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An Evening In
Typical! Just settling in for a good night watching the big match on telly and the lights go off. Ooops sorry Julie, didn’t see your foot there. I’d better go and check the fuse box to see if that’s the cause of the problem. Where’s the torch Julie?
Ask Julie
Occasionally a fault can happen with the supply of electric current which results in too much current flowing through a wire. This can cause the electric wire to get very hot and can start a fire. Every plug contains a fuse and every house has a main circuit breaker box or fuse box, which protects the house and electrical appliances from power surges.
Never attempt to touch a fuse or plug unless you are supervised by a responsible adult.
Circuit breakers
Circuit breakers are like sophisticated fuses. They are designed to switch the current off if there is any problem with the electrical current. Circuit breakers have replaced the main fuse box in all new houses in the United Kingdom and many older houses too. They look like a row of switches in a box near the electricity meter. If a circuit fails in one area of the house you simply look for the switch that has closed and turn off the main electricity supply. Once you have found and repaired the cause of the problem you can reset the circuit breaker and turn the electricity supply back on.
Fuses
Fuses contain a narrow strip of wire that is designed to ‘break’ if there is a fault, and cut off the supply of electricity. Fuses are a vital safety mechanism; they reduce the risk of harm or injury from electric shock.
Always remember to switch off the main switch before replacing a fuse or closing a circuit breaker. Replace the cover before you switch on.
Residual circuit breakers
Also sometimes called Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers. These devices are designed to work quickly if there is an Earth fault. They should always be used on electrical appliances that are used outside. If you are using an electric lawnmower or DIY equipment and accidentally damage the electric flex a residual circuit breaker would immediately detect this and switch off the current before you could be electrocuted.
Time for some fun...
Dave’s Puzzle
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Next page: Dave investigates
Always remember to switch off electricity at the mains before replacing a fuse or closing a circuit breaker. Replace the cover before you switch on.
Get help when wiring a plug if unsure what to do.
Make sure you use the correct fuse for the appliance. Check the instruction book if unsure. Never use foil instead of a fuse.
Avoid multi plug adapters. Adapters can be easily overloaded and will heat up.
Never touch sockets or switches with wet hands. You are at risk of an electric shock. A spark of electricity is produced between the terminals when the switch is operated; wet hands could conduct electricity through you.
Always use a RCCB when using garden or DIY tools. An RCCB is a Residual Current Circuit Breaker. Should you damage the flex when using a sharp tools, an RCCB will cut off the electricity supply to the appliance immediately.
Use plug guards when small children are around. Small children may poke things into sockets.
Fully extend extension leads when using. If kept wound up when in use they can overheat and catch fire. Flexes that run under carpets are a fire hazard -the flex becomes worn; the bare wires carrying the electricity could rub together and overheat.
