Series and Parallel Circuit Series and parallel circuits are two fundamental configurations in electrical circuits, each with distinct characteristics that affect how electricity flows through them.

A parallel circuit is way of connecting components on separate branches, so the current can take different routes around the circuit. The current is different in different parts of a parallel circuit.

The simplest complete circuit is a piece of wire from one end of a battery to the other. An electric current can flow in the wire from one end of the battery to the other, but nothing useful happens.