8

SCIENCE
Quarter 1 – Module 17 :
ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEVICES
AT HOME

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Science – Grade 8
Quarter 1 – Module 17: ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEVICES AT HOME

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in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of
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Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

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copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission
to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher
and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

WRITERS: Arona G. Antuerpia

Jasmin P. Nacion

REVIEWERS: Joland L. Dellomas

Welimen C. Oseo
Lawrence Ann L. Mendina
Alvin T. Rosare

EDITORS: Maria Charlene D. Dipad

Welimen C. Oseo
Michelle H. Guadamor

LAYOUT ARTISTS: Roman B. Jebulan

Kevin H. Ojos

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 Most Essential Learning Competency

Explain the functions of circuit breakers, fuses,

earthing, double insulation and other safety devices in
the home

1
ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEVICES
AT HOME

Introduction

Electricity has been an important part of our lives. It has made life
convenient, comfortable and easy. It has helped us in the field of
engineering, entertainment, healthcare, transportation, communication,
banking, finance and other industries. Hence, we feel helpless when
occasional power interruptions occur. As electricity gives us comfort and
ease of doing work, it may also endanger us causing hazards to our
properties and even loss of lives.
However, we can avoid these hazards by understanding how
electricity works and how to use it properly.
This module will help you with different electrical safety devices at
home, its functions and the importance of using electrical safety devices.

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 Most Essential Learning
Competency & Objectives

In this module, you will learn to Explain the functions of circuit

breakers, fuses, earthing, double insulation and other safety devices in
the home

Specifically, you will learn to:

1. Identify the different electrical safety devices in the home;
2. Explain the function of each electrical safety device in the home;
3. Cite the importance of using electrical safety devices in the home.

Pre-Test

Before we start with our lesson, please

answer the following questions first.

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and

write it on your answer sheet.
1. Which of the following statements correctly explains the function of a
fuse in a household circuit?
a. A fuse is a safety switching device that when it gets hot, it bends and
opens the circuit without causing any harm.
b. A fuse is a safety switching device made of fine wire wherein in case
of current upsurge, it melts, leaving the circuit open to avoid
overheating and fire.

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 c. A fuse is a safety feature in the wiring of electrical tools and
equipment through their three - pronged plug which when inserted
into the receptacle with the ground outlet, protection against
accidental grounding is provided.
d. A fuse is a safety device that consists of both basic insulation and
supplementary insulation and found in equipment such as hand-held
domestic drilling machines that provide additional safety precaution
of double insulation.

2. Which of the following is usually found in places where water my easily

come in contact with an electric circuit?
a. Circuit breakers c. Fuse
b. Double insulation d. Ground fault circuit interrupter

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes a double

insulation as one of the safety devices found at home?
a. It is a safety switching device that when it gets hot, it bends and
opens the circuit without causing any harm.
b. It is a safety switching device made of fine wire wherein in case of
current upsurge, it melts leaving the circuit open to avoid
overheating and fire.
c. It is a safety feature in the wiring of electrical tool and equipment
through their three-pronged plug which when inserted into the
receptacle with the ground outlet, protection against accidental
grounding is provided.
d. It is a safety electrical feature that is consists of both basic
insulation and supplementary insulation and found in equipment
such as hand-held drilling machines that provide additional safety
precaution of double insulation.

4. How are fuses and circuit breakers connected with the circuit in the
panel board?
a. Fuses and circuit breakers are connected in series with the circuit in

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 the panel board since it breaks the circuit whenever “overload” or
“short circuit” occurs.
b. Fuses and circuit breakers are connected in parallel with the circuit
in the panel board since it breaks the circuit whenever “overload” or
“short circuit” occurs.
c. Fuses and circuit breakers are connected in parallel with the circuit
in the panel board since it breaks the circuit whenever “overload” or
“short circuit” occurs.
d. Fuses and circuit breakers are connected in parallel with the circuit
in the panel board since it breaks the circuit whenever “overload” or
“short circuit” occurs.

5. From the illustrations given below, identify the electrical safety device
which is similar to extension cords but offers more protection against
sudden increase in current flow?
a. c.

b. d.

How did you find the test? Please

check your answers from the answer key
portion of this module. It is alright if you didn’t
get all of the correct answers. Some of the
terms maybe new to you. You will be
acquainted with them as you go along the
module.

