1.

To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off)

switches, a fuse and a power source

Aim
To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off)
switches, a fuse and a power source.

Apparatus and material

Apparatus:
No apparatus required in assembling a circuit.
Material:
Three bulbs (6 V, 1W) each, fuse of 0.6 A, main switch a power
supply(battery.eliminator), three (on/off) switches flexible connecting wire with red and
black plastic covering, a fuse wire.

Supplementary:
Main electric board with a two-pin socket and main switch

Theory
Electricity supplied to us for domestic purposes is 220 V A.C. and 50 Hz. The
household
circuit, all appliances are connected in “parallel” with mains. The switches are
connected in series with each appliances in live wire. 5 A switches are required for
normal appliances like, bulbs, fluorescent tubes fans etc. 15 A sockets and switches are
required for heavy load appliances ‘ like, refrigerator, air conditioner, geyser, hot
plates
etc. All appliances must have three wires called live, neutral and the earth. Total power
consumption ‘P’ at a time
P = P1+P2+P3+……

Where---- P1, P2, P3

are the powers drawn by appliances.To protect the appliances from damage when
unduly high currents are drawn fuse of little higher rating, 10 to 20% higher than the
current normally drawn by all appliances. For further safety, a suitable value MAINS
FUSE like rating 32 A is connected in series with supply source.

Diagram
Procedure
1. Connect the bulbs B1, B2 and B3 in series with switches S1,S2 and S3
Respectively and connect each set of B-S in parallel with each other.
2. Connect main supply to a step-down transformer (battery eliminator) to get
required voltage from 0 to 10 V (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 V).
3. Connect the mains fuse M.S. in series with the power supply (battery eliminator).
4. Connect an A.C. ammeter in series with the B-S set
.5. Connect one end of power supply to one end of B-S set.
6. Check the circuit one again to ensure that household circuit is complete.
7. Gradually increase the current to 0.75 A, the fuse must bum off at about 0.6 A

LINKS

1.https://www.scribd.com

2. https://www.learncbse.in

3.https://science12a.weebly.com
4. https://www.studocu.com

5.https://www.selfstudys.com

6.https://www.coursehero.com

INTRODUCTION

We have known how electric power is generated using wind, water and other forms of
energy. Electricity is generated when mechanical energy is converted into electrical
energy. We are also aware that electricity is a key factor to light up our homes and is
the main source for the functioning of many devices like refrigerators, washing
machines, iron box, dishwashers, fans, air conditioners and many more. Let us know
how electricity is supplied through these devices and how power is supplied to homes.
Domestic electric circuits give an idea of how power is supplied to homes using various
types of switches, wires and circuits. In this article, let us make an effort to understand
what is meant by domestic electric circuits in detail.
 Supply of Electricity
We know power generation takes place in power stations and the power
distribution takes place from the power station through large transmission
lines which are supported by the large towers. These transmission lines aid
in carrying a large amount of power to substations. Distribution lines carry
small amounts of current which are distributed from the substations to
houses. The main supply, referred to as mains, receives the power in the
home and is distributed through various types of cables. When the currents
flow through the cables into the devices or appliances at home, they function
accordingly.

Domestic Electric Circuits

Basically, electric circuit connections are of two types:

 Series circuit
 Parallel circuit
In the series circuit electrons flow in a single direction. Series circuits can be either
opened or closed at a single time. When the circuit breaks, no current flows in the
circuit.
In the parallel circuit, electrons flow in several directions. Different parts of the circuit
are connected in different branches. If a circuit breaks in a single direction, electric
current flows in another direction.
The power supplied to homes through distribution lines are received at the mains.
Electricity is supplied through two types of cables; Over head cables or underground
cables.

Over Head Cables and Underground Cables

The overhead cables are usually mounted with support made of RCC, wood, steel and
even reinforced plastics. The underground cables are laid by digging trenches. The
cables used for the transmission and distribution of the power are known as power
cables.
Assembly of one or more individually insulated electrical conductors are held together
with an overall sheath. These power cables are laid inside the building as permanent
wiring, buried in the ground and run overhead or exposed to the atmosphere. The
design and manufacturing of power cables is as per the rated current, voltage,
maximum operating temperature and usage.
 Parts of power cable are:
• Conductor
• Insulation
• Beading
• Armoring (optional)
• Outer sheath
Conductors are usually made of copper or aluminum material and are the power
carrying part of the cable.
Insulating materials incorporated in the manufacturing of cable are chosen based on
the operating temperature as well as the voltage and current rating of the cable. The
process by which a cable is provided with more mechanical strength is known as
beading. Armoring is a process by which the earthing shield to the current carrying
conductors is provided. The outermost cover of the cable that protects against electrical
mishaps, weather, and chemicals. Outer sheath is made of PVC or rubber.

