plugs and wires

• Where does the majority of electricity in the UK come from?

  From the national grid
• What is the main supply voltage in the UK?

  230 volts
• What is the frequency of the alternating current in the UK?

  50 hertz
• What does plugging an appliance into a socket connect it to?

  The main supply
• How many wires are typically in a three core cable?

  Three wires
• What are the names of the three wires in a three core cable?

  Live wire, neutral wire, earth wire
• What material are the wires in plugs made of?

  Copper
• Why are the wires coated in insulating plastic?

  For safety
• What color is the live wire?

  Brown
• What does the live wire provide?

  Alternating potential difference of 230 volts
• What color is the neutral wire?

  Blue
• What is the function of the neutral wire?

  To complete the circuit by carrying away current
• What color is the earth wire?

  Striped green and yellow
• What is the role of the earth wire?

  To stop the appliance casing from becoming live
• What happens if the live wire touches the casing?

  The casing could become live
• How does the earth wire prevent electric shock?

  It provides an alternative pathway for current
• Why does electricity flow from the live wire to the neutral wire?

  Due to the difference in voltage
• What potential difference do humans have?

  Zero volts
• What can happen if a person touches the live wire?

  It can cause a large electric shock
• Why is it important to never touch plug sockets?

  They can still have a potential difference
• What are the functions of the three wires in a plug?

  • Live wire: Provides 230 volts AC
  • Neutral wire: Completes circuit, carries away current
  • Earth wire: Prevents casing from becoming live
• What are the safety measures associated with the earth wire?

  • Provides alternative pathway for current
  • Prevents electric shock from faulty appliances
  • Ensures appliance casing remains safe
• What are the potential differences of the live, neutral, and earth wires?

  • Live wire: 230 volts
  • Neutral wire: 0 volts
  • Earth wire: 0 volts
• What happens when the live wire is disconnected?

  • The appliance may not function
  • The neutral and earth wires remain at 0 volts
  • No electric shock risk from the live wire