street lighting
9. Capacitor
A capacitor stores electrical energy and is used in single-phase motors and fans to
provide a phase shift for starting torque.
Types:
- Electrolytic Capacitor: Polarized, high capacity
- Oil-filled Capacitor: For heavy-duty use
Specifications:
- Capacitance: 2.25 μF - 100 μF
- Voltage Rating: 250V - 440V
- Material: Polypropylene or aluminum
Uses:
- Ceiling fans
- Induction motors
- AC compressors
10. Ceramic Resistor
Ceramic resistors are high-power resistors that can handle large amounts of heat. They
are used where regular resistors would fail due to overheating.
Specifications:
- Resistance: 5Ω - 100Ω
- Power Rating: 5W - 10W
- Tolerance: ±10%
Uses:
- Ballasts
- Power supplies
- Inrush current protection
11. Carbon Resistor
Carbon resistors are commonly used to control voltage and current in electronic
circuits. They are cheap and widely available.
Specifications:
- Resistance Range: up to 1MΩ
- Tolerance: ±5%
- Material: Carbon film
Uses:
- Radios
- LED circuits
- Arduino projects
12. Switch (2P & 3P)
Switches are devices that make or break a circuit manually. Double pole (2P) controls
phase and neutral, while triple pole (3P) controls three phases simultaneously.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 240V (2P), 415V (3P)
- Current Rating: 10A - 32A
- Material: Bakelite or plastic
Uses:
- Home and industrial DBs
- Machine control
- Main isolator
13. Tester & Screwdriver
A tester is used to check live wires. A screwdriver is a tool used to open/close terminal
screws safely during wiring work.
Specifications:
- Voltage Range: 100V - 500V
- Blade Material: Chrome-vanadium steel
- Insulation: High-quality plastic
Uses:
- Fault detection
- Domestic wiring
- Terminal tightening
14. Ceramic Capacitor
Ceramic capacitors are small, non-polarized capacitors used in electronic circuits for
filtering, timing, and bypassing.
Specifications:
- Capacitance: 14pF - 100nF
- Voltage: 50V - 100V
- Material: Ceramic disc
Uses:
- Radios and TVs
- Oscillator circuits
- Noise filtering
15. Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch used to control large current circuits using
small control signals.
Specifications:
- Coil Voltage: 12V DC
- Contact Rating: 10A / 250V AC
- Type: SPDT / DPDT
Uses:
- Home automation
- Timers
- Motor starters
16. Relay (JQC-3FC T73)
This is a compact relay model widely used in control boards and logic circuits.
Specifications:
- Coil Voltage: 12V
- Contact Capacity: 17A / 250V AC
- Pins: 5-pin design
Uses:
- Inverters
- Smart home devices
- PLC panels
17. Multimeter (MECO 603 Junior)
A multimeter measures electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance. It
is a must-have tool for electricians and students.
Specifications:
- Voltage Range: 0 - 1000V DC / 0 - 750V AC
- Resistance: up to 2MΩ
- Display: Analog pointer
Uses:
- Circuit testing
- Repairing gadgets
- Lab experiments
18. Breadboard
A breadboard is a plastic board used for prototyping circuits without soldering. It allows
reusable connections and component testing.
Specifications:
- Points: 400 to 830
- Material: ABS plastic
- Power Rails: Yes
Uses:
- Student projects
- Arduino testing
- Mini electronics setups
19. Bulb Holder
A bulb holder provides mechanical support and electrical contact to a bulb. It holds and
powers bulbs in circuits and lamps.
Specifications:
- Types: B22 / E27
- Material: Brass contacts
- Voltage: 230V
Uses:
- Lamps
- Test boards
- Household wiring
20. Integrated Circuit (IC)
ICs are miniature electronic circuits printed on a chip. They perform tasks like
amplification, counting, and timing.
Common Types:
- 555 Timer
- 741 Op-Amp
- 74xx Logic Gates
Specifications:
- Package: DIP
- Pins: 8 / 14 / 16
- Power: 5V or ±15V
Uses:
- Timers
- Logic controllers
- Amplifiers
21. Indicator Light
An indicator is a small light used to show the status of electrical devices or panels.
Specifications:
- Colors: Red, Green, Yellow
- Voltage: 230V AC
- Type: LED or Neon
Uses:
- Control panels
- Machine ON/OFF status
- Power indication
22. Push Button
A push button is a spring-loaded switch that activates when pressed and returns when
released.
Specifications:
- Color: Red / Green
- Voltage: 240V
- Type: Momentary (NO/NC)
Uses:
- Start/Stop switches
- Alarm reset
- Motor control
23. Wire Cutter
A wire cutter is a hand tool used to cut and strip wires cleanly and safely.
Specifications:
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Material: High-carbon steel
- Grip: Insulated plastic
Uses:
- Wiring installation
- Cutting and stripping
- Maintenance work
24. MCB Box / Distribution Box
A distribution box holds MCBs, ELCBs, and wiring terminals in an organized and safe
manner.
Specifications:
- Material: Metal or plastic
- Capacity: 4-way, 8-way, 12-way
- Mounting: Flush or surface
Uses:
- Power distribution in homes
- Commercial panels
- Circuit protection systems
