Fuses and Earthing

• What is a common problem when dealing with electricity?

  Sudden increases in current
• What do we call sudden increases in current?

  Surges
• What can cause surges in a circuit?

  Changes in the circuit or faults
• What are the potential dangers of surges?

  Fires or electric shocks
• What safety precautions help reduce risks from surges?

  • Fuses
  • Circuit breakers
  • Earth wires
  • Double insulation
• How do fuses and circuit breakers function similarly?

  They break the circuit during high current
• What is a fuse made of?

  A thin piece of wire
• What happens to a fuse during a surge?

  It melts and breaks the circuit
• What do fuses come in?

  A range of different ratings
• What is the recommended fuse rating for a 3 amp appliance?

  A 5 amp fuse
• What is the benefit of using fuses?

  They are simple and cheap
• What is a downside of fuses?

  They are permanently broken after a surge
• How do circuit breakers differ from fuses?

  They can be reset after tripping
• What is a downside of circuit breakers?

  They are more expensive than fuses
• How can surges cause harm in appliances?

  If the live wire touches the casing
• What is the purpose of earthing?

  To provide an alternative pathway for current
• How does an earth wire function?

  It diverts electricity away from us
• What is double insulation in appliances?

  Covering the appliance in plastic casing
• Why is double insulation effective?

  Plastic does not conduct electricity
• What wires does a double insulated appliance have?

  Live and neutral wires
• What are the key safety measures to prevent electric shocks?

  • Use fuses and circuit breakers
  • Implement earthing
  • Apply double insulation