GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Earthing

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Electricity Domestic uses and safety

Earthing

1:32 Mains Electricity
Spec 4.2.3.2
Previous Three-Core Plugs Next Electrical Safety
  • If a live wire touches a metal part of an appliance, that part becomes live.
  • Many appliances have metal parts, such as a metal toaster.
  • A fault in the appliance can cause the live wire to touch the metal case, making it live.
  • A live metal case is dangerous as touching it can result in an electric shock.
  • To prevent the appliance from becoming live, an earth wire can be used.
  • The earth wire carries current from live parts of the appliance to make it safe.
  • The earth wire connects to the case and prevents it from becoming live by providing a path to the earth.
  • Earthing is the process of discharging an object to the earth.
  • The symbol for earth in a circuit diagram is shown.
  • The earth wire only carries current when there is a fault in the appliance.
  • If the case is not live, there is no current in the earth wire.
  • The earth wire is crucial for safety, although it only carries current during a fault.

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