Describe the hazards of household electricity and four safety measures.

Household electricity can present several hazards, including:

  1. Electric Shock: When a person comes into direct contact with an electrical source, it can lead to an electric shock, which can cause burns, muscle spasms, or even be fatal in severe cases.

  2. Electrical Fires: Faulty wiring, overloading circuits, or electrical appliances with malfunctioning components can overheat and start a fire, putting homes and families at risk.

  3. Faulty Appliances: Electrical appliances that are damaged or improperly used can pose a significant hazard, leading to short circuits, sparks, or overheating.

  4. Overloaded Circuits: Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or power strip can overload the circuit, causing overheating and increasing the risk of fire or damage to devices.

Four Safety Measures:

  1. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs protect against electric shock by quickly shutting off power when they detect a difference in current between the hot and neutral wires, typically in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets.

  2. Regularly Inspect Appliances and Wiring: Routinely check electrical cords, plugs, and outlets for damage. Replace frayed or damaged wires and ensure all appliances are in good working condition.

  3. Avoid Overloading Circuits: Do not plug too many appliances into a single outlet or power strip. Overloading circuits can lead to overheating and fires. Use only appliances rated for the appropriate wattage.

  4. Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers: Ensure smoke detectors are in good working order throughout the home, especially near kitchens and electrical equipment. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies.

By adhering to these safety practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with household electricity.

Related Questions:

  1. If aluminum and copper wires of the same length have the same resistance, which has the larger diameter? Why?
  2. Two electric bulbs marked 100 W, 220 V and 200 W, 220 V have tungsten filaments of the same length. Which bulb has a thicker filament?
  3. Show that Volt-Ampere is equal to Watt (SI unit of power).
  4. Define and explain the term electric current. What is the difference between electronic current and conventional current?
  5. How can you differentiate between emf and potential difference? What do you mean by emf? Is it really a force? Explain
  6. Explain Ohm’s Law. What are its limitations? Differentiate between ohmic and non-ohmic conductors.
  7. Analyze IV characteristic graphs for a metallic conductor, an incandescent bulb, and a thermistor to determine ohmic and non-ohmic behavior.
  8. Define resistance and its unit. What is the cause of resistance? On what factors does the resistance of a metallic conductor depend?
  9. How are resistances connected in series? What are their characteristics? Derive the formula for equivalent resistance.
  10. How are resistances connected in parallel? What are their characteristics? Derive the formula for equivalent resistance.
  11. In a circuit, three bulbs are connected in series and in another circuit, three bulbs are connected in parallel. The magnitude of the emf source for both circuits is the same. How can you explain the difference in brightness of bulbs in both circuits?
  12. State and prove Joule’s law of heating.
  13. What is electric power? Derive its different formulae.
  14. Define kilowatt-hour (kWh). What is its relation with joule? How can you calculate energy in kWh by a formula?
  15. 12. Differentiate between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Define the following terms for AC: (i) Cycle, (ii) Time period, (iii) Frequency.
  16. What is the function of a galvanometer, ammeter, and voltmeter? How are they connected in circuits?
  17. How is electricity supplied to houses by the electricity department? How do we distribute it in household circuits?
  18. What do you mean by short circuit and open circuit? Define live wire, neutral wire, and earth wire in household circuits.
  19. Can current flow through a circuit without potential difference? Explain.
  20. Can current flow through a circuit without potential difference? Explain.