AC Fundamentals Review

Summary

This 54-minute DVD reviews the terms, concepts, and principles associated with alternating current. It explains how AC systems work and how they are affected by factors such as inductance and capacitance. It covers the differences between single-phase and three-phase systems, and ways in which three-phase systems can be connected.

Note: This DVD is similar to AC Concepts. It covers alternating current in general, while AC Concepts is slanted toward how AC is metered. Since alternating current is not an easy concept to grasp, watching both DVDs is often helpful.

Training Sessions

Alternating Current – 14 minutes Explains the differences between direct current and alternating current. Explains how current flow and polarity change in AC circuits. Explains what frequency is and how it is measured. Defines peak value, peak-to-peak value, and effective value with respect to AC voltage and current.

Inductance – 12 minutes Defines inductance and inductive reactance, and explains how inductive reactance limits current flow. Differentiates between in-phase and out-of-phase currents and voltages.

Capacitance – 10 minutes Defines capacitance and capacitive reactance. Names the basic components of a capacitor. Explains the effects of capacitance on current and voltage.

AC Power – 10 minutes Differentiates between true power, reactive power, and apparent power. Explains how power factor is used in calculating true power in AC circuits.

Single-Phase and Three-Phase Systems – 7 minutes Explains the difference between single-phase and three-phase AC systems. Shows how a three-wire single-phase AC system can supply two different voltages. Differentiates between delta-connected and wye-connected three-phase AC systems.

Support Materials Available

Student workbook, instructor guide.