Question

What precautions should be taken to avoid overloading of domestic electric circuits?

Answer 1

Hint: In a household electrical current system, we use alternating current that can fluctuate with time. Sometimes the voltage of the current increases rapidly, and as a result, it increases the current through the system. This excess amount of current affects electrical appliances’ effectiveness and causes a fire in the wiring system.

Complete answer:
There are a few ways by which we can prevent the overloading of domestic electric circuits, such as-
• One should not use too many appliances in the domestic electric circuits. When we use too many appliances connected to the primary electric source, there are possibilities that the electric flow may increase rapidly, leading to an overload in the circuit.
• One should not connect too many appliances in a single socket. It can also produce overload in the circuit.
• One must always keep a routine check whether the connected appliances are in good condition or not. Damaged appliances can be hazardous for domestic uses.
• One should always install a fuse or Mini Circuit Breaker to every switchboard to prevent this situation.
• Proper earthing should be installed in the domestic electric circuit. If the earthing is appropriately done in a circuit, then the excess current will flow through the earthing to prevent the circuit’s overload.

Note: According to Joule’s Law, the amount of heat generated in the circuit is directly proportional to the square of the amount of current flowing through the circuit. Thus, overload in a circuit produces excess heat that is also termed as the short circuit. Every year around 70% of the domestic fire is caused due to a short circuit.