Power and Energy of Electric Appliances

Power output of an electric appliance

 Power is the work done in a unit time. (Rate of doing work)

 Power = Voltage x Current

P = VI

 SI unit of power = Watt (W)

Electric energy consumed by electric appliances
 Energy consumed during a unit
time period = P

The total amount of electric

energy consumed in a time t = Pt

E = Pt

Substituting VI for P,
E = Pt =VIt

Total energy = Voltage x Current x Time

Efficiency of electric appliances and conserving power

1. Usage of more efficient bulb to get illumination.

2. Use emersion heater for heating water
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3. Usage of rice cookers for cooking

Reason : ……………………………………………………………………………………….
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4. Micro wave ovens can be used for efficient cooking

Reason : ……………………………………………………………………………………….
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5. Usage of induction cockers with high efficiencies

Reason : The variable magnetic field emitted by the cooker generates heat only at the bottom
of the cooking utensil.

6. Use of table fans instead of ceiling fans to cool houses.

7. Ironing all clothes required for a week in one occasion.

Home Electric Circuit

 Voltage in domestic electric circuit = 230V

 The frequency of AC current in domestic circuit = 50 Hz
 Components of a Domestic Electric Circuit

i. Overload circuit breaker (Service fuse)

 The maximum current flows through = 40A

 Function : ………………………………………………………………………………………….
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 In older houses, a fuse wire was used which was made up of an alloy consisting of lead and tin.
 Only live wire is connected to the overload circuit breaker.

ii. Electricity Meter

 Function : ………………………………………………………………………………………….
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 Both live and neutral wires are connected to the electric meter.

iii. Isolator (Main switch)

 Both live and neutral cables are connected to the isolator.

 Isolator acts as a 30A high current circuit breaker.
 Functions : ………………………………………………………………………………………….
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iv. Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

 Both live and neutral cables are connected to the RCCB.

 Functions : To protect the residents from electric shocks.
: When there is a current leak to the metal caring of an appliance or to the ground the
circuit is automatically disconnect by the RCCB.
v. Distribution Box

 Both live and neutral cables are connected to the distribution box.
 Functions : ………………………………………………………………………………………….
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vi. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB)

 Function : ………………………………………………………………………………………….
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 For loop circuits, MCBs which can conduct a current of 6A are used.
 Bulbs and two 6A plugs can be connected to a lightning circuit.
 MCBs which can conduct a current of 13A are used for plug circuits.
 Only plugs can be connected to plug circuits.

 In older houses,
6A MCB 5A fuse
13A MCB 15A fuse were used.

 MCBs or fuses should be connected to the live cable.

 What is a consumer unit ?
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Switches and Plug Sockets

 Switches are connected to the circuit to enable the turning on or off of each bulb.
 The live cable, the neutral cable and the separately grounded earth cable are connected to circuit.
 Importance of the earth wire,
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Connecting Wires
Type of wires Cross sectional Diameter
area
Single cables which carry 5A and 6A current for loop circuits 1 mm2 1.13 mm
Seven wires which carry 15A or 13A for plug circuits 1.5 mm2

 Standard colours for cables,

i. Live wire - Brown / Red
ii. Neutral wire - Blue / Black
iii. Earth wire - Green

Domestic Electric Circuit

 Each bulb and each plug in a domestic circuit is connected in parallel to one another.
 All the switches should be connected to the live wire.
 Plug circuits are connected using cables that can withstand a current of 13A.
 Sometimes, plug circuits are connected as ring/ loop circuits.
 Protective measures in domestic circuits
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Measuring electric energy in kilowatt hours

 Commercial unit of measuring electric energy = kilowatt hours (kW h)