Quiz 1 – Basic Electrical Knowledge

The pins on a plug are the metal projections which go into the socket.  In the UK we use a BS1363 plug with 3 pins.

Whoever picks up the electrical equipment to use it, is responsible for it's safety.  Although the item is officially checked on a regular basis (a 'PAT Test'), damage can occur at anytime, so it is up to the user to check it before use.

If we 'resist' something we are generally 'opposing' it.  Current flows down a conductor and electrical resistance works in the opposite direction.  This has the effect of restricting the flow or stopping it altogether.

When we need to use an extension lead, it is always good practice to use a single lead of the correct length. Connecting multiple leads together introduces potential 'hot-spots' (poor connections), leads of different grades (some leads have a greater capacity than others) and by adding extra sockets we are encouraging people to plug more items in and overloading the circuit

While an earth path is a safety device, it can be problematic.  It is arguably better to prevent electricity leaking out of the equipment by using more insulation, rather than dealing with electricity which has already leaked out by sending it down an earth wire.

The fuse is designed to protect the next thing in the circuit - the flex.  When we pass electricity through the flex during normal operation, it will get warm.  If there is an equipment fault, the flex can get too warm and set on fire.  By putting the fuse before the flex in the circuit, it will blow (and break the circuit) before the flex can get too warm.

All fuses designed for a standard BS1363 3-pin plug used in the UK are made to BS1362.  3 Amp fuses are red and 13 Amp fuses are brown.  All of the non-standard fuses are black (1A, 2A, 5A, 7A and 10A). Fuses of the wrong colour or carrying incorrect information are potential counterfeits

The correct wiring of a BS1363 plug is:

• Live (brown) to the right
• Neutral (Blue) to the left
• Earth (green/yellow) to the top

Don't forget, a plug needs a cord-grip to secure the flex to the plug.  One of the answer images has this vital part missing, so the plug is not acceptable, even though the wires might be in the correct positions.

Many electrical items are made in other countries and will have travelled, so there is a possibility damage could have been caused in transit. The instruction manual doesn't just tell you how to use an appliance, but also where and for how long. The majority of appliances are designed for domestic use i.e. a limited amount of time, as excessive use can lead to breakdown, overheating and fires

3 Amp fuses are red and 13 Amp fuses are brown.  Non-standard plug fuses (1A, 2A, 5A, 7A and 10A) are black