Domestic Electric Circuits: Series vs Parallel | Advantages, Disadvantages, MCQs, Assertion Reason Q&A, Worksheet

ANAND CLASSES Study Material and Notes to learn the difference between series and parallel circuits in home wiring. Discover why parallel circuits are used in domestic electricity with detailed examples, advantages, disadvantages. It includes Q&A, FAQs, conceptual questions, MCQs with explanations, Do You Know?, a worksheet, test paper with marks distribution, and quick revision points. Ideal for Class 10 Science or competitive exam preparation like NEET, JEE Foundation, or school boards (CBSE/ICSE).

When planning electrical wiring for homes, buildings, or any indoor setup, we must decide how to connect the electrical appliances — should we use a series circuit or a parallel circuit?

🌟 What is a Series Circuit (Wiring)?

In a series circuit, all electrical components are connected end-to-end in a single loop or path. The same current flows through every component, and there is only one path for current to take.

👉 Everyday Example:

• Series circuits are commonly used in festival lights or decorative lighting.
• All bulbs are joined in one line, controlled by one switch.
• Example: Diwali lights or Christmas tree lights.

✅ Benefits of Series Circuits:

• Simple Design: Easy to set up and control using a single switch.
• Safe in low-power applications: Lower current flow makes it relatively safer.

❗Problem with Series Circuits:

• If one bulb fuses, the entire circuit breaks, and all other bulbs go off.
• It becomes very difficult to identify which bulb is faulty among hundreds.
• No individual control of devices is possible.

🏠 Why Series Circuits Are NOT Suitable for Home Wiring

Let’s understand this with the main disadvantages of using series circuits in homes.

❌ Disadvantages of Series Circuits in Domestic Wiring:

1. One Fault Affects Everything
   • If one appliance fails (gets fused), all others stop working.
   • This is highly impractical for home use.
2. No Individual Switch Control
   • All appliances share one common switch.
   • You can’t turn off the fan and keep the light on — they’ll turn off together.
3. Voltage is Divided
   • In a series connection, the supply voltage (220V) is shared by all appliances.
   • Example: If 3 bulbs are in series, each may get only around 73V, so they glow dimly.
   • Appliances won’t perform efficiently.
4. Increased Resistance, Reduced Current
   • The more devices you add in series, the higher the total resistance.
   • Result: Less current, which means high-power devices like heaters or ACs won’t work properly.

💡 What is a Parallel Circuit(Wiring)?

In a parallel circuit, each electrical appliance is connected separately to the main power supply. There are multiple paths for current to flow, and each device works independently.

👉 Example:

• This is how your home is wired.
• Each appliance — fan, light, fridge, AC — is connected in parallel and has its own switch.

✅ Advantages of Parallel Circuits:

1. Independent Working of Appliances
   • If one appliance fails, others keep working normally.
   • Example: If your room’s light fuses, the fan and TV still work.
2. Separate Control
   • Every device has its own switch.
   • You can turn appliances on or off independently, saving energy.
3. Full Voltage Supply to Each Appliance
   • Each device gets the full 220V from the power supply.
   • Appliances work at their maximum efficiency (bulbs glow brightly, fans run properly).
4. Lower Resistance, Higher Current Availability
   • The overall circuit resistance decreases.
   • High-power appliances like electric irons, geysers, air conditioners get the current they need and work smoothly.

🔍 Difference Between Series and Parallel Circuit (Wiring)

📘 Final Thoughts

• Use series circuits where simplicity and single control is required, like in festival lighting.
• Use parallel circuits for homes and offices, where appliances must work independently and efficiently.

✅ For safety and efficiency, all domestic electrical wiring is done using the parallel circuit system.

💬 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What is the main difference between series and parallel circuits?

Ans: In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end in a single path, so the same current flows through each. In a parallel circuit, each component is connected across the same voltage source, and current divides among them.

Q2. Why are series circuits not used for domestic wiring?

Ans: Because if one appliance fails, the entire circuit breaks and all appliances stop working. Also, voltage gets divided, and devices do not operate efficiently.

Q3. Why are parallel circuits preferred in homes?

Ans: Parallel circuits allow each appliance to get full voltage, can be operated independently with separate switches, and function even if one device fails.

Q4. What happens when one bulb fuses in a series circuit?

Ans: The entire circuit is broken, and all other bulbs go off.

Q5. What happens when one bulb fuses in a parallel circuit?

Ans: Only the fused bulb stops working; all other bulbs continue to glow.

Q6. Which circuit gives more brightness in bulbs — series or parallel?

Ans: Parallel circuit, because each bulb gets full voltage (220V).

Q7. Can we control each appliance individually in a parallel circuit?

Ans. Yes, each device has its own switch in a parallel setup.

🎯 Conceptual Questions with Answers

Q1. Explain why all electrical appliances in a home are connected in parallel.

