MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

GRADE 11

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

WEEK 6 LESSON 1

Topic: Electricity

Subtopic: Power, Plugs and Fuses.

Objective: After reading this handout and observing diagrams students will:

i. explain how the fuse works as a safety device

ii. calculate the amperage for fuses for different appliances
iii. calculate the energy consumption (power) of different electrical appliances.
Content

Power

The power of an appliance is the rate at which the

appliance transfers electrical energy other forms.
Power is a measure in the unit watt. The symbol
for watt is W.

The power of an appliance can be calculated using

the formula:

Power (P) = Current (I) × Voltage (V)

P=IV
Example.

What is the power in watts of a fan that

operates at 40 V with a current of 0.3A?

P=IV

P=40V×0.3 A

P= 12 WThe fan has a power rating of 12 W.

Power Rating of Applian

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Fuses

Fuse also called circuit breakers are devices found in the home and electrical appliances which
helps to reduce the chances of fires being started and damage to the electrical appliance by
preventing the flow of current.

A fuse consists of a short length of wire of low melting point. If a short circuit or overload occurs
and the wire becomes overheated, the fuse wire melts and breaks the circuit, cutting off the
current and preventing further damage.

Picture showing fuses of various amperages.

Fuses have different amperages or ratings. The fuse must be chosen to have a rating only slightly
higher than the normal working current of the appliance. If it is higher than this then the
appliance or supply cable could be damaged before the fuse melts. If it is lower, the fuse will
melt every time the appliance is switched on.

Calculating the size of a fuse.

The size of a fuse can be calculated using the formula:

Current (I) = Power (W) ÷ Voltage (V)

I=W/V

Example

What fuse should be used in a 300W heater when used with a 120V main supply?

I=W/V

I= 300W/120V

I= 2.5 A

Therefore, a fuse of 3A should be used.

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Plugs and Flexes

Most electrical appliances used in homes are connected to the main supply using a cable called
flex and a three-pin plug.

Picture of a three-pin plug and a flex. Picture of the inside of a three-pin plug.

In a three-pin plug, there are typically 3 different wires which need to be connected to the back
of the plug. The three wires are the earth wire, live wire, and the neutral wire. These 3 wires
come in a cable with different colors, which is done to distinguish between the three wires. The
live wire is the brown wire, the neutral wire is colored blue and the earth is the colored green and
yellow.

In the 3-pin plug, the top pin is the earth or ground connection. This grounding or earthing helps
any dangerous residual electricity or excess electricity from being passed. Excess electricity can
be hazardous for appliances that are connected. It can not only damage the appliance but can also
trigger a short circuit as a safety measure.

Follow the link learn how to wire a three-pin plug:

How to change a Plug UK 3-pin - Rewire & Earthing - Easy DIY by Warren Nash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COWlYUvzgZI
References

1.Chung Tania Harris . (2005). CXC Integrated Science. Macmillan Publishers Limited.

2.Mc Monagle etal. (2016) Integrated Science for CSEC :2nd edition. Nelson Thrones

3. Bynoe-Arthur. D. (2004). Integrated Science, A Concise Revision Course for CXC: Nelson
Thornes Ltd.

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