CWEA Maintenance Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

A parallel circuit allows for more than one path for the current to flow. This means that if one path is obstructed or broken, the current can still flow through the other available paths. This characteristic is crucial in various applications, as it enhances reliability and redundancy; if one component fails, the circuit can continue to function through alternative routes.

In contrast, a series circuit has only one path for the current to travel, meaning that if any part of the circuit is interrupted, the entire current flow ceases. An open circuit is one that is incomplete, preventing current from flowing at all, and a short circuit typically refers to an unintended path that allows current to flow directly between two points with little to no resistance, potentially causing excessive current and damage.