Mains Electricity Flashcards
Alternating current
Current repeatedly reverses it’s direction
Direct current
Current in one direction only
What are plugs and sockets made of
Thermosetting plastic because they are good electrical insulators
Why are the pins on a plug made of brass
Brass is a good conductor of electricity
It will not rust or oxidise
What is the earth wire connected to
Longest pin at the top
What does the earth wire look like
Green and yellow striped
What is the blue wire and what is it connected to
Neutral wire connected to the neutral pin
What is the brown wire and what is it connected to
Live wire connected to the live pin
Appliances with metal cases must be earthed why
Because it’s not double insulated
Fuse
Cuts the appliance off from the live wire if the fuse blows
What can electrical faults cause
Electrical shocks and fires
Why are filament bulbs very inefficient
They don’t last very long
