Subject – Science

Holidays homework class 5

BY: SAANVI PANDIT
Topic- Electrical Insulators
Conductors and insulators
 What are insulators??????
Electrical wires are made of metal and covered with
plastic.
Materials which do not conduct electricity are called
Insulators.
For example – wood, plastic, glass, rubber, paper etc.
Uses of conductors and insulators
Both conductors and insulators are equally
important to us. Electrical wires are made of
copper. Though silver is better conductor , it is not
used because it is too expensive. Aluminium is also
used to make wires.
Insulators play an important role in electrical circuits
and equipment. For example – in place of switches, an
insulating material (plastic) separates the metal
terminals from each other.
The electrical wires used in most circuits are insulated
either by a plastic or rubber covering.
Handles of screwdrivers and testers are made of
insulating materials, such as wood or plastic.
Electrical plugs are also made of plastic or other
insulating materials on one side, so that we are not
exposed to the ‘pins’ of plug while handling it.
 Electrical safety
Electricity can be very dangerous if electrical
devices are not handled carefully.
Here are few safety guidelines that one must follow
while handling electrical devices.
Never play with electrical wires and sockets.

After charging devices like mobile phones, laptops,

one should always turn ‘OFF’ the switch and then
remove the plug from the socket before removing the
connection from device.
Never touch or try repairing any electrical
equipment or circuits with wet hands. It increases
the conductivity of the electric current.
 Never use equipment with frayed cords, damaged
insulation or broken plugs.
Always use insulated tools while working.
 Always use appropriate insulated rubber gloves
and goggles while working on any branch circuit
or any other electrical circuit.
Electrical devices such as laptops and mobile
phones should not be connected to an electrical
socket (for charging) while using earphones.