30 Electrical Power Systems Technology
OVERVIEW OF ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) CIRCUITS
The following discussion provides an overview of the three basic
types of alternating current (AC) circuits. These basic circuits are: (1) resis-
tive, (2) inductive, and (3) capacitive. The basic characteristics of each of
these circuits should be examined to gain a fundamental understanding of
electrical power systems.
Figure 2-8. Electrical circuits and systems: (A) Circuits have a source and a load;
(B) Circuits have an input and an output; (C) Circuits are a part of any electri-
cal system.