Automotive Electrical

Automotive electrical is the power, control, and distribution system that runs a vehicle’s components like engines, lights, and stereo systems. If you have a knack for troubleshooting problems, the auto electrical field may be your calling. Getting into this skilled trade requires a high school diploma and some on-the-job experience. You can also attend a vocational school program for more in-depth training and certification.

Electrical circuits run throughout the entire vehicle, with wires of varying thickness or gauge connecting them. Most of these wires are insulated and color coded for identification. Electrical wiring also includes connectors that connect to other components, and fuses protect them from overheating. If a component draws too much current, the fuse will blow to stop the flow of electricity and prevent a short.

A battery provides the initial electrical charge that powers all of a vehicle’s electrical systems. Its positive terminal is connected to a metal part of the car called the chassis or ground, which returns the electricity to the negative terminal via a wire. Then, the alternator generates high-amperage electricity to power other electrical devices and return to the battery to replenish its charge.

The alternator is driven by a belt, and it spins a cylindrical mass inside a stator, which creates an electromagnet that attracts electrons from the car’s metal parts. It then pushes them through a coil to power the relays and light bulbs, and return to the battery.