Difference between Transistors and Thyristors

Transistors and thyristors are semiconductors switching devices. They are used for controlling current flow in circuits. They play a very important role in all power conversion devices. In this article let us compare and understand the difference between transistors and thyristors. The key difference between Transistors and thyristors Transistor Thyristor Basic Structure A transistor is … Read more

The difference between kVA and kVAR

The difference between kVA and kVAR is pretty simple. “kVA” is the unit of apparent power whereas “kVAR” is the unit of reactive power. Before getting into the topic, we recommend you to understand apparent power and reactive power better, by reading this: Real, Reactive, Complex, and Apparent power. Now, let us compare both of … Read more

Drawout circuit breaker positions and indications explained

Several operating indications can be seen on the front of an ACB or MCCB. Being an electrician or an engineer it is important that one must understand those indication and circuit breaker positions. Each of those indications has some critical information regarding the current state of the circuit breaker. The following are the three most … Read more

What is PIV rating in a diode?

PIV stands for ‘Peak Inverse Voltage’. It refers to the maximum reverse bias voltage a semiconductor diode or other semiconductor devices can withstand without damaging themselves. The peak inverse voltage is also known as peak reverse voltage. PIV rating of a diode is temperature-dependent. It increases with an increase in temperature and decreases with a … Read more

Difference between resistance and impedance

When we speak about DC electricity, resistance is the term used to refer to opposition to current flow whereas impedance is the term used in AC electricity. Impedance is basically a combination of resistance and reactance. Here is the difference between resistance and impedance. Resistance Resistance is the term used to denote the opposition to … Read more

Difference between EMF and Voltage

The difference between EMF and voltage is that the EMF is the potential difference measured across a power source without a load connected to it whereas voltage is the potential difference measured between any two points in a circuit. We use the term EMF when we speak about batteries, generators, transformers, and other power sources … Read more

Difference between volts and amps | Volts vs amps

Volts and amps or ampere are two measures of electricity. Specifically, voltage is the measure of electric potential difference between two points whereas ampere is the measure of electric current. They are closely related terms and can be a bit difficult to understand. In this article, let’s learn the difference between volts and amps. What … Read more

Differences between resistance and resistivity

Understanding the differences between resistance and resistivity is very important as they are closely related. This article aims to bring you clarity on resistance and resistivity by comparing each of their properties, definitions and formula. Introduction Every object posses some amount of opposition to the flow of electric current. If the object is a conductor, … Read more

Ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) and Service breaking capacity (Ics) – IEC 60947-2

Circuit breakers are devices that can protect circuits or loads during overloads and short circuit. The reliability of the circuit breakers during short circuits is determined by Ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) and Service breaking capacity (Ics) ratings. These ratings are mentioned in IEC/EN 60947-2. Definition of Ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) The term Ultimate breaking capacity … Read more

Difference between current transformers and Potential transformers

Current transformers (CT) and Potential Transformers (PT) are instrument transformer types used to step down transmission or distribution line voltages and current to the level that can be measured using measurement devices or controlled using control devices. The principle of operation of a certain type of CT and PT is similar to power transformers. Here … Read more