10.5: Household Electricity

What is direct current (DC)?

Electric current that flows in one direction only.

What is alternating current (AC)?

Electric current that repeatedly changes direction.

What voltage is supplied to Australian homes?

230 V.

Why are household appliances connected in parallel?

So each appliance receives 230 V and can operate independently.

What is an LED?

A light-emitting diode that converts electrical energy into light efficiently.

Why are LEDs more efficient than incandescent globes?

LEDs convert more electrical energy into light and produce minimal heat.

What is a fuse?

A short piece of wire that melts when the current becomes too high

What is a circuit breaker?

A switch that automatically opens the circuit when current becomes too high.

What is a safety switch (RCD)?

A device that quickly switches off power to reduce the risk of electric shock.

What is the purpose of the earth socket?

To provide a path for current to flow to the ground if an appliance develops a fault.

What does double insulation do?

Plastic insulation prevents current from flowing from external metal parts to the internal wiring.