4.4 Dangers of ElectricityTaegyeong Lee-IGCSE Physics

Dangers of Electricity

By Ayaan John

Dangers of static electricity

People have been killed or severely hurt doing something as simple as refuelling their vehicle or gas container. The killer providing the spark is sometimes ' Static Electricity'.Static electricity can be generated by the friction of the gasoline being pumped into a vehicle or container or by you when you get out of the car or remove an article of clothing. Static charges are dangerous!If static charges are allowed to discharge through the areas where there is petrol vapour a fire can occur. The results are frightening and may be devastating.

Damaged Insulation

● The outer layer of insulation is used to prevent contact of the skin and the electrical wire

● The outer layer could be damaged, which could thus harm the user.

Overheating of Cables● Due to excessive current flowing in the wire, the cable could overheat.● The insulating layer could melt and emit poisonous fumes and even catch

fire.

Damp Conditions● We have to avoid using damp or wet conditions, because water is an

electrical conductor. ● We have to make sure our hands are dry, otherwise the live current will run

through us and could be fatal.

Fuses● We use fuses to stop excess current from flowing● If the current gets too high it can burn out and a fire can start.

What is electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy created from the existence and movement of charged particles

Conductor & Insulator

Conductor-electrical current can flow freely through the body.

Insulator-electrical current cannot flow through the body.

Is human a good conductor?

Yes!

70% of our body is made of water, which is good conductor. Human can easily get electric shock.

Why is electricity dangerous?

Electric shock- muscles shrinks,lung damage,burn

Water

Water is a great conductor of electricity. So when electric equipment is wet, chances of electrocution are extremely high. We should always take precautions when dealing with water and electricity.

Direct And Indirect Damage

Electric shock can severely damage the human body is either or both of the two ways; direct and indirect.Direct damage is when the human body is physically damaged by an electric shock. This can be burns, irregular heartbeats, Neurological damage etc.Indirect damage is when the human body is damaged by something which was caused by an electric shock. Fire is the most commonly seen example.

Cutting Cables

Machinery like lawnmowers and hedge trimmers, which involve cutting might accidentally cut wires. Therefore, a plug-in RCD should be used for precautionary reasons.

PrecautionsPrecautions have always been taken to avoid any electrical damages. There is plastic coating over 2-pin, 3-pin and other electrical appliances to minimize electric shocks. Earth Wire is attached in 3-pin plugs to take safety measures.Circuit breakers protect from electrical fires

How do we prevent?

Stay electrical devices away from water.

Avoid open places in thunderstorm.

Turn off power source before working with electricity.

http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Electrical-Shockhttp://www.alliantenergykids.com/playingitsafe/electricsafety/000550