Parallel Currents:

The sum of the currents flowing by every branch of a parallel circuit is equal to the total current flow in the circuit. By Using Ohm's Law, the branch current for a three branch circuit equals the applied voltage divided through the resistance as display in equations (2-6), (2-7), and (2-8).

Branch 1: I₁ = V₁/R₁ =V/R₁                                (2-6)

Branch 2: I₂ = V₂/R₂ =V/R₂                                (2-7)

Branch 3: I₃ = V₂/R₂ =V/R₂                                                (2-8)

Example:    Two resistors, every drawing 3A, and a third resistor, drawing 2A, are connected in equal across a 115 volt source in the Figure.  What is total current?

Figure: Example 1 Parallel Circuit

I_T =      I₁ +      I₂ +      I₃

I_T =      3A +    3A+     2A

I_T =      8A