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 Learning Activities

ELICIT
Electricity is a form of energy that is vital in our
daily lives. We depend on it in the home and work
place, for communications, transportations, industries
and medical sciences to make work easier. While we
are enjoying electricity and many items run, many of
us added their electrical appliances at home.
Please work on the following initial activities.

A. Direction: List down at least five (5) benefits of having electricity in your
home.
1. ___________________________________________________.
2. ___________________________________________________.
3. ___________________________________________________.
4. ___________________________________________________.
5. ___________________________________________________.

From the previous module, we learned that

continuously adding electrical appliances at home
will make the current higher and higher resulting to
lower resistance value in the entire home circuit.
With this, things like fires, natural disasters and
accidents may happen as we relax in our homes.

B.

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 Christmas is just around the corner. Most of your neighbors adorn their
homes with elaborate holiday lights display. So, you put yours too. Lanterns
that sparkle their changing colors, Christmas tree surrounded with musical
blinking lights, Santa Claus in his sleigh full of gifts with his reindeers and the
iconic Belen illuminated with artificial lights graced your house. However,
dozens of these outdoor display unexpectedly goes out when you switched on
your hair dryer while baking a cake in the oven. It’s not just the outdoor display
that goes out but the main lights in your house too. The TV flickered and your
refrigerator stopped running too. What could have happened?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

EN G A G E

How aware are we of basic electrical

precautionary measures? Perform the next task to
identify these precautionary measures. You may
choose from either activity A or activity B.

Activity A: Direction: Match the basic electrical safety measures

to its appropriate illustration.

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1. Do not use electrical a.
appliances when you are
in water

2. Do not plug too many

appliances in one outlet
because this may cause
overloading. b.

3. Do not operate appliances

in an open environment
especially in a bad
weather.
c.

4. Do not touch appliances

with wet hands because
water is a good electrical
conductor.
d.

5. Do not operate defective

appliances because you
may accidentally touch
live wire.

e.

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Activity B: Directions: In one or two sentences, interpret the pictures shown
below to identify basic electrical precautionary measures.

How did you find the activity? Some of us

do not know or probably ignore these electrical
precautionary measures, which may result to loss
of lives and properties.

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 EXPLORE
Here is an activity that would measure how
keen are you of the basic electrical features found
in our homes. Check out which of these devices
are present in your home.

Activity: Electrical Safety Devices

Direction:
Identify what is being described and shown in the picture. Write each
letter of the specific word being described in each of the blanks. Each number
represents a unique letter. A clue is given below to help you with the activity.

It is a safety switching device

made of fine wire which easily
melts. In case of current
upsurge, its wire melts, leaving
the circuit open to avoid
overheating and fire

1. __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4

It is an electrical safety device

similar to extension cords but
offers more protection against
sudden increase in current flow.
It is usually use to protect higher
end appliances.

2. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
3 2 7 14 4 18 7 16 8 4 5 8 16 7

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 It is a safety switching device with
a bimetallic strip of metal attached
to a switch. When the metal is hot,
it bends and opens the circuit
without causing harm to the device.
Unlike a fuse when it burns, this
could be reset when the problem
has been corrected.

3. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
5 6 7 5 2 6 8 9 7 4 10 11 4 7

Insulation that consists of

both basic insulation and
supplementary insulation
commonly found in equipment
such as hand - held domestic
electric drilling machines

4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
15 16 2 9 17 4 6 13 3 2 17 10 8 6 16 13

It is the connection of non-

current carrying part of the
equipment to the earth using a green
or yellow wire with green stripe to
discharge stray currents to the earth
in case of fault to protect us from
electric shock.

5. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
4 10 7 8 12 6 13 14

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 CLUE: __ __ __ J __ M __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
9 4 13 10 6 13 1 7 10 13 11 17 6 13

He invented the lightning rod, a wooden stove named after him

which led to the invention of the modern day heater, bifocal glasses,
odometer and the glass harmonica. He created the distinction
between conductors and insulators and coined the terms conductor,
charge, discharge, condense, armature, and electrify. He also
demonstrated that the plus and minus charges had to occur in exactly
equal amounts (Law of conservation of charge). He is famous for
flying a kite in a thunderstorm.

Guide Questions:

1. What are the common electrical safety devices or features which are
found in your home?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.

