Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Spec 2.17-2.19
Mains Electricity & Safety
Mains electricity, the three-pin plug and electrical safety.
Physics revision video
Mains Electricity & Safety
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Spec 2.17-2.19
What you need to know
- Tell a.c. and d.c. apart
- Describe the wiring of a three-pin plug
- Explain how fuses and earthing keep us safe
Active recall
Quick check
Answer each question before opening the answer.
State the colours and roles of the live, neutral and earth wires (UK).
Live — brown (carries the alternating voltage); neutral — blue (completes the circuit); earth — green-and-yellow (safety).
How do a fuse and earth wire protect an appliance?
A large fault current flows to earth and melts the fuse, disconnecting the live supply.
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