4.10.1

Dangers of Electricity

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Dangers of Electricity

Electricity can be dangerous, so we must be cautious and safe around it. Electricity passing through the human body causes an electric shock. This damages the body and can be deadly. Some risk factors are:

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Damaged insulation

  • Insulation on wires stops electricity from passing from the wires to a person touching the wire.
  • If the insulation is damaged a person may touch the wire itself and get an electric shock.
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Damp conditions

  • Water can conduct electricity.
  • If conditions are damp, it is possible for currents to flow through the water to a person using a device. This gives the person an electric shock.
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Overheating

  • If cables or wires carry more current than they are designed for, they can overheat and can cause a fire.
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Overloading

  • Overloading occurs when too many appliances are connected to plugs, extension leads, or sockets.
  • Excess current causes wires to overheat, which may damage equipment or start fires.
  • High-power appliances (e.g. heaters, kettles) are especially risky when used together.
  • Fuses and circuit breakers protect circuits by cutting off the supply if current is too high.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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