There are several types of circuits. Their names describe the way the circuit is wired, or its main function. Elementary types of circuits include:

• series
• parallel
• open
• short

More elaborate circuits include:

• control
• power
• branch
• dedicated
• feeder
• distribution circuits
• transmission circuits.

The most elemental circuit configurations are the series circuit and the parallel circuit. In a series circuit, all loads are in a single line between the source and return. In a parallel circuit all the elements are connected between the source and return lines in multiple paths.