4. Mixed circuit connection

A mixed circuit combines serial connections and parallel connections.

In the following circuit there is a general switch that is in series with the rest of the elements. This means that you can cut off current flow or let all the rest of the circuit pass:

_images/electric-simulador-mixto-01.png

S1, S2 and S3 switches are in series each of them with their corresponding L1, L2 and L3 lamp. That means that each of the switches can turn on or off each of its series lamps.

As the three branches switch-lampara are connected in parallel, each one works independently of the others, so they can be turned on or off without affecting the others.

Simulates the previous circuit in the online simulator to check its operation:

Switch with parallel lamps

In the following mixed circuit, a single switch allows the ignition or off of multiple lamps in parallel. This circuit is widely used to light many light points of a room or corridor from a single switch:

_images/electric-simulador-mixto-02.png

Simulates the previous circuit in the online simulator to check its operation:

Exercises

  1. What is a mixed circuit?
  2. When is it convenient to use a serial connection in a mixed circuit?
  3. When is it convenient to use a parallel connection in a mixed circuit?
  4. In the first circuit, what positions should the switches have to light only the L2 lamp?
  5. In the second circuit, what would happen if the L3 lamp is removed?