2. Explain the function of each of the electrical safety devices/features

found in your home.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.

3. Is it important for us to be aware of the use of the different safety

devices? Why?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.

How did you find the activity?Benjamin

Franklin is also honored as the father of electricity
because of his many contribution in the field of
electricity.

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 EX P L A I N

Our homes are fed with electricity through copper wires

which are connected to outlets inside the house. The voltage
impressed on these lines is applied to appliances and other
devices that are connected in parallel to these lines. As more
devices are connected to these lines, more pathways are
provided for the current. Because of the lowered combined
resistance of appliances in parallel, a greater amount of
current passes through the wire and heat is generated. If the
lines carry more than the safe amount of current, the resulting
heat may melt the insulation and start a fire. The lines are said
to be overloaded. It is therefore important that our electrical
system be equipped with suitable safety devices to protect our
appliances, properties and lives.
These are some of the electrical safety
devices/features found in our homes.

Fuse
Fuses are made up of metal strip that
will heat up and melt if the current exceeds
the critical value. If the strip melts, there is a
break in the circuit and electricity will stop
flowing through. Once the fuse is blown out,
it must be replaced with a new one once the
source of overloading is determined and
remedied.

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 Fig. A Fuse Fig. B Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers
It is a safety switching device with a
bimetallic strip of metal attached to a switch.
When the metal is hot, it bends and opens the
circuit without causing harm to the circuit
breaker. Unlike a fuse when it burns, this could
be reset when the problem has been corrected.
Circuit breakers are often used instead of fuses
in modern buildings because they do not have
to be replaced each time the circuit is opened.

Other Electric Safety Features

Fig. C. Other Electrical Devices

Three-Prong Plug
A Three-Prong Plug is used on metal appliances. It is consists of two flat
prongs that carry current to and from the appliances and a round prong which
is for safety since it connects with a wire inside the outlet that goes down into
the ground. The third prong is also a ground conductor. If any stray current
leaks from the circuit or if there is a short circuit, the ground wire carries the
current into the ground, which harmlessly absorbs it.

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Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Outlet
GFCI outlets are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens where water
may come in contact with an electric circuit thereby risking a shock. A GFCI
outlet contains a device that monitors the amount of current that goes into and
out of the circuit. If less current is returning than leaving, this means that current
is escaping. When this occurs, a tiny circuit breaker in the outlet interrupts the
circuit. The breaker can be reset by pushing a button on the outlet cover.

Surge protectors
It is an electrical safety device similar
to extension cords but offers more protection
against sudden increase in current flow. It is
usually use to protect higher end appliances.

Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)

It is a special type of safety device that
trips and break the electrical connection
when current flows through an air gap
between conductors.

Dual function AFCI GFCI Receptacle

JamesJSherman, Dual function AFCI GFCI Receptacle, February 5, 2016,
https://commons.mwikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leviton_Dual_Function_AFCI_GFCI_Receptacle.jp
g

Tamper-proof receptacles
It is an electrical safety feature that
prohibits electric current to flow through an
electrical outlet unless all slots are activated
simultaneously. This is to protect young children
from getting electrocuted when they insert some
metals in the slots of the outlets.

Thomas A. Domitrovich, untitled, Systems and equipment, November/December 2013,

https://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2013/novemberdecember-2013/tamper-resistant-
receptacles/

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Earthing
It is the connection of non- current
carrying part of the equipment to the earth
using a green or yellow wire with green stripe
to discharge stray currents to the earth in
case of fault to protect us from electric shock.

Double insulation
Insulation that consists of both basic
insulation and supplementary insulation
commonly found in equipment such as hand -
held domestic electric drilling machines, hair
dryers, electric fan and vacuum cleaners. Not
only are the electric wires insulated with a
coating of plastic but so is the entire device.

Reynaldo Antes III, double insulation, May 22, 2020, Gubat, Sorsogon
Double insulation Cable

Which of these are found in your

homes? They all function the same – to save
lives and properties.

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 EL A B O R A T E
Safety devices like fuses and circuit
breakers are in series with the electrical
circuits in our homes so that the entire line
current will pass through it first before
reaching the loads. Investigate further what
happens inside a fuse by doing the next task.

The Fuse Action

This is how an actual household fuse
inside the main switch in your homes looks
AMP.
30 250
VAC
like. Inside the fuse is an element/lead. The
fuse element is made of zinc, copper, or
alloys that easily melts.

