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PRACTICAL ELECTRIC
CIRCUITRY
USES OF ELECTRICITY
Electricity is used in
 Lighting
 Machines
 Security
 Communication
 Heating

COST OF ELECTRICITY

Cost of electricity = cost per unit X no of units

No of units = time in hours X power in kilowatts. [ 1 unit is equal to 1 kilowatt-hour.(kWh)]

Example.
If BPC sells electricity at P0.55 per unit, calculate the cost of using two 100 W bulbs for ten
hours.

No of units = 2 x 100W x 10 hrs

= 2 x 0.1 kW x 10 hrs
= 2 kWh

Cost = 20 kWh x P0.55

= P1.10

DANGERS OF ELECTRICITY
(a) Damaged Insulation
An electric shock can occur if a current flows from the electric circuit through a
person’s body to the Earth. This can happen when someone touches the exposed part
of the wire carrying current (live wire).
(b) Overheating Of Cables
When current increases through a conductor, the amount of heat energy lost due to the
resistance of the wire increases. This can lead to explosion, fire or the cables
overheating.
(c) Damp Conditions
Water can conduct electricity. When the body is wet, the resistance of the body
decreases hence more current can flow through the body. One can get a shock if s/he
operates an appliance with wet hands since water can conduct electricity.
(d) Overloading A Socket
When a socket is overloaded with many appliances, the current from the mains
increases which will lead to increased heat produced by cables. This can cause the
insulating material to melt or cause an explosion or fire.

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SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Fuses
This is a safety device made from tin coated-copper wire. It has a low melting point such that
it melts and breaks the circuit when current through it exceeds a certain value called the fuse
rating. This could be due to short circuits or overheating of cables. A fuse ensures that the
current carrying capacity of the wire is not exceeded.

To calculate the fuse rating one has to know the power rating of the device. For example, a
3kW 240V electric fire needs a current of about

Therefore a 13A fuse is recommended.

Fuses and switches are always connected to the live wire so as to isolate the appliance from
the current source when the appliance is not in use or in case of a short circuit.
Earthing
Appliances that are made of metal on the outer case must be earthed as a safety precaution.
This connects the body of the appliance to the ground. When the device is faulty or the ‘live’
wire breaks and touches the metal case, the earth wire will channel the charge to the ground
to prevent any electric shocks.

Double Insulation
Appliances that are made from non-metal outer case are usually double-insulated using a
tough, stiff non-conducting material. This prevents electric current to flow to the user in case
there is a fault. Devices that are double insulated carry the sign below.

3 Pin Mains Plug

Earth wire (green or/and yellow). This is connected to the earth pin.
Live wire (brown). This is connected to the live pin. It carries live current to the circuit.
Neutral wire (blue). This is connected to the neutral pin. It is earthed at the power station.

RING MAIN CIRCUIT

Practical Electrical Circuitry leemok productions 2011©

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Practical Electrical Circuitry leemok productions 2011©