Series circuit
A series circuit has one path, so the same current flows through every part. You add heaters to the loop and watch them share the 240 volts.
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What to try
- 1Start on Three and read the meter on each heater. Each one gets part of the 240 volts, and together they add up to 240.
- 2Set Heaters in the loop to One. There is less resistance in the loop, so more current flows.
- 3Set it back to Three and set Heater 2 to Burned open. The current stops everywhere, but the wires are still live.
NEC 2026 sections it covers
- 200.8(C)(1)
- A white wire used as a hot is re-marked with tape at both ends.
Section numbers only. Read the full text in your code book. Temperatures and times in the visual are teaching models.
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More visuals
- A circuit is a loopCurrent flows only when it has a full path out and back. Open the switch or break a wire and watch it stop.
- Conductors and insulatorsPut copper, aluminum, rubber, or skin on the meter and see how hard each one makes it for current to get through.
- Volts, amps, and ohmsChange the voltage or the heater and watch the amps follow. Amps equal volts divided by ohms.