Unit 4 - Topic 7 Flashcards
Transformers
Used to “step up” voltage for efficient transmission
Used to “step down” voltage to the 240/120 V used in homes and factories
Power meter location
Mounted on outside wall of buildings where distribution lines enter
Power meter function
Records total electric energy supplied to electric devices operating in house
Service panel
Wires from meter connected to main circuit breaker at top of panel
Lower part contains additional circuit breakers for each branch circuit in home
Circuit breaker function
Acts as switch and safety device that can cut of all power coming into home
Circuit breaker internal workings
Current exceeds safe level
Bimetallic strip inside breaker heats up and bends
Opens up circuit
Current stops flowing until breaker cools
Reset then
Fuse
Contains metal conductor which melts when excessive current heats it up
Opens it unit until fuse replaced
Circuit breaker pro vs fuse
Fuses need to be replaced unlike bimetallic strip
Fuse usage
Not in minders buildings
Common in electric stoves and automobile electrical systems
Order of electricity flow to home
Transformer -> power lines -> meter -> service panel -> main circuit breaker
Branch circuit
Supplies power to one or more wall plugs or lights connected in parallel by cables in house walls
Why branch circuits connected in parallel
Other appliances and devices plugged in will continue to operate
Two live wires
Neutral and hot wire
Neutral wire
White insulated wire
Hot wire
Black insulated wire
Ground wire
Bare copper/covered in green insulation
Ground wire
Reduces shock hazards by safely channeling back into ground any current that has “leaked” onto metal components in electric circuit