Electronics 101: Learn Electronics as a Beginner & Expand Your Knowledge

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A beginner’s guide to pursuing a career or hobby in electronics
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Electronics, the science of controlling electricity, is less difficult to learn than you may think. You can start learning electronics right away by reading up on electrical currents and circuits. For a more hands-on approach, you can order building kits or make your own circuits. This wikiHow article teaches you the basics of learning electronics, with expert tips from master electrician Jesse Kuhlman.

How to Start Learning Electronics

Read beginner's electronics books and tutorials and try some DIY electronics projects at home. Get familiar with the basics, such as how current flows through a circuit, and the differences between voltage, amperage, resistance, and wattage. Practice building circuits from schematics and making your own.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Learning the Basics

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  1. Visit your local library or a bookstore to begin reading about electronics. Even older books have a lot of information about electrical circuits and how they work. Use it to study the basics before you start building your own circuits. [1]
    • Try books like Make: Electronics , The Art Of Electronics , or Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits .
    • Interested in becoming an electrician? Kuhlman recommends choosing an area to focus on (residential, commercial, or industrial) and then checking out the individual specialties within each area. [2]
  2. Search your phone’s Play Store to find several informative, hands-on apps. Some apps teach you the basics of electronics, while others let you design your own circuit board using a touchscreen.
    • For example, you can try Electronics Basics or ElectroDroid.
    • EveryCircuit allows you to design and simulate circuits. You can download the mobile app or access the online app via a web browser on your computer.
    • When you are ready for something more advanced, KiCad is free software you can download to design circuit boards professionally, printed circuit boards, and schematics.
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  3. An electrical current consists of electrons, the negatively charged particles in atoms. In a current, the electrons flow from a negative source, such as a battery terminal. Then, they flow through a conductor, such as a wire, and return to the positive terminal. [3]
  4. 4
    Learn how to control the flow of current through a circuit. Four main concepts determine how current flows through a circuit. They are voltage, amperage, resistance, and wattage.
    • Voltage: Voltage measures the force needed to make a current flow through a circuit. In a circuit, the electrons accumulate near the battery’s negative terminal. Energy is required to get the current to flow through the circuit, and this measurement is the voltage.
    • Amperage: Amperage is the rate at which electricity flows through a circuit. The higher the amperage (or amps), the more electrons can flow through the circuit.
    • Resistance: As current flows through a circuit, different electric components and even wires add resistance to the current, slowing it down. Going with Kuhlman's water hose analogy, resistance would be like kinking the hose or adding a nozzle that restricts the water flow. Resistance is measured in Ohms (Ω).
    • Wattage: Wattage (watts) is the total amount of electricity a device consumes. Different electronic devices consume different amounts of electricity. A light bulb can consume between 40 to 100 watts. A vacuum cleaner can consume between 400 to 900 watts. You can find out how much wattage a device consumes by multiplying the voltage by the amperage.
  5. Electrical diagrams and schematics use symbols to denote components. Before you can copy one to build your circuit, find out what the symbols mean. Search online for a list of symbols used as shorthand in diagrams. [5]
    • The straight lines are wires. A battery is represented by a + sign followed by a long and short straight line.
    • Diodes, for example, are represented by triangles. Resistors are represented by squares or jagged lines.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Mastering the Tools

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  1. A multimeter is a handy way to measure the different forces that make up an electrical charge. It’s helpful to have one on hand to test the current in any electrical circuit. Get one that measures the current, voltage, and resistance. [6]
    EXPERT TIP

    Jesse Kuhlman

    Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
    Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.
    Jesse Kuhlman
    Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

    Modern multimeters are easy to use. All newer multimeters have an amperage setting and a voltage setting, and when you switch it to that, it will display a number that is in amperage or in voltage. It'll be easy to read.

