2.4.1

Domestic Uses

Test yourself

Electric Current - Direct and Alternating

There are two types of electric current.

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Direct current (d.c)

  • The electric current flows in only one direction.
  • Batteries and cells are sources of direct current.
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Alternating current (a.c)

  • The electric current repeatedly changes direction.
  • In the UK, the electricity from the plug sockets is a source of alternating current.
    • This mains electricity supply has a frequency of 50 Hz and is about 230 V.

Mains Electricity

Most electrical appliances are connected to the mains using a three-core cable (a cable containing 3 wires). The wires are colour-coded. The colour tells you the wire's purpose.

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Live wire is brown

  • The live wire is brown and carries a 230V potential.
  • It provides the alternating potential difference from the mains electricity supply.
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Neutral wire is blue

  • The neutral wire is blue.
  • It is at or close to earth potential (which is 0V).
  • It completes the circuit and carries current away from the appliance.
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Earth wire has green and yellow stripes

  • The earth wire has green and yellow stripes.
  • It has a 0V potential and only carries a current if there is a fault.
  • It is a safety wire to stop the appliance becoming live.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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