Ans: Appliances are connected in parallel because:

• Each gets full 220V supply.
• Devices can be operated independently.
• One faulty device does not affect the others.
• High-power appliances can draw sufficient current.

Q2. In a series circuit, why do bulbs glow dimmer than in a parallel circuit?

Ans: Because voltage is divided among the bulbs in a series circuit, each receives less voltage and hence glows dimly.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of series connection in domestic circuits?

Ans:

• If one device fails, the entire system stops.
• No individual switch control.
• Voltage is not evenly distributed.
• High resistance and low current.

Q4. Give one real-life application of a series circuit and one of a parallel circuit.

Ans:

• Series Circuit: Decorative lighting like Diwali or Christmas lights.
• Parallel Circuit: Home electrical wiring system.

✅ MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) with Explanations

Q1. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of a series circuit in home wiring?
A. High resistance
B. Full voltage to each appliance
C. One switch for all appliances
D. If one device fails, all stop working
Answer: B
Explanation: In a series circuit, voltage is divided, not full. So, option B is not a disadvantage — it’s incorrect.

Q2. In a parallel connection, if one bulb fuses, what happens to the others?
A. They also stop working
B. They glow brighter
C. They continue to work
D. Circuit breaks completely
Answer: C
Explanation: Each bulb in parallel has its own path. So, one bulb fusing doesn’t affect others.

Q3. What is the advantage of a parallel circuit in terms of voltage?
A. Voltage gets divided
B. Appliances receive different voltages
C. Appliances get full voltage
D. Voltage becomes zero
Answer: C
Explanation: In parallel circuits, each device gets the same voltage as the power supply — 220V in homes.

Sure! Here are 10 additional MCQs (with answers and explanations) based on Series and Parallel Circuits in Domestic Wiring, ideal for Class 10 Science or foundational competitive exams like JEE/NEET:

Q4. In which type of circuit is the total resistance the sum of individual resistances?
A. Parallel circuit
B. Mixed circuit
C. Series circuit
D. Open circuit
Answer: C
Explanation: In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum: $R_{\text{total}} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \dots$

Q5. What type of wiring allows each appliance to operate independently?
A. Series
B. Parallel
C. Mixed
D. Closed
Answer: B
Explanation: In parallel circuits, each appliance has its own switch and can operate independently.

Q6. What happens to the overall resistance in a parallel circuit when more branches are added?
A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. Remains the same
D. Becomes infinite
Answer: B
Explanation: In a parallel connection, adding more branches decreases total resistance.

Q7. What is the nature of current in a series circuit?
A. Varies across appliances
B. Same through all components
C. Zero at some points
D. Depends on voltage only
Answer: B
Explanation: In a series circuit, the same current flows through all components.

Q8. Which of the following is a real-life application of series circuit?
A. Home lighting
B. Electric iron
C. Festival lights
D. Refrigerator
Answer: C
Explanation: Festival or decorative lights are often connected in series for single-switch control.

Q9. Why is voltage divided in a series circuit?
A. Because current is low
B. Due to resistance
C. Because there is only one path
D. Because all resistors share the voltage
Answer: D
Explanation: In a series circuit, total voltage is shared across all connected resistors.

Q10. What is the effect of increasing the number of bulbs in a series circuit?
A. Brightness increases
B. Brightness remains the same
C. Brightness decreases
D. Circuit short-circuits
Answer: C
Explanation: More bulbs = higher resistance = less current = lower brightness.

Q11. Which type of circuit maintains the same voltage across all devices?
A. Parallel
B. Series
C. Open
D. Mixed
Answer: A
Explanation: In parallel circuits, each device is connected across the same voltage source.

Q12. What would happen if all home appliances were connected in series?
A. Appliances would work faster
B. Devices would receive full voltage
C. Whole system would stop if one fails
D. Power consumption reduces
Answer: C
Explanation: In a series connection, a fault in one device breaks the entire circuit.

Q13. In domestic wiring, which type of connection is used for electric meter and fuse?
A. Parallel
B. Series
C. Both
D. Depends on voltage
Answer: B
Explanation: Electric meters and fuses are connected in series so they can monitor/control total current flow.

🔍 Assertion-Reason Based Questions

Q1.
Assertion (A): In a parallel circuit, each appliance receives the same voltage as the source.
Reason (R): In a parallel circuit, current is divided among the appliances.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: B
Explanation:

• A is true – In a parallel circuit, each branch is directly connected across the supply, so each appliance gets the same voltage.
• R is also true – Current gets divided depending on resistance in each branch.
• But R is not the reason for A. Voltage being equal in parallel is due to the structure of the connection, not current division.

Q2.
Assertion (A): In series circuits, the current across each component remains the same.
Reason (R): Series circuits have only one path for current to flow.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• In a series circuit, all components are in a single loop.
• Therefore, current has only one path and remains constant across all elements.
• So, R correctly explains A.