  2. Resistors are small tubes on wires. They don’t actively do anything but are important in limiting the electrical current. Without a resistor, the electrical current can become too strong and ruin other components. [7]
    • For example, attaching an LED to a circuit may burn out if the voltage is too strong. Adding a resistor before the LED can reduce the voltage flowing through the LED.
    • You can usually identify how much resistance a resistor adds to the circuit by the color-coded bands or number code printed on the resistor.
  3. Capacitors are the opposite of resistors. Instead of limiting the flow, they encourage it by storing a little bit of electricity. This way, if the power is disrupted, the circuit continues to work. Using the water hose analogy again, a capacitor is like a water tank. When a water tank is full, water will continue to flow, even if you cut the water flow going into the tank, at least until the tank is empty.
    • Capacitors can be used to temporarily store energy, smooth out voltage spikes and interruptions, as well as for timing.
    • For example, if you unplug your computer, the capacitors will ensure the electrical current runs smoothly from the battery.
    • Capacitors are often used in clocks and timers because the rate at which they charge and discharge is consistent time. [8]
    • Capacitors come in a variety of sizes. The marking on the side of the capacitor indicates the voltage a capacitor can handle and the capacitance. Capacitance is measured in farads (F) or microfarads (μF).
    • Warning: Capacitors can discharge electricity, causing electric shock. Always handle capacitors with care and never touch the metal terminals.
    • Warning: If you apply more voltage than the capacitor can handle, the capacitor will explode.
  4. These components have + and - terminals that help conduct electricity. When activated, electricity flows through one end and out the other. Diodes have two ends, while transistors have three.
    • Diodes are used to make an electrical current flow in one direction only.
    • Diodes have a role to play in converting AC electricity into DC, extracting audio signals from radio waves, and converting sunlight into electricity in a solar panel. [9]
    • Transistors are like switches that change the direction of a current.
    • Transistors can be used to create logic gates, which compare multiple input signals to create a different output signal. This is the basis of modern computing. A modern computer CPU has millions or even billions of microscopic transistors.
    • Transistors are also used in amplification. For example, in an FM radio, transistors can convert a weak radio signal into a signal strong enough to output to a speaker.
  5. For basic electrical work, you will need a wire cutter and a wire stripper from a hardware store. To do this, cut the wires to the length first. Then, strip about 1 ⁄ 4  in (0.64 cm) of insulation off the ends before connecting them to components.
    • To work with the wire, hold the exposed ends against the components or tape them in place. If you use a breadboard, simply push the exposed end into the hole.
    • When you first begin, you do not need to learn how to solder.
  6. Electrical wires are generally all copper. However, they are cased in different colors of plastic to distinguish their uses. Always connect like wires together. Use black and red wires to power your circuits. [10]
    • Black wires are the main current conductors in a circuit. Red wires are secondary carriers.
    • Blue and yellow wires are uncommon but are used to carry electricity in complex circuits.
    • White and gray wires are considered neutral because they conduct unused electricity.
    • Green wires are grounding wires which bring the current to the ground for safety.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Getting Hands-On Experience

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  1. Search for circuit diagrams online to find a few simple ones you can attempt to build on your own. Read the diagram to figure out what components you need. Then, build the circuit so it looks like the diagram. It will help give you an idea of how a circuit works. [11]
    • It is best to start with a smaller circuit. Pick one with few branching lines and available components like a battery and light bulb.
  2. Gather two copper wires, a fresh battery, and a light bulb. Set the components on a table, then hold the wires to connect the battery terminals to the bulb’s metal base until the light bulb lights up. [12]
    • You can light the bulb with only these components.
    • The electrical current flows from the negative terminal to the positive one, passing through the light bulb along the way.
    • Seeing this closed loop make your light bulb come to life can give you a better understanding of how electricity moves in a circuit.
  3. Go online to find a variety of beginner kits for electronics. A wide variety of kits are available, each one packaged with the parts to complete a simple product. This is a good way to begin learning about electronics without building your own circuit board.
    • For example, an educational rover is a small, pre-built robot. It is used to learn some basic customization and programming techniques.
  4. Arduino boards are inexpensive circuit boards used in most electronic projects. These are included in any kits you buy, but you can also purchase them separately online. They are beginner-friendly, so try using one to build some basic circuits and projects. Breadboards are blank circuit boards with a series of holes that you can put electronics components in. [13]
    • A typical starter project is the “blinking light,” which teaches you how to make an LED light blink with some simple Arduino programming on your computer.
    • If you don’t want to purchase a kit, you can start with an Arduino board and a USB cable. Connect the board to your computer and download the Arduino software online.
  5. A breadboard is a way to build a circuit without soldering. It looks like a piece of plastic with a bunch of holes in it. Push the wires and electronic components into the holes to connect them in a circuit. Connect the wires to an Arduino board or battery to create an electrical current. [14]
    • Try activating an LED light using the breadboard. You will need wire, an LED, a resistor, and an Arduino board. You can order all these parts online.
  6. Once you are comfortable building circuits, come up with a few projects you would like to make, such as an alarm or sensor. Schematics are design diagrams that show you how to build a project. Many schematics can be found by searching online.
    • For example, type “blinking light schematic” to find a few ways to build a circuit with a blinking LED light.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Advancing Your Knowledge

