k0ua
Epic Contributor
And just to add some fat to the fire, I am going to state that electricity does not JUST take the path of least resistance, electricity takes all paths. Yes I know I just contradicted an old rule, but I say the old rule attempts to simplify a complex issue. I say electricity takes all paths and the amount of current that flows in each path is inversely proportional to the resistance of each path. For example, if you place 2 resistors in parrallel lets say a 1 ohm resistor and a 100 ohm resistor and apply 10 volts DC across them there will be a current flow in each resistor not just a current flow in the 1 ohm resistor. Yes much more current will flow in the 1 ohm resistor, ( 10 amps of current in this case and this is what most people would call a short) than in the 100 ohm resistor but you still have some current flowing in the 100 ohm resistor ( .1 amps in this case ). If a voltage is applied across a resistor and current is flowing thru it, then power is being dissapated in that resistor (P=EI) I am not saying that in practical life that you are going to fry your electronics by welding on some part of your tractor. Maybe you are and maybe you aint. What I am saying is that it is possible. And I am saying that electricity does NOT take the path of least resistance but it DOES take ALL resistive paths. Yes I know I come across in this discussion as speaking as an engineer without any practical experience and I am in no way trying to denigrate all of you guys with years of practical experience welding on things for a living, I am just attempting to set the record straight on using old simple rules to describe complex issues. Here is one link that does discuss this:
The Path of Least Resistance
Happy welding
James K0UA
The Path of Least Resistance
Happy welding
James K0UA