Parallel Voltage Calculator
Calculate total voltage in parallel circuits quickly and accurately
How the Parallel Voltage Calculator Works
In a parallel circuit, the voltage across all components is the same. This calculator helps you determine the common voltage when multiple voltage sources are connected in parallel.
Key Points:
- All voltage sources in parallel must have the same voltage in ideal conditions.
- If different voltages are connected in parallel, it can cause current flow between sources.
- This calculator assumes ideal conditions where all sources have equal voltage.
Calculation Formula:
For ideal parallel voltage sources: Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3 = … = Vn
If voltages differ, the calculator will show the average (for practical purposes).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I connect different voltages in parallel?
Connecting different voltage sources in parallel can cause current to flow between the sources, which may lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or damage to the components. In practice, the resulting voltage will be somewhere between the highest and lowest voltages, depending on the internal resistances.
Why is voltage the same in parallel circuits?
In parallel circuits, all components are connected to the same two points (nodes) of the circuit. This means they all share the same potential difference (voltage) between these two points, regardless of their individual characteristics.
Can I use this calculator for AC and DC voltages?
Yes, this calculator works for both AC and DC voltages. However, for AC voltages, the calculator assumes you’re inputting RMS values and that all sources are in phase. For complex AC systems with phase differences, more advanced calculations are needed.