CHAPTER 07: MAINS ELECTRICITY

1) Direct Current (DC):

This is the continuous flow of electrons through a conducting material such as a
metal wire. In direct current the electron flow is always in the same direction.

2) Alternating Current (AC):

An alternating current is one which is constantly changing direction or
alternates in direction. The back and forth motion occurs between 50 and 60
times per second, depending on the electrical system of the country.

Questions:
i. What is the frequency of AC in the UK?
ii. What is the difference between DC and AC?
iii. Give an example for the DC source.

3) Mains Electricity:
Mains electricity is the term used to refer to the electricity supply from power
stations to households.

Questions:
i. Mains electricity is supplied as _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _(DC/AC)
ii. UK mains voltage is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _(110V/230V)

4) Reason to use AC in mains electricity:

AC can easily be converted to higher and lower voltages by a transformer.
Transport the electrical energy from a power station at a high voltage and low
current is more efficient than a high current and low voltage. At high current, most
of the energy would be wasted as heat due to the resistance in the power lines.
(Energy loss) Converting DC to the high voltage low current form is very difficult
and cannot be done efficiently.

Questions:
i. By using a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ transformer lower voltage AC can be converted
to higher voltage.

Edexcel IGCSE Physics/ Section B: Electricity/ M.W.S.Perera(BSc(Maths).Sp(Hons)

 ii. By using a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ transformer higher voltage AC can be
converted to lower voltage.
iii. Explain briefly How to use above two types of transformers in the
national grid system?

5) Safety (Wire cables):

a) Mains electricity (electricity from the power station) enters the house via the
Live wire. The live wire carries the incoming electricity and is therefore at
230V and so very dangerous.
b) Mains voltage is more than enough to kill somebody.
c) The neutral wire is also supplied from the power station and is used to
complete the circuit. It is earthed back to the power station.
d) Therefore once the electricity from the live wire has given its energy to the
appliances in the household the current travels back out of the house via the
neutral wire hence the neutral wire has a lower voltage(approximate to 0V)
than the live wire.
e) The earth wire is used for safety purposes and carries the current away when
there is a fault.
f) The Mains Supply is brought into the house via the main fuse box and is
distributed around the house using cabling under the floorboards and within
walls. Sockets are fitted so that the house occupiers can access the electricity
supply easily and safely.
g) Most electrical appliances are connected to the Mains using cable and a 3-pin
plug. The 3-pin plug can then be plugged into the socket and make a
connection with the Mains Supply.

Questions:
i. A typical cable comprises of two or three inner cores of copper, because
copper is a good _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
ii. A typical cable comprises of outer layers of flexible plastic, because plastic
is a good _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
iii. Consider the 3pin plug wiring, what are the colors of earth wire, live wire
and neutral wire respectively?

Edexcel IGCSE Physics/ Section B: Electricity/ M.W.S.Perera(BSc(Maths).Sp(Hons)

6) Safety (Plug):
h) A plug has a plastic or rubber case, because plastic and rubber are good
insulators.
i) Connector pins made from brass, because brass is a good conductor.
j) A cable (or cord) grip to hold the cable firmly in place and stop a user pulling
wires free from their correct connections. The other end of the cable is
connected to the electrical circuit inside the appliance.
k) A fuse is an electrical component which is placed in an electrical circuit for
protection against electrical faults such as a current surge. The fuse contains a
thin wire that melts if too much current flows through it. The fuse is fitted in
series with the live wire.

7) Safety (RCCB):
l) A residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) cuts the current to an appliance, like
a fuse, only that it is an electromagnet.
m) This means it works far quicker than a fuse - reducing the risk of
electrocution.

8) Safety (Double Insulation):

n) Some appliances don't need an earth wire as they have plastic casing - this is
called double insulation.
o) Examples: Electric Kettles, Electric Drills, Hair dryers.
p) Marked with the symbol;

Edexcel IGCSE Physics/ Section B: Electricity/ M.W.S.Perera(BSc(Maths).Sp(Hons)