CHAPTER 3

Basic Electronic Circuit Components

3.1 Wires, Cables, and Connectors

Wires and cables provide low-resistance pathways for electric currents. Most electrical wires are made from copper or silver and typically are protected by an insulating coating of plastic, rubber, or lacquer. Cables consist of a number of individually insulated wires bound together to form a multiconductor transmission line. Connectors, such as plugs, jacks, and adapters, are used as mating fasteners to join wires and cable with other electrical devices.

3.1.1 Wires

A wire's diameter is expressed in terms of a gauge number. The gauge system, as it turns out, goes against common sense. In the gauge system, as a wire's diameter increases, the gauge number decreases. ...

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