fuses and wires

• What is a common problem when dealing with electricity?

  Sudden increases in current, called surges
• What can cause surges in a circuit?

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

  They can cause fires or electric shocks
• What safety precautions can reduce electrical risks?

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

  Both break the circuit when current is too high
• What is a fuse made of?

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

  The wire heats up and melts, breaking the circuit
• How are fuses typically packaged?

  In little cases with thin wire inside
• What is the purpose of different fuse ratings?

  To break the circuit at specific current levels
• If an appliance normally uses 3 amps, which fuse could you use?

  A 5 amp fuse
• What is a downside of using fuses?

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

  Circuit breakers can be reset after tripping
• What is a disadvantage of circuit breakers?

  They are more expensive than fuses
• How can surges cause harm through loose live wires?

  They can touch the casing, causing shocks
• What is the purpose of earthing in electrical safety?

  To provide an alternative pathway for current
• How does an earth wire help prevent electric shocks?

  It diverts electricity away from a person
• What does double insulation do for an appliance?

  Covers it in plastic to prevent shocks
• What type of wire is typically found in double insulated appliances?

  Live and neutral wires only
• What are the key features of double insulation?

  • Entire appliance covered in plastic casing
  • No exposed metal parts
  • Prevents electric shocks