Q3.
Assertion (A): Series connection of electrical appliances is not suitable for homes.
Reason (R): In series circuits, if one appliance fails, the circuit is broken and all devices stop working.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• In a series connection, all devices share the same loop. If one breaks, the whole circuit is open.
• That’s why series connection is avoided in homes — and R correctly explains A.

Q4.
Assertion (A): The total resistance decreases in a parallel circuit when more appliances are added.
Reason (R): In parallel circuits, resistors are added reciprocally.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• In parallel: $$\frac{1}{R_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \dots$$
• As more resistors are added, the total resistance decreases.
• R is the correct explanation of A.

Q5.
Assertion (A): In a parallel circuit, high-power appliances like heaters can work efficiently.
Reason (R): In parallel circuits, each appliance receives less voltage than the power supply.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: C
Explanation:

• A is true – Parallel circuits allow high-power devices to draw enough current and operate properly.
• R is false – In parallel, each appliance gets full supply voltage (e.g., 220 V), not less.

Q6.
Assertion (A): Parallel circuits are preferred in household wiring.
Reason (R): In a parallel circuit, appliances can be switched on or off independently.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• Parallel circuits allow individual control over each appliance using separate switches.
• Hence, R correctly explains A.

Q7.
Assertion (A): The brightness of bulbs connected in series is less than those connected in parallel.
Reason (R): In series connection, the voltage is divided among the bulbs.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• In a series connection, voltage is divided among all bulbs, so each receives less voltage.
• Hence, bulbs glow dimmer.
• R correctly explains A.

Q8.
Assertion (A): If one bulb in a series circuit fuses, all other bulbs stop glowing.
Reason (R): In series circuits, current has only one path to flow through.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• If one component in a series connection fails, it breaks the only current path, and the entire circuit stops.
• R correctly explains A.

Q9.
Assertion (A): In a parallel circuit, total current is equal to the sum of current through individual branches.
Reason (R): Parallel circuits provide multiple paths for the current.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: A
Explanation:

• In parallel circuits: $$I_{\text{total}} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + \dots$$
• Since each branch draws its own current, total current is additive.
• R correctly explains A.

Q10.
Assertion (A): All electrical appliances in a house are connected in series to a single fuse.
Reason (R): A fuse is used to protect appliances by breaking the circuit in case of overload.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is false, but R is true.
D. A is true, but R is false.

✅ Answer: C
Explanation:

• A is false – Appliances are connected in parallel, not series.
• R is true – A fuse does protect against overload by breaking the circuit.
• So, A is false, but R is true.

💡 Do You Know?

• 🎉 Festival lights use series circuits so they can be controlled with one switch, but if one bulb fuses, the whole string goes off!
• 🏠 Your home uses parallel wiring so that devices like your fridge, TV, and lights work independently.
• 🔌 Voltage in India is 220V — and each appliance in a parallel circuit receives this full voltage!
• ⚡ In a series circuit, the resistance adds up, reducing current. But in parallel circuits, resistance decreases, allowing more current flow.

📝 Worksheet (Practice Questions)

Q1. Fill in the blanks:
a) In a series circuit, all components share the same ________.
b) In parallel circuits, the voltage across each appliance is ________.
c) Domestic electric wiring is always done in ________ connection.
d) In a series circuit, if one bulb blows out, ________.

Q2. True or False:
a) In a parallel circuit, all devices stop working if one fails.
b) Series circuit is suitable for home appliances.
c) Parallel circuits offer independent control.
d) Voltage gets divided in a series circuit.

Q3. Short Answer Questions:

1. Why do high-power appliances like geysers and ACs work well in parallel circuits?
2. What happens to the brightness of bulbs in a series circuit when more bulbs are added?

🧪 Test Paper (Marks Distribution)

Total Marks: 20 | Time: 30 minutes

Section A – MCQs (1 mark each) [4 Marks]

1. Which type of circuit is used in homes?
2. In series circuit, if one bulb fuses…
3. Voltage in parallel circuits is…
4. Resistance in series circuits is…

Section B – Very Short Answer (1 mark each) [4 Marks]
5. Name the circuit used in festival decoration.
6. How many paths does current have in a series circuit?
7. What is the voltage supplied to appliances in parallel?
8. Define domestic circuit.

Section C – Short Answer Questions (2 marks each) [6 Marks]
9. Write two differences between series and parallel circuits.
10. Why is series connection not preferred in domestic wiring?
11. Write any two advantages of parallel circuits.

Section D – Long Answer Question (6 marks) [6 Marks]
12. Explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel circuits in home wiring. Include examples.

✍️ Important Points for Quick Revision

• ⚡ Series Circuit: One path, same current, voltage divided, not used in homes.
• 💡 Parallel Circuit: Multiple paths, full voltage, appliances work independently — used in homes.
• ❌ Series circuits: No individual control, high resistance, dim bulbs.
• ✅ Parallel circuits: Efficient, safe, voltage uniformity, better for high-power devices.
• 🔌 Domestic wiring = parallel connection only