3 types of wires are involved in the domestic electric circuits, they are:
 Earth wire
 Live wire
 Neutral wire
Earth wire is green in colour. Earth wire is connected to metal plates placed in the
earth near the house for safety purposes. It provides safety for all the appliances and
devices connected at home which have a metallic body. This is done to prevent shock
when leakage of charges happens in the metallic body.
Live wire is red in colour. It is a positive conductor that helps to break the circuit when
excess current flows through the circuit.
Neutral wire is black in colour. It is a negative conductor.
Note: The potential difference between live and neutral wire is 220 volts.

Electric Fuse

From the main supply, the current is passed through the circuit called a fuse. An
electric fuse is used as a safety device that protects electric circuits and appliances due
to fluctuation, short-circuiting or overloading of the electric circuits. Fuse offers high
resistance to voltage and has a low melting point. The fuse helps in breaking the circuit
when overload current, high voltage or fluctuating current passes through the circuit.
When heated, it melts and breaks the connection with the circuit, helping in preventing
burning of other components/circuits. Hence, fuse is an integral part of domestic wiring
as a safety device.

ELECTRIC METER
Fuse is connected to an electric meter, an electric meter is also known as an energy
meter. The earth wire from the meter is connected to ground (earthend) near the house.
This meter records the electricity consumed by the house in kilowatt hour (kwh). The
wires from the electric meter pass to the distribution box and are distributed to various
devices when connected to the switch.
Electric circuits used for household purposes are of two types: 15 Amperes current
rating circuit and 5 Amperes current rating circuit.
5 Amperes current rating circuits are used for lower power consumption sources that
have lower power ratings. It includes television, fans, lights like LED and bulbs.
15 Amperes current rating circuits are used for higher power consumption sources that
have a high power rating. It includes an air conditioner, geysers and iron box.
Now let us know various factors like overloading and short-circuiting that affect the
flow of electricity and interrupt the normal functioning of the devices.

Overloading and Short-Circuiting

The main reason for using the electric fuse is to prevent overloading and short-
circuiting. When these occur, mishaps like circuit burning, fire and shock which can
lead to severe hazard can take place.
When a number of electrical appliances are used at the same time, it draws a huge
amount of current at the same time. This causes overloading. Even when a number of
electrical appliances are connected to the same electrical socket, overloading takes
place. Since we can see a parallel type of connection in residential buildings, when the
total current drawn by all the appliances at the single time exceeds the bearing capacity
of the wire, it heats the wire and leads to overloading.
Short-circuit happens when the neutral wire comes in contact with the live wire. It
happens when wires of low resistance are used or when the insulation of the wire is
damaged and one wire gets in contact with another.
 Earthing
We might experience a mild shock when we come in contact with devices that have
damaged insulation or when touched with wet hands or when the body comes in
contact with the metallic part of the device. When the leakage of current takes place,
current flows through the body of the person in contact. To avoid this type of situation,
as a part of safety and precaution, earthing is done. Earthing is the process of
protecting against unwarranted spikes and bouts of electricity that can cause damage
to life and property.
 Precautions
We have to make sure we follow some precautions while handling electrical equipment.

 Ensure a good earthing is done in the house.

 A good quality of fuse shall be incorporated into the electrical circuit.
 High resistance, insulated wires should be used in the electrical wiring of the
house.
 Sockets and switches also should be of specified industrial standards.
 Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands.
 When any electrical hazards happen, make sure to turn off the main supply
immediately.

 INTRODUCTION

 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

 DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

 OVER HEAD CABLES AND UNDERGROUND CABLES

 PARTS OF POWER CABLE

 3 TYPES OF WIRE INVOLVED IN DOMESTIC

ELECTRICALCIRCUTS
 ELECTRICAL FUSE

 ELECTRIC METER

 OVER LOAD AND SHORT-CIRCUIT

 EARTHING

 PRECAUTION