0
A smaller fuse can be found
inside your home appliances such as
radios and televisions shown in Figure
J.
Fig. J An Actual mini-fuse
When a short occurs in a
I
circuit, a huge amount of current flows
in the wires making them HOT!
Fig. K .The Fuse Action
You can also watch a video about how a fuse and a circuit breaker works from
this link.
https://youtu.be/0ihkfUbddsk or https://youtu.be/gDBUqeqx5t4
Referring to Figures J and K, give at least three (3) possible scenario of
what happens in the entire circuit when overloading or short circuit occurs.
1. __________________________________________________.
2. __________________________________________________.
3. __________________________________________________.

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 Summarize what you have learned by
making a slogan about electrical safety
devices at home, its functions and
importance. You can even make it in Filipino
or Bicol language. I know you can do it!

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

EXTEND

Even with electric safety features,

electricity is still dangerous if it is misused.
Follow the safety rules below to reduce the
risk of injury or fire from electricity.

Using Electricity Safely

• Don’t plug in or turn on electric lights or
appliances when your hands are wet, you
are standing in water, or you are in the
shower or bathtub. The current could flow
through the water—and you—because
water is a good conductor of electricity.
• Don’t overload circuits. Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet
or extension cord. The more devices that are plugged in, the more
current the circuit carries. Too much current can overheat a circuit and
start a fire.
• Never use devices with damaged cords or plugs. They can cause
shocks, shorts, and fires.

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 • Never put anything except plugs into electric outlets. Putting any other
object into an outlet is likely to cause a serious shock that could be
fatal.
• Never go near fallen electric lines. They could have very high voltage.
Report fallen lines to the electric company as soon as possible.
Direction:
A. Write a check (√) mark on the space provided before each
statement if it suggests a good practice for electrical safety in
the house and cross (X) mark if not.
___1. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
___2. Stand on wet ground or wet floor when using an electrical tool.
___3. Don’t ignore flickering lights, blown fuse or sparks, and light switches
and outlets that feel warm to touch. Have a qualified electrician check
the wiring.
___4. Keep young children from exposed outlets. Do put safety covers or
special outlets.
___5. Replace a blown fuse with a coin or just any wire.

B. The following are electrical safety tips that may apply in the
home. Write the letter on the blank provided for the reasons that
suits the given tips.

Electrical Safety Tips:

____ 1. Check electrical cords for wear and tear.
____ 2. Unplug a cord by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
____ 3. To be safer, it is important to unplug small appliances that
are not in use.
____ 4. Be aware of the signs that a home is not wired properly.
____ 5. Always be dry before touching anything electrical.

a. Water is a good conductor of electricity. If the human body

touches electricity and water at the same time, it can become
a conductor of electricity.

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b. Electricity continually runs in electrical wires in the walls of
our homes. Even small appliances that are turned off can
start a fire.
c. A coin in a use holder maybe unsafe when the electrical load
becomes too heavy.
d. Pulling on the cord can loosen the connection or break the
cord.
e. Faulty wires are a fire hazard.

For safety purposes, it is very

important that our electrical appliances be
certified safe. Electricity serves us well but it
comes also with dangers and risks.

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 Vocabulary List

For further understanding, you may

refer to the following vocabulary words used in
this module:

Conductor – a material that permits electricity to flow through it

Electrical safety – related work/practices to be aware of
unwanted electrical accidents.
Insulation – a material used to stop electricity by covering wires which
maybe made from plastics or rubber
Overload circuits – a connection of too many appliances in a single outlet
Short circuit – an electrical circuit that allows current to pass through an
unintended path, usually happens when damaged wires come in
contact with one another
Young children – those who are not aware of how to use electrical
appliances/devices at home.

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 E VALUATE

Post-Test

Let’s see how well you understood the electrical

devices in your homes and its importance by
answering the questions that follow. Good luck!

Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it

in your answer sheet.

1. What is the purpose of the fuse in an electric circuit?

a. Prevents power supply ripple from damaging the circuit
b. Interrupts power in case of overload
c. Limits current to prevent shock
d. All of the above

2. Why should we use electrical safety devices in our homes?

a. to lessen our electrical consumption
b. for our appliances to run efficiently
c. to add to the design in our homes
d. to protect our properties and our lives

3. Why are fuses and circuit breakers used in circuits?

a. They open to the circuit when a large amount of current flows
through it.
b. They increase the efficiency of appliances within the circuit.
c. They insulate the connection in the circuit.

