Wiring Harness and CircuitsThe flow of electricity depends upon a closed-loop path-a complete circuit. Electrical current flows through wires to the consumer, a light bulb for example, and back to the battery in a complete circuit. The electrical route back to the source, which completes the circuit, is called a path to ground. Every consumer of electrical power in the car must have a source of power and a path to ground in order to operate. In this manual, the electrical circuits are represented by current flow diagrams which illustrate electrical current flow from voltage source to ground for each circuit. Commonly, the electrically conductive metal structure of the automobile is used as a ground path. The negative (-) terminal of the battery connects to the car body, and all of the electrical consumers in the car make a ground connection to the car body, thus eliminating the need for many feet of additional wire. Electrical components near the engine are often grounded directly to the engine, which is then grounded to the body. Some components are grounded through their housings which are bolted to a ground. Electrically, the effect is the same. |
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