Otis Singleton
The electric house project involves designing and constructing a model house with working lights and switches. The house will consist of one or two stories, with rooms such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and porch. Each room will be illuminated by its own light and powered by separate series, parallel, and complex circuits. The project aims to teach students about electrical theory and basic circuitry. Teams will be provided with materials for the house frame, glue, tools, decorations, and furniture, but must follow a strict timeline and set of circuit specifications to complete the project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of stories | 1 or 2 |
| Rooms | Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, porch |
| Illumination | Each room will have its own light |
| Team | Will provide materials for the house frame, glue, tools, decorations, and furniture |
| Supplies | Small light bulbs, paper clips, brads to create switches |
| Circuitry | Separate series, parallel, and complex circuits |
| Timeline | Available via link |
| Circuit specifications | Available via link |
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What You'll Learn
Constructing circuits: series, parallel, and complex
There are two fundamental ways to connect more than two circuit components: series and parallel. These two basic connection methods can be combined to create more complex series-parallel circuits.
A series circuit is defined by its components being connected end-to-end in a line, forming a single path for the current to flow through the circuit. Each component in a series circuit shares one electrical node with its nearest neighbour. The current that flows through each of the components is the same, and the voltage across the circuit is the sum of the individual voltage drops across each component. In a series circuit, every device must function for the circuit to be complete. If one bulb burns out, the entire circuit is broken.
In a parallel circuit, all components are connected between the same set of electrically common points. This means that the same voltage is dropped across all components in a parallel circuit. There are many paths for the current to flow, but only one voltage across all components. In a parallel circuit, each light bulb has its own circuit, so all but one light could be burned out, and the last one will still function.
In a series-parallel circuit, the rules for voltage, current, and resistance cannot be applied across the entire circuit. Instead, the circuit must be analysed in stages, with the rules being applied to each part of the circuit individually.
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Electrical theory and basic circuitry
Building an electric house project requires a foundational understanding of electrical theory and circuitry. Electric circuit theory is a fundamental aspect of electrical engineering, underpinning the design, manufacturing, and troubleshooting of electronic devices and systems.
An electric circuit is a pathway for an electric current to flow from one point to another. Circuits can range from small electronic chips to large power grids, and they are composed of various components that facilitate the flow of electrical current. These components can be broadly categorized into passive and active elements.
Passive components consume electric power without introducing net energy into a circuit. Examples of passive components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors. On the other hand, active components control and influence the flow of current. They can amplify, inject, or produce a power gain in the circuit. Transistors, thyristors, and triode vacuum tubes are examples of active components.
Additionally, it is essential to understand the parameters of electric circuits, namely current and voltage. Current refers to the flow of electrons through a circuit, measured in Amperes (A). Voltage, on the other hand, represents the potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of a voltage source, and it can be either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). AC sources, such as power from the grid or generators, produce voltages that periodically change direction.
Understanding the different types of circuits is also crucial. A commonly used circuit in industrial construction projects is the dedicated circuit, which provides power to a specific appliance or device, such as refrigeration units or HVAC systems. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the distinction between closed and open circuits. A closed circuit is uninterrupted, allowing current to flow continuously, while an open circuit has no power flowing through it at a given moment.
Lastly, familiarizing yourself with common circuit components is essential. Conductors, such as copper or aluminum wire, have low resistance to electrical current. Insulators, like rubber or plastic, exhibit high resistance to current flow. Switches, fuses, circuit breakers, transformers, and other components play vital roles in controlling, protecting, and regulating electrical circuits.
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House design: one or two stories
When designing your electric house, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to build a one-story or a two-story home. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, so it's important to carefully consider your needs and preferences.
One-story homes have long been popular, particularly in the post-war era when they represented the fulfilment of the American dream. Even today, they hold plenty of charm for Americans. One-story homes are generally easier to maintain and repair, as there is only one level to consider. They can also be more accessible for elderly or disabled family members, as everything is on the ground floor. Additionally, one-story floor plans often allow for large living areas and an open-plan layout with great flow.
