Plugs

Question 1

what are the different wires

Answer 1

• Earth wire
• live wire
• Neutral wire

Question 2

What are the characteristics of the Earth wire

Answer 2

green/yellow
- the appliance is in case the wires touch the casing

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Neutral wire

Answer 3

blue
- This completes the circuit and is usually 0V

Question 4

What is the characteristics of the live wire

Answer 4

• This carries the current to the appliance.
• touching this can be deadly

Question 5

Why may the live wire be dangerous

Answer 5

when a switch in the mains circuit is open as a person could complete the circuit to ground (0V) themselves and therefore get electrocuted as the current will flow through them

Question 6

What can any connection between the live wire and the earth cause

Answer 6

a current to flow. This can potentially cause:
- electrical fires, if the current is too high
- an electricution if a person is making the connection

Question 7

Why are some plugs 3 and 2

Answer 7

• 3 core cables are needed if the casing is made of a metal. If the live wire touches the metal casing this will lead to an electrocution.
• 2 more cables are needed if the casing is made of plastic. It’s already insulated

Question 8

what resistance does a thin wire have

Answer 8

high resistance

Question 9

What does RCCB stand for

Answer 9

residual current circuit breaker