Leaving Cert Physics Electrical Circuits: Read the following passage and a

Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions below.

The Electricity Connection to your Home
The electricity connection to your home is an a.c. supply and comes through ESB Networks' main fuse and meter. The ordinary fuses or miniature circuit breakers in the distribution board respond to overloaded circuits by 'blowing' and switching off the flow of electricity in the circuit. Additional protection against electric shock is provided by a Residual Current Device, RCD. In simple terms, an RCD detects an abnormal flow of electricity out of a circuit when, for instance, a cable is damaged or a fault develops in an appliance allowing electricity to 'leak' out. The RCD responds instantaneously to such 'leakage' and disconnects the supply from the circuit. All RCDs have a test button to check that the mechanism is working properly.

Making the Connection – Plugs and Cable Colours
Almost all new electric appliances now come complete with a fitted 13 A 3-pin plug. The first thing to know is the colour code for connecting the cables to the appropriate pin/terminal in the plug. When you connect each wire to the appropriate terminal, it is most important that the loose strands of wire are exposed so that all the screw connections are fully tightened. You should also leave a little extra of the green/yellow wire when the plug is connected to avoid strain on this vital connection. The
'non-fused' appliances in the home – heaters, washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, toasters, entertainment equipment, etc, appliances with a higher loading should be permanently wired into their own circuit because these are the most vulnerable parts of many appliances in connecting the flex and the plug. Most electrical accidents occur in the home due to damaged flexes / wrongly-wired plugs.

After wiring a 13 A plug, you should ensure that all the screw connections are securely tightened and that the correct wires are in the correct places. For your own safety, keep electrical appliances well maintained and don't abuse them.

(Adapted from The Safe Use of Electricity in the Home, ESB Networks)

a) What is the function of the electricity meter?

b) What is meant by the term a.c.?
c) Name three safety devices found in domestic circuits.
d) What is the cause of most accidents associated with electrical appliances?
e) What is the function of the test button on an RCD?

f) Name the pins labelled A, B and C in the diagram.

g) State one precaution that should be taken when wiring a plug.

h) What is the maximum power that an appliance with a 13 A plug can use when connected to a 220 V supply?

Read the following passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2017

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2017

What is the function of the electricity meter?

What is meant by the term a.c.?

Name three safety devices found in domestic circuits.

What is the cause of most accidents associated with electrical appliances?

What is the function of the test button on an RCD?

Name the pins labelled A, B and C in the diagram.

State one precaution that should be taken when wiring a plug.

What is the maximum power that an appliance with a 13 A plug can use when connected to a 220 V supply?

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