What is electricity and why is it important?

Electricity is both a basic part of nature and one of the most widely used forms of energy. The electricity that we use is a secondary energy source because it is produced by converting primary sources of energy such as coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, solar energy, and wind energy, into electrical power.

How do we depend on electricity?

Electricity can provide comfort with the invention of the lightbulb. Electricity also provides comfort with the invention of the air conditioning unit, this is used to contol indoor climate. We use electricity for entertainment,comfort, and it can be an alternative source of transportation.

What would happen if there was no electricity?

There would be no power to use your fridge or freezer, telephone lines would be down and phone signal lost. Your mobile phones will be useless as the battery dwindles, with no back up charging option. Your gas central heating won’t work and your water supply would soon stop pumping clean water.

How can I generate electricity at home?

Generating Electricity at Home

Residential Solar Panels. Every ray of sunshine that lands on your roof is free electricity for the taking.
Wind Turbines.
Solar and Wind Hybrid Systems.
Microhydropower Systems.
Solar Water Heaters.
Geothermal Heat Pumps.

Can I shower if power is out?

However, if you plan to take a shower, do it soon after the power goes out — while tank-style water heaters have a large reserve of hot water, the water only stays warm for one to two hours. So if you lost power recently, you should probably be able to enjoy a comfortable, warm shower.

What causes Electricalfires?

A failure or malfunction within the electrical components of equipment or machinery can cause electrical fires. Electrical fires originate in electric wires, cables, circuit breakers, and within electrical components. Fires start in electrical panels from overloaded circuits or age of the panel.

Can water cause Electricalfires?

Water also can start a fire. The presence of moisture can rapidly increase the current in the circuit, which in most modern appliances will cause a short circuit as the fuse is blown. However, if a fuse is not present, then the wire will heat up and a fire could start.

What are the 5 causes of fire?

The most common causes of house fires

Cooking equipment. Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended.
Heating.
Smoking in bedrooms.
Electrical equipment.
Candles.
Curious children.
Faulty wiring.
Barbeques.

How do electrical fires start and how can they be prevented?

The best way to prevent electrical fires is to make sure that all electrical work is done by a trained electrician. In addition, you should have any electrical systems inspected and tested for potential issues regularly so you can spot problems and address them before a fire occurs.

Why is electrical safety important?

Disabling Injuries – Electrocutions are also responsible for a large number of employees becoming disabled each year. On average 3600 people are disabled in this way each year. Medical Costs – The medical costs related to a serious electrical burn can be over $4 million and take many years.

How should you handle appliances and equipment to prevent fire?

7 tips to prevent electrical fires at home

Keep heat-producing appliances unplugged when not in use.
Only use extension cords temporarily.
Never cut off the third prong on a power cord.
Update your home’s electrical system.
Don’t plug in devices with damaged power cords.
Follow the directions that come with your appliances.
Don’t ignore signs of trouble.

How can electrical hazards be prevented?

Preventative steps

Inspect wiring of equipment before each use.
Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used.
Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels.
Limit the use of extension cords.
Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.

What are 5 electrical safety tips?

Electrical safety for kids

Never put fingers or other objects in an outlet.
Keep metal objects out of toasters.
Never use anything with a cord or plug around water.
Never pull a plug out by its cord.
Stay away from substations and power lines.
Don’t climb on power poles.
Never fly kites near power lines.

What are examples of electrical hazards?

What are Examples of Electrical Hazards?

Contact with live wires resulting in electric shock and burns,
Fires due to faulty wiring,
Exposed electrical parts,
Ignition of fires or explosions due to electrical contact with potentially flammable or explosive materials,
Inadequate wiring,

What are the causes of electrical hazards?

These are eight of the most dangerous electrical hazards that can be observed in a home:

Poor Wiring and Defective Electric Wires:
Outlets Close to Water.
Lightbulbs.
Covered Electrical Cords and Wires.
Pouring Water on Electrical Fires.
Inquisitive Young Children.
Wet Hands.
Extension Cords.

What are the basic electrical safety?

Electrical safety basics Don’t work with exposed conductors carrying 50 volts or more. Make sure electrical equipment is properly connected, grounded and in good working order. Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring and should be removed after temporary use for an activity or event.

What is electrical common?

The “common” is the “neutral” or “ground” wire, depending on the type of circuit. In normal US residential wiring, you’ll have a black “hot” wire, a white “neutral” or “common” wire, and a green or bare “ground” wire.

What is the purpose of a common wire?

It carries the current from the power source to the outlet. Acting as the first instance of a circuit, they are always carrying electricity, meaning it is dangerous to touch a hot wire while there is a power source feeding it. Hot wire is identified by its black casing.