Electrical Safety

---

Circuit

Electricity flows in a circuit.

A circuit is made when conductors form a continuous path between the positive and negative terminals of a power source.

• electrical circuit has the following properties:
  • Current is the amount of charge flowing through a conductor, measured in amps (A or I)
  • Voltage is the potential difference between two points (often likened to pressure in a water pipe) measured in volts (V)
  • Resistance is degree of opposition to the current caused by characteristics of the conductor, measured in ohms (Ω or R)

Fuse

An electrical device must be fitted with a fuse appropriate to its maximum current.

• A fuse blows if there is a problem with the electrical supply, breaking the circuit to the power source

Grounding

Electrical equipment must be grounded.

• a ground provides a path of least resistance for the electrical current to flow away harmlessly

Electrical Fire

• use carbon dioxide (CO2) gas extinguisher for electrical fires