What is the structure of an automotive electrical circuit?
2 Answers
An automotive electrical circuit consists of a power source, circuit protection devices, control devices, and electrical equipment. The power source mainly includes two components: the battery and the generator, whose function is to ensure the continuous and stable operation of all electrical equipment in the vehicle under various conditions. Circuit protection devices primarily consist of fuses, circuit breakers, and fusible links, which serve a protective role in the circuit. Control devices mainly include various manual switches, pressure switches, temperature control switches, electronic control units, etc., functioning as switches and controllers. Electrical equipment mainly comprises motors, solenoid valves, light bulbs, instruments, various electronic control devices, and some sensors, primarily used to connect other components of the circuit.
The car's electrical circuit is like the nervous system of the vehicle, transmitting electricity to every corner. The core components are the power supply system composed of the battery and alternator, responsible for providing electricity around the clock. The dense wiring harness throughout the vehicle connects all devices like blood vessels, while switches act like nerve endings controlling loads such as headlights and air conditioning. The crucial protective role is played by fuses and relays, which trip and cut off current in case of a short circuit to prevent vehicle fires. With technological advancements, many new car models incorporate complex control modules that use CAN bus data transmission to coordinate functions—this communication system is smarter and more efficient than traditional wiring. Although the overall structure is complex, ordinary car owners can diagnose common issues by knowing the basic components, such as the location of the fuse box, which is quite important.
