Electricity in the Home

Question 1

What is Alternating Current?

Answer 1

Current which constantly changes direction.

Question 2

Whats the UK mains supply to your home?

Answer 2

230V

Question 3

Direct Current Definition?

Answer 3

Current that is always flowing in the same direction, created by a direct voltage.

Question 4

What are the 3 wires in a plug?

Answer 4

Live Wire,
Earth Wire,
Neutral Wire.

Question 5

What is the Neutral Wire, What does it do?

Answer 5

COLOUR: Blue
Completes the circuit,
When appliance is operating normally, current flows thru the live and neutral wire, It has around 0 V.

Question 6

What is the Live Wire, What does it do?

Answer 6

COLOUR: Brown
Provides alternating potential difference (at around 230 V), from mains supply.

Question 7

What is the Earth Wire Wire, What does it do?

Answer 7

COLOUR: Green and Yellow.
Protects the wiring, stops the appliance casing from becoming live. Doesn’t usually carry current, only when there’s a fault, also at 0 V.