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Electrical safety devices, such as fuses, circuit breakers, and GFCI outlets, are crucial in preventing accidental overloads that can damage appliances or cause shocks. Overloading outlets, like plugging too many devices into one socket, can lead to short circuits and dangerous situations. Fuses burn out when current exceeds safe levels, while circuit breakers automatically cut off power to prevent overheating. Understanding current dangers—like shock paralysis and ventricular fibrillation—is vital for safety. Always prioritize electrical safety to protect yourself and your devices.
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Electrical Safety Devices (TV, Refrigerator, etc) are rated for maximum power/voltage/etc. (They stop working if exceeded) Devices can be overpowered by accident by • overloading outlets – draws too much current • Example: plugging too many things into the same outlet • Ground Fault (short circuit) – contact is made between live and ground conductors • Example: Working hair dryer in water – plumbing is connected to ground
Electrical Safety Preventing Accidental Overload • Fuses • small filaments (like light bulbs) • Burn out when too much current is drawn • Circuit breakers • bimetallic strip heats up when too much current is drawn • bends when heated which opens switch to prevent current flow • http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/circuit-breaker2.htm • GFCI outlets and breakers • Complex circuitry that senses too much current almost instantly • Opens circuit at outlet or breaker • http://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm
Current Danger 0.00l A and higher – feel shock 0.01A and higher – unable to release 0.02 A and higher – paralyzes respiratory muscles (you can’t breath) 0.1 A and higher – ventricular fibrillation (erratic heartbeat) 1.0 A and higher – “cooked”
Why don’t high Voltages always hurt us? Skin has very high resistance – approximately 100,000 Ω So, V = IR 10 V = I (100,000 Ω) I = 0.0001 A Remember! You can’t have a current without a voltage