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  1. No matter what age you are, you can find a class that will help you get started with electronics. Look online for introductory classes in electronics or electrical engineering. You may even find some in your area.
    • Once you get started, you can move on to more advanced classes or practice making your own electrical circuits.
    • Some high schools and colleges offer courses on these subjects.
    • Also, look for free online courses on sites like Coursera or edX.
  2. 2
    Get a job working for a company that does electrical work. According to Kuhlman, the best way to learn about the electrical field is to get a job in the area you want to work. "Think about what kind of setting you want to be in," he says. "Do you see yourself working in homes? Offices? What about big warehouses? Do you like working outside? Once you decide on a direction, find a company that does that kind of work and get started. [15]
  3. Give your electronics directions by installing a microcontroller. This is a small computer chip that fits on your circuit board. Using one involves studying a computer programming language like C or C++, then typing out code through your computer.
    • Arduino is a simple way to program microcontrollers for beginners. Plug the Arduino board into your computer, then download the Arduino software to begin coding.
    • Raspberry Pi is another great way to learn how to program computers. Raspberry Pi are single-board computers that run Linux. You can use them to create a variety of computer-based electronics . [16]
  4. Download a simple, free design program like Fritzing on your computer. Use the program to put together your own custom electrical circuit. This helps you understand electrical circuits and schematics better. Also, you can use the program to design something unique to build.
    • You can also use more complicated PCB design software like Eagle and KiCad.
    • Once you have made a circuit, you can send it to a prototype manufacturer for printing.
  5. Deconstruct an old TV, toaster, or another device. Use it to study the electrical components inside. Then, try putting it back together again. You can also attempt to fix broken devices to get a better understanding of how the components work. [17]
    • Take precautions to avoid electrical shock .
    • Get permission before working on any devices you don't own.
  6. Practice soldering wires and electronics . As you progress, you will eventually need to connect wires or fasten them to electrical boards. With a soldering iron, you can glue components together by heating tin soldering material. This helps you create better electrical circuits that last longer. [18]
    • Breadboards are easy to use, but the connections fall out over time.
    • Remember to take precautions when working with a hot iron and metal. Never leave the iron on or place it on a flammable surface.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What tools do I need to become an electrician?
    Jesse Kuhlman
    Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
    Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.
    Jesse Kuhlman
    Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
    Expert Answer
    The basic tools will be hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, strippers, and cable cutters; power tools like drills, screw guns, a sawzall, and a skill saw; and a multimeter.
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      Tips

      • Start with the basics. It can take a while to understand how electronics work, but it gets easier the more you practice.
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      • Build your own circuits when you can. Hands-on experience is often very helpful in understanding how electronics work.
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      • Once you learn how to build your own circuit, you can wire in sound chips, memory chips, and all sorts of special parts to build unique electrical gadgets.
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      Warnings

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      Things You’ll Need

      • Multimeter
      • Wire strippers
      • Electronics kit
      • Arduino board
      • Breadboard
      • USB cable
      • Computer

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      References

      1. ↑ https://boingboing.net/2015/11/10/the-best-book-on-learning-elec.html
      2. ↑ Jesse Kuhlman. Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric. Expert Interview. 29 April 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/53889-electric-current.html
      4. ↑ Jesse Kuhlman. Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric. Expert Interview. 29 April 2020.
      5. ↑ https://startingelectronics.org/beginners/read-circuit-diagram/
      6. ↑ https://sciencing.com/what-is-basic-electronics-13580662.html
      7. ↑ https://sciencing.com/what-is-basic-electronics-13580662.html
      8. ↑ https://www.albert.io/blog/what-does-a-capacitor-do/
      9. ↑ https://www.matsusada.com/column/words_diode.html
      1. ↑ https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/reference/chpt-2/wiring-color-codes/
      2. ↑ http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/Lesson-2/Requirements-of-a-Circuit
      3. ↑ http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/Lesson-2/Requirements-of-a-Circuit
      4. ↑ https://circuitdigest.com/article/different-types-of-arduino-boards
      5. ↑ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/how-to-use-a-breadboard
      6. ↑ Jesse Kuhlman. Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric. Expert Interview. 29 April 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.raspberrypi.com/for-home/
      8. ↑ https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-05-21-making-by-breaking-why-taking-things-apart-is-essential-to-making-them-work
      9. ↑ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/how-to-solder

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