Technician Handbook 623 Electrical Circuit Diagnosis Effects of Current Flow Electrical current flowing through a device can be converted into motion, light, heat, chemical energy, or electromagnetic force. Motion – Current flowing through an electric motor is converted to rotary motion. Light – Resistance to current flow causes the filament to glow in an electric light bulb. Heat – In a cigarette lighter or a rear window de-fogger, electrical energy is converted to thermal energy (heat). High current can also melt the metal strip in a fuse, causing it to blow.
Chemical Energy – When charging a battery, electrical current causes a chemical reaction in the battery resulting in it building up a stored charge. Electromagnetic Force – Current flowing through a coil of wire creates an electromagnetic field that can activate a relay or a solenoid. 10 Technical Training