However, if you're working with a smaller lot size, a two-story home might be a better option, as it allows you to build upwards instead of outwards. Two-story homes can also offer better views, which can add value to your property. They can provide more privacy for family members and allow for more flexible layouts. If you have children, the extra space and separation afforded by a two-story home might be ideal.
It's worth noting that building a two-story home is generally more expensive than a one-story home of a comparable size, and energy efficiency may be impacted by the design.
Ultimately, the decision between a one-story and a two-story house depends on your personal preferences, your budget, and the specific needs of your family. Consider factors such as privacy, accessibility, views, and maintenance when making your choice.
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Room planning: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc
When planning the layout of your rooms, it's important to start with a blank canvas and plan around the function of the room. This will help you identify the essentials and how to incorporate them into the space. For example, in a bedroom, you'll need to accommodate sleeping, lounging, and perhaps a workspace. In a kitchen, on the other hand, you'll want to focus on creating an efficient circulation that doesn't interfere with other rooms. This might involve connecting the kitchen to the hallway, garage, and backyard to free up the furniture layout in other rooms.
Consider using floor-planner software or drawing it out on paper to map out the walls, windows, and doors of each room. This will help you visualize where you can place furniture and fixtures. For instance, in a bedroom, you'll need to account for radiators, fireplaces, and plug sockets, which may dictate where you position your bed and other furniture.
In a bathroom, consider including a "wet room" with a floor drain and a showerhead for rinsing off muddy shoes or washing pets. This can be placed in a mudroom, which is useful if you have a lot of outdoor gear and don't want people traipsing through the main living areas. If you have a large family or entertain guests often, you may also want to create defined "zones" within open-plan areas to provide a sense of separation for different activities.
Don't be afraid to start from scratch and move away from preconceived notions of how a room should be laid out. Focus on what works best for your lifestyle and the activities you need to accommodate. For example, if you have children, you may need to incorporate a play area into your living room or bedroom.
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Materials: frame, glue, tools, decorations, furniture
Frame
The frame of your electric house project should be made from sturdy materials to ensure that it will withstand wear and tear and require fewer repairs. You can use wood, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to build the frame. Mark out the location of the floor and ensure it is square with the foundation. Fasten the sill plates with anchor bolts and attach the rim joists. Nail the floor joists and cover them with subflooring, using wood glue between the plywood panels and joists to prevent squeaking.
Glue
When it comes to glue, you have several options. For a quick bond and small applications, super glue is ideal, but it can make clear glass cloudy. Craft bond is a versatile adhesive that can be used for a wide range of projects, but it may drip if not careful. Wood glue is perfect for bonding joints that need time to dry, and it can be used with masking tape for temporary holding. For a non-permanent solution, white tack is useful and leaves no residue, but it may not be strong enough for heavier items.
Tools
The tools you will need include measuring tools, such as a tape measure or ruler, to ensure accurate dimensions. A saw will be necessary to cut the wood to size, and a nail gun or hammer and nails for fastening the frame together. You may also need a stapler for connecting walls and floors, and a knife or blade for cutting thin pieces of wood for windows and doors.
Decorations
Decorations can be affixed using adhesives such as glue or Mod Podge, which is excellent for installing flooring or wallpaper. For temporary decorations, white tack can be used without leaving residue or damaging delicate items.
Furniture
Furniture can be crafted from scrap wood and painted with various colours to add a realistic touch. Hot glue is useful for quickly connecting small pieces of furniture. You can create simple pieces such as a desk, stool, bookcase, and miniature books to decorate your electric house.
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Frequently asked questions
The objective of the electric house project is to design and construct an electric house with separate series, parallel, and complex circuits. Each house will have one or two stories and will contain at least one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, and a porch.
Each room in the house must be illuminated by its own light. The team working on the project will need to provide the materials for the house frame, glue, additional tools, decorations, and furniture.
The house will be wired with five different circuits. The specific circuit specifications can be found by clicking on the provided link.
