Safety and compliance are always top of mind for any professional working in the trades, especially for electricians, who are more at risk of facing potential electrical hazards, such as arc flashes, shocks, and breakdowns. Which is why it is essential to know what key electrical components to work with so that you can stay safe on the jobsite.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global electrical components market is on a steady growth path that’s projected to expand to over $293 million by 2033. As demand rises, it is essential for electricians to understand which commonly used devices are considered key electrical components and which categories they fall under based on their function.

Learn what key electrical components are, their functions, and the differences between passive and active devices. 

What are key electrical components and what do they do?

If you guessed that key electrical components help electricians maintain, control, and operate electrical charges, signals, currents, and connections, then you’d be correct. 

More specifically, they store, regulate, direct, switch, and amplify electrical energy depending on the type of electrical components and their assigned function. Each component is important. Every switch flipped, every fan that comes on, every charger that doesn’t overheat relies on these small parts to operate effectively.

Main types of key electrical components and their functions

There are two main types of key electrical components: passive and active. Passive electrical components hold and release energy.  The devices that fall under this category are resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. 

Resistors: Cap current flow and separate voltages in a circuit

Capacitors: Hold and release electrical charges in an electrostatic field

Inductors: Hold energy in a magnetic field and resist current changes

Transformers: Move electrical energy from circuit to circuit through the adjustment of voltage and current levels

Active electrical components generate and enhance the flow of electrical energy. The devices that fall under this category are transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits (ICs).

Transistors: A foundational element of modern electronics, this device enhances or switches electrical signals and power 

Diodes: If a current is only flowing in one direction, this device is the reason why

Integrated circuits (ICs): An industry term for miniature electronic circuits, a.k.a. microchips, that can have millions of transistors 

There are other types of key electrical components that fall into subcategories, such as electromechanical components (switches and relays) and electrical protection devices (fuses and circuit breakers). 

The key difference between passive and active electrical components 

As we’ve gone through the two main categories of electrical components, there is one key difference between them. 

Passive components don’t require external power sources because they operate based on energy that’s already there within a circuit without increasing or decreasing energy levels. Active components require an external power source (i.e., batteries) due to their ability to enhance or boost electrical signals.  

So, if you’re looking for devices to store and manage energy, you’re most likely looking for passive electrical components. If you need to generate, control, or increase energy, then active electrical components are for you. 

Stock up with City Electric Supply

Find some of these common electrical components and other jobsite essentials at your local City Electric Supply (CES) branch or online today.