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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Unit 4: Activity Sheet 4.6


Electricity
Tutor guidance notes
Aims and objectives At the end of activities 4.6A and 4.6B, learners should be able to: state the main principles behind the generation and supply of electricity explain the main features of basic domestic circuits.

The activity is divided into two parts: a set of questions (activity 4.6A) followed by a multiple-choice exercise (activity 4.6B). They are not intended as formal assessment. However, the answers should be discussed with learners as a group to ensure they fully understand the topic. The activity can be used in different ways, for example: during the session, either individually or in pairs, as a to-the-point learning tool at the end of a session to recap learning as homework.

Activity 4.6B could be used at the beginning of a subsequent session to link with prior learning. Whichever teaching method is chosen, it is advisable to set and agree a completion date for each activity.

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L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Unit 4: Activity Sheet 4.6


Activity 4.6A Electricity
Answer the following questions.
1 Fill in the gaps to complete the following sentences. Electrical current flow is measured in amperes (amps) Electro-motive force is measured in volts(joules/coulomb) A current that is produced by connecting a battery to a circuit is called direct current (DC) The electricity that we use in our homes and which is produced by power stations is called alternating current (AC) Resistance to current flow in an electrical circuit is measured in ohms () 2 What is Ohms Law? Ohms Law describes the relationship between electrical quantities: voltage (V) equals current (C) multiplied by resistance (R). 3 Label the diagram of a simple electrical circuit below, and explain the function of each part. . . . . .

Labels should be as follows: Battery supplies electricity Lamp acts as a load Switch opens and closes the circuit Fuse protects the circuit from excess current flow
2

Pearson Education Ltd 2011. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

What is the job of a fuse, and why is it important? A fuse is a safety measure preventing a high electrical current from passing through wires that are not designed to carry large charges. If a current is too high for a wire, the wire will overheat and may catch fire. The fuse prevents this from happening.

What happens if a fuse overheats? The fuse wire melts or blows cutting the electricity supply.

What is an mcb? A miniature circuit breaker

What are the two basic types of electrical circuit called? Series; parallel.

Are thermostats in central heating systems usually connected into circuits in series or parallel? In series.

What is the voltage of electrical supply that you would expect to find in a domestic building in the UK? 240 V

10 Why do we earth electrical equipment? To protect people from electric shock in the event of a short circuit.

Pearson Education Ltd 2011. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

L2 Plumbing Unit 4 Apply scientific principles within mechanical services engineering

Activity 4.6B Electricity


Circle the correct answer in each of the questions below. 1 What is the voltage of electricity found in domestic properties in the UK? a 110 volts b 240 volts c 400 volts d 1100 volts 2 Which formula would you use to work out a fuse rating? a amps = volts watts b amps = watts volts c amps = joules coulombs d amps = volts joules 3 Which type of device provides the best protection for an electric circuit? a Fuse b mcb c Wire d Residual current device (RCD)

Pearson Education Ltd 2011. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

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