Question

Name the three types of wires used in household circuits. Out of these three, which wire is used as a safety measure especially for those appliances that have a metallic body. State the colour of insulation used for this wire. How does this wire ensure the safety of the user?

Answer 1

Hint:The three wires used in the electric power line to our house have a different purpose. We use a colour code for insulating these wires to minimize confusion. Because of these wires, there is a chance of getting shocked by appliances so as a safety measure we use one of these wires for electrical earthing. By knowing what this process is we can answer how that wire ensures the safety of the user.

Complete answer:
The three types of wires used in household circuits are Earth wire, Live wire, and Neutral wire.

Out of these Earth wire is used as a safety measure especially for those appliances that have a metallic body. The colour of insulation used for this wire is Green.This wire ensures the safety of the user as the metallic body linked to the earth wire maintains its potential at that of the earth's zero potential.

The user does not receive any form of electric shock as a result of the leakage. If the live wire comes into contact with the metallic body of the appliance, the current flows directly to the ground via the earth wire. Because it does not require our bodies to transfer the current, we do not experience an electric shock. In this way, the electric appliance is protected from harm caused by excessive current, and we are also protected from electric shock.

Note:Live wire is a positive wire generally red in colour. The neutral wire is a negative wire generally black in colour. The electric power that we receive in our houses is by the main supply, commonly called mains. The meter board distributes these cables to various electric appliances throughout the house.