QUESTIONS FOR NEXT CLASS

1. NAME SOME OTHER SAFETY DEVICES AND EXPLAIN HOW THEY WORK.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) are built to detect any anomaly
within the electric system and react in rapid time to cut off the power. A
GFCI works by comparing the output current on the neutral side to the
input current on the hot side for any leaks (that could be caused by
human interference). They are designed to detect even the smallest
difference, even as low as 4 milliamps. When detecting an anomaly, the
GFCI will trip or interrupt the circuit within 10 milliseconds, cutting off the
power and preventing a tragedy from occurring. Unlike the fuse in the
previous paragraph, the GFCI dos not need to be replaced after every
electric fault.

ARC FAULT CIRCUIT BREAKERS

AFCI’s are a special type of electrical safety device. Normal circuit breakers
detect faults when the current exceeds the maximum rated value, however,
there are faults that occur when this value is not reached. An electric arc fault
(or an electric arc flash) occurs when a current flows through an air gap
between conductors. These can be caused by dust or corrosion on the
surface of the conductor, poor installation of the system, or normal wear and
tear of the parts. AFCI’s measure the chopped current wave as opposed to
the heat which GFCI’s are unable to do. If an anomaly is detected the AFCI will
trip and break the connection, preventing an electric fire.
SURGE PROTECTORS
As the name suggests these electrical safety devices protect your home and
appliances against sudden spikes in electrical current. We have written an
extensive article on power surges and why they are dangerous. Although
they may look similar to extension cords and power strips, they differ by
offering much more protection against sudden increases in current flow.
There are even some manufacturers that will offer warranties for the
appliances connected to their product if they get damaged. Surge protectors
(or surge suppressors) are more expensive than extension cords/power
strips but if you are trying to protect higher end electrical appliances, we
would highly recommend purchasing a surge protector today.
TAMPER PROOF RECEPTACLES
This device is aimed at parents of toddlers or young children that will
become curious to those ‘weird holes in the wall’. A tamper-proof
receptacle (or tamper-proof outlet) prohibits an electric current from
flowing through an electrical wall outlet unless all slots are activated
simultaneously. For young children who might be wandering around the
home with a fork or hairpin, they will be unable to shock themselves by
inserting it into a slot. It is never too late to start child-proofing your
home. Call us today and we will fit out TPR’s on all outlets in your home.

2. WHAT ARE THE COLOUR CODES FOR ELECTRICAL

WIRES?

Caribbean

Uk

3. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A CIRCUIT IS OVERLOADED?

Exceeding the rated load for the circuit wiring causes the circuit breaker to trip, shutting
off the power to the entire circuit. If there were no breaker in the circuit,
an overload would cause the circuit wiring to overheat, which could melt the wire
insulation and lead to a fire.
4. WHY SHOULD WE CONSERVE ELECTRICITY?
 When you consume less power, you reduce the amount of toxic fumes released
by power plants, conserve the earth's natural resources and protect ecosystems from
destruction. By taking steps to reduce your energy intake, you'll contribute to a healthier
and happier world.

Effects of greenhouse gas emissions include:

 Rising temperatures, heat waves and drought

 Higher sea levels

 Abnormal weather patterns

 Increased intensity of natural disasters

 Smog and acid rain

5. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS IN WHICH ELECTRICITY CAN BE CONSERVED IN

HOMES?
 Energy conservation can be as simple as turning off lights or appliances when you do not need
them. You can also use energy-intensive appliances less by performing household tasks manually,
such as hang-drying your clothes instead of putting them in the dryer, or washing dishes by hand.
2. Replace your light bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume an excessive amount of electricity and must be
replaced more often than their energy efficient alternatives. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact
fluorescent lights (CFLs),
3. Use smart power strips

“Phantom loads,” or the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode,
are a major source of energy waste. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power
household electronics is consumed when they are switched off
5. Purchase energy efficient appliances

On average, appliances are responsible for roughly 13% of total household energy use. When
purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the
annual operating cost. Although energy efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase
prices, their operating costs are often 9-25% lower than conventional models.
6. WHAT MEASURES ARE APPLIED IN YOUR HOMES FOR EMERGENCIES

RELATED TO FIRES AND ELECTRICAL SURGES?

QUESTIONS

1. Which is a unit of electric power?

Watts

2. A hair dryer has a power rating of 920W. It is operated from the mains supply. (You should

know that the mains supply is 230V). Work out the answers to the following questions.

(a) Calculate how much energy is transferred when the hair dryer is used for 2 minutes.
Energy= Power x Time
E= 920W x 2
E= 1840kJ
(b) Calculate the current in the hair dryer when operating.
I= P/V
=920W/230v
=4
I=4
(c) Calculate the resistance of the hair dryer.
R= V÷ I
R= 230V ÷ 4
R= 57.5 Ohms