Try books like Make: Electronics, The Art Of Electronics, or Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits. If you want to become a residential electrician, study the residential part of the most current NEC code book. [2] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 30 June 2020. For more resources, search online for informative websites and digital book copies.

For example, try Electronics Basics or ElectroDroid.

You can think of it like a faucet. When the faucet turns on, “water” is pushed through until it reaches the end of the pipe.

Think of it as pressure in a water tank. When water is drained from the tank, the pressure goes down and less water flows out.

For example, imagine water pipes of different sizes. Water faces more resistance flowing through the smaller pipe due to the lack of space.

The straight lines are wires. A battery is represented by a + sign followed by a long and short straight line. Diodes, for example, are represented by triangles. Resistors are represented by squares or jagged lines.

The current is the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is measured in amperes. A current’s voltage, measured in volts, is the pressure pushing the current along the circuit. Resistance indicates how much the circuit resists the flow of electricity. It is measured in ohms.

For example, if you attach an LED light to a circuit without a resistor, the light can burn out.

For example, if you unplug your computer, the capacitors will ensure the electrical current runs smoothly from the battery.

Diodes are used to make an electrical current flow in 1 direction only. Transistors are like switches that change the direction of a current.

To work with the wire, hold the exposed ends against the components or tape them in place. If you use a breadboard, simply push the exposed end into the hole. When you first begin, you do not need to learn how to solder.

Black wires are the main current conductors in a circuit. Red wires are secondary carriers. Blue and yellow wires are uncommon but are used to carry electricity in complex circuits. White and gray wires are considered neutral because they conduct unused electricity. Green wires are grounding wires which bring the current to the ground for safety.

It is best to start with a smaller circuit. Pick one with few branching lines and available components like a battery and light bulb.

You can light the bulb with only these components. The electrical current flows from the negative terminal to the positive one, passing through the light bulb along the way. Seeing this closed loop make your light bulb come to life can give you a better understanding of how electricity moves in a circuit.

For example, an educational rover is a small, pre-built robot. It is used to learn some basic customization and programming techniques.

A typical starter project is the “blinking light,” which teaches you how to make an LED light blink with some simple Arduino programming on your computer. If you don’t want to purchase a kit, you can get started with an Arduino board and a USB cable. Connect the board to your computer and download the Arduino software online.

Try activating an LED light using the breadboard. You will need wire, an LED, a resistor, and an Arduino board. . All of these parts can be ordered online.

For example, type “blinking light schematic” to find a few ways to build a circuit with an blinking LED light.

For example, if you want to work outdoors, you might enjoy working for a company that does solar installation. [16] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 30 June 2020.

Arduino is a simple way to program microcontrollers for beginners. Plug the Arduino board into your computer, then download the Arduino software to begin coding.

You can also use more complicated PCB design software like Eagle and KiCad. Once you have made a circuit, you can send it to a prototype manufacturer for printing.

Take precautions to avoid electrical shock. Get permission before working on any devices you don’t own.

Once you get started, you can move on to more advanced classes or practice making your own electrical circuits. Some high schools and colleges offer courses on these subjects. Also look for free online courses on sites like Coursera or edX.

Breadboards are easy to use, but the connections fall out over time. Remember to take precautions when working with a hot iron and metal. Never leave the iron on or place it on a flammable surface.