What Is a Breadboard?

A breadboard is an experiment board used to design and test electronic circuits without soldering. It allows temporary circuit connections to be tested practically, helping detect assembly or design errors before PCB manufacturing. If a fault is identified, improvements can be applied directly on the board. For detailed information about breadboards, you can continue reading this article.

How to Use a Breadboard
A breadboard works on a plug-and-play principle. You can insert components and build circuits quickly, remove them after testing, and reuse the same board repeatedly across different projects. Breadboards help save both time and cost during prototyping.

Breadboards include power rails marked with “+” and “−” for voltage supply connections. These rails distribute power to circuit components along the entire length of the board. The center area contains terminal strips organized into columns, typically grouped as 5-hole nodes. Each 5-hole column segment shares the same internal metal clip, enabling electrical continuity. These nodes are used to bridge component terminals and establish temporary circuit paths. Importantly, many breadboards split the power rails into two isolated halves in the center, meaning they are not short-circuited from end to end.

Internal Structure of a Breadboard
The internal structure consists of vertically and horizontally aligned conductive metal clips enclosed within insulated plastic housing. The red and blue outer sections represent power rail rows, offering uninterrupted conductivity along their axis. The central section contains column-based conductors, also housed in insulated plastic. The middle gap on a breadboard isolates the left and right terminal columns, preventing default short circuits between opposing sides.

Breadboard Sizes and Types
Breadboard types vary by size:

Mini and medium boards: Suitable for simple or moderately complex projects.

Large boards: Preferred for multi-component or complex circuit testing.

Users can select the most suitable breadboard size depending on project complexity and number of component terminals.

Circuit Examples on Breadboards

Series connections: Components must share continuity between adjacent terminal nodes to form a series path.

Parallel connections: Anode and cathode or “+” and “−” terminals of polarized components must be placed into the same column node group to enable parallel continuity.

IC connections: Integrated circuits are placed across the center gap so each pin occupies a dedicated column node. Inter-pin communication is achieved by bridging pin columns using jumper cables.

Simple LED circuit: Anode and cathode legs connect to power rails or shared columns to test voltage and continuity before full assembly.

Critical Rules When Building a Circuit on a Breadboard

To ensure correct and safe operation:

Do not insert multiple legs of the same component into the same column node—this will cause a short circuit.

Ensure component legs do not touch each other during wiring, especially for long-leg elements.

Never reverse polarity for polarized components such as capacitors.

If mounting tape is used on the back of the breadboard, avoid mechanical stress or damage when removing it.

What Should Be Avoided During Breadboard Circuit Setup

Direct contact between positive/negative legs in the same node

Cross-shorting across the center isolation gap

Incorrect orientation of polarized components