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 d. They can help lessen the electrical consumption.

4. What is a good way to protect against electrical shock at home?

a. Use three-wire cords and plugs for all AC powered equipment.
b. Use a circuit protected by a ground fault interrupter.
c. Replace blown fuse with a new one.
d. All of the above

5. It is the connection of non- current carrying part of the equipment to

the earth using a green or yellow wire with green stripe to discharge
stray currents to the earth in case of fault to protect us from electric
shock.

a. c.

b. d.

Please check your answers at the answer

key portion of this module. If you got below 3,
please go over the earlier parts of the module. If
you got 3 and above then it is time for you to
proceed to the next module. Keep up the good
work. CONGRATULATIONS!

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 Answer Keys

Pre-Test Answer Keys

1. b
2. b
3. d
4. a
5. c

Learning Activities Answer Keys

Elicit:
Possible answers:
A.
1. lighting – It lights up our homes at night.
2. Entertainment – We can watch TV, listen to music and even play with
our smart phones.
3. Refrigeration – It helps us preserve our foods longer.
4. Air conditioning – It cools our homes during summer or very hot days.
5. Operating appliances – It enables us to operate other appliances to
make life more convenient.

Possible answer:
Overloading occurs because of adding too many appliances in a single
circuit. The electrical usage of each running device adds to the total load in
the circuit thus exceeding the rated load for the circuit.

Engage:
A. 1. e
2. d
3. a
4. b
5. c

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 B.
Expected answers are:
1. Do not touch appliances with wet hands because water is a good
electrical conductor.
2. Do not plug too many appliances in one outlet because this may cause
overloading.
3. Do not operate appliances in an open environment especially in a bad
weather.
4. Keep away from high voltage areas.
5. Do not use electrical appliances when you are in water.
6. Do not operate defective appliances because you may accidentally
touch live wire.
Explore:
1. FUSE
2. SURGE PROTECTOR
3. CIRCUIT BREAKER
4. DOUBLE INSULATION
5. EARTHING
CLUE: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Guide questions;
1. Fuse, circuit breakers, surge protectors, earthing and others
2. Fuse/circuit breakers – breaks the circuit when overloading or short
circuit occurs
Surge protectors – offers more protection than common extension
wires
Earthing - discharge the electrical energy to the earth and protect us
from electric shock.
Double insulation – prevents current with coming in contact with our
body
3. Yes, using electrical safety devices can protect us from electric shocks
and fires providing safety for our lives and properties.

Elaborate:
1. The wire gets too hot because of too much current.
2. The strip melts.
3. The circuit is opened.
Extend:
1. ✓
2. x
3. ✓

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 4. ✓
5. x
B.
1. e
2. d
3. b
4. e
5. a

Post-Test Answer Keys

A.
1. c
2. d
3. c
4. a
5. a

26
 References

Science 8 Learner’s Material

Science 8 Teacher’s Guide
Prototype and Contextualized Daily Lesson Plans Grade 8 Science Quarter 1
EASE Physics

Cover Art: electrician icons set at freepik.com designed by macrovector

Cover Art: helpful tips from freepik designed by freepik
Cover Art: sun setting behind the silhouette of electric pylons from freepik.com
designed by evening_tao
Cover Art: bulb background vector from freepik.com designed by
Gstudioimagen

Images:
Thomas A. Domitrovich, untitled, Systems and equipment,
November/December 2013,
https://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2013/novemberdecember-2013/tamper-
resistant-receptacles/

JamesJSherman, Dual function AFCI GFCI Receptacle, February 5, 2016,

https://commons.mwikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leviton_Dual_Function_AFCI_GFC
I_Receptacle.jpg

https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-middle-school-pysical-science-
flexbook-2.0/section/20.114/primary/lesson/electric-safety-ms-ps

https://en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Basic_Electrical_Generation_and_Distribution

https://ds-assets.pbkids.org/videos/304_fuse_hi_mov.mp4

Video clips:
https://youtu.be/0ihkfUbddsk
https://youtu.be/gDBUqeqx5t4

27