ONLINE TREASURE HUNT

1.What is short circuit? What is the common cause of unintentional short circuits in electrical devices?

A short circuit (sometimes abbreviated to short or s/c) allows a charge to flow along a different path from the one intended. The electrical opposite of a short circuit is an open circuit, which is infinite resistance between two nodes. It is common to misuse "short circuit" to describe any electrical malfunction; regardless of the actual problem. It is an accidental low-resistance connection between two nodes of an electrical circuit that are meant to be at different voltages.In electrical devices, unintentional short circuits are usually caused when a wire's insulation breaks down, or when another conducting material is introduced, allowing charge to flow along a different path than the one intended.

2.What is a fuse? What happens when you blow a fuse?

A fuse, short for 'fusible link', is a type of overcurrent protection device. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows. When the metal strip melts, it opens the circuit of which it's a part, and so protects the circuit from excessive current.Fuses (and other overcurrent devices) are an essential part of a power distribution system to prevent fire or damage. When too much current flows through a wire, it may overheat and be damaged or even start a fire.When you blow a fuse, the wire usually snaps in two, and the power running through that circuit is immediately cut off.

3.How do Circuit breakers Work?

The circuit breaker is an absolutely essential device in the modern world, and one of the most important safety mechanisms in your home. Whenever electrical wiring in a building has too much current flowing through it, these simple machines cut the power until somebody can fix the problem. Without circuit breakers (or the alternative, fuses), household electricity would be impractical because of the potential for fires and other mayhem resulting from simple wiring problems and equipment failures.

4.When is there an overload in a circuit?

An electrical overload is a situation where the wiring to or within a machine or system is subjected to a greater electric current load than it was designed to carry, leading to excessive heating of the wires and a possibility of fire. This excessive current load can be a result of electrical insulation failure ( a short circuit) or human error. A correctly designed electrical system incorporates suitable overload protection devices to prevent damage should such a situation occur. Fuses and circuit breakers are most commonly employed for this purpose.

5. Why will too many electrical devices operating at one time often blow a fuse?

Too many electrical devices operating at one time often blow a fuse because too much current flow can lead to excessive heating of the wire. Fuses have the essential component which is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows. For this reason, a fuse will blow out if too much current flows through it.

6. What are the dangers of short circuit and overload?

Short circuit and overload poses danger to the lives of the people. They may reach to the extent of excessive fire which could damage properties and life. It can destroy appliances in the house and will ruin properties because of the fire it may cause and it can affect our daily living and also our health.overload ,on the other hand, may lead to excessive heating of the wires and may result to the possibility of fire.

FERDINAND CORPUZ JR.