Electrical Materials & Components

Electrical Materials:-Electrical materials are substances used in electrical systems to conduct, control, store, or block electricity. They are selected based on properties like conductivity, insulation strength, heat resistance, and durability.

1. Conducting Materials:- Conducting materials are materials that allow electric current to flow easily through them because they have a large number of free electrons.
2. Insulating Materials:- Insulating materials are materials that do not allow electric current to flow easily because they have very few or no free electrons. They are used to prevent leakage of current, protect users from electric shock, and ensure safety in electrical systems. Examples: Rubber, PVC, Glass, Porcelain, Mica
3. Semiconductor Materials:- Semiconductor materials are materials whose electrical conductivity lies between conductors and insulators. Their conductivity can be controlled by temperature, light, or impurities (doping).
4. Magnetic Materials:- Magnetic materials are materials that can be magnetized and are used to produce or carry magnetic flux in electrical and electronic devices.

Electrical Components:- Electrical components are devices used to control, protect, and utilize electrical energy in a circuit.

• Passive Components
  • Resistor: Limits current flow
  • Capacitor: Stores electrical energy (electric field)
  • Inductor: Stores energy in magnetic field
• Active Components
  • Diode: Allows current in one direction
  • Transistor: Used for switching & amplification
  • Integrated Circuit (IC): Miniature electronic circuit
• Switching & Control Components
  • Switch: Turns circuit ON/OFF
  • Relay: Electrically operated switch
  • Contactor: High-current switching device
• Protective Components
  • Fuse: Breaks circuit during overcurrent
  • MCB: Protects against overload & short circuit
  • RCCB: Protects from electric shock