Basic Electricity Awareness
What is Electricity ???!!
• Electricity is the flow of energy from one
place to another.
• Requires a source of power: usually a
generating station.
• A flow of electrons (current) travels through a
conductor.
• Travels in a closed circuit.
Flow of Electrons
Electrical Terms
• Current -- electrical movement (measured in amps)
• Circuit -- complete path of the current.
Includes electricity source, a conductor, and the output
device or load (such as a lamp, tool, or heater)
• Resistance -- restriction to electrical flow
• Conductors – substances, like metals, with little
resistance to electricity that allow electricity to flow
• Grounding – a conductive connection to the earth
which acts as a protective measure
• Insulators -- substances with high resistance to
electricity like glass, porcelain, plastic, and dry wood
that prevent electricity from getting to unwanted areas
Single Phase and Three Phase
Red Phase Yellow Phase Blue Phase
Three Phase
Electric Circuits
• Electric circuit is nothing but a path for
transmitting electric current.
• Types of Electrical Circuits
– Closed Circuits
• A closed circuit is one that is complete, with good continuity
throughout
– Open Circuits
• An open circuit is one where the continuity has been broken by an
interruption in the path for current to flow.
Types of Electrical Circuits
What is Circuit Breaker ??!!
• A circuit breaker is an automatically operated
electrical switch designed to protect an
electrical circuit from damage caused by
excess current from an overload or
short circuit.
• Its basic function is to interrupt current flow
after a fault is detected.
Types of Circuit Breakers
• MCB – A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) automatically switches off
the electrical circuit during an abnormal . (Low capacity breaking)
• MCCB – Molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) is a type of electrical
protection device that is used to protect the electrical circuit from excessive
current, which can cause overload or short circuit. (Both low and High capacity
breaking)
• RCCB – A Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is an important safety
measure when it comes to protection of electrical circuits. It is a current sensing
device, which can automatically measure and disconnect the circuit whenever a
fault occurs in the connected circuit or the current exceeds the rated sensitivity
• ELCB - An Earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) is a safety device used in
electrical installations with high Earth impedance to prevent shock
What is a Switch ??!
• A device designed to open or close
a circuit under controlled conditions is called a
switch.
Types of Switch:
• Single Pole Single Throw Switch (SPST)
• Single Pole Double Throw Switch (SPDT)
• Double Pole Single Throw Switch (DPST)
• Double Pole Double Throw Switch (DPDT)
• Push Button Switch.
Types of Pole Switch
How Current will Flow ?
• Human need food to live.
• Trees need water to grow.
• Current needs a conductor to flow.
Conductors and Insulators
Current Flow
Plastic Insulator covering
Metal Conductor
Is Human body is a conductor ??!!
• Yes, The body is merely one
large machine full of circuitry
and electricity. Since practically
70% of the body is made up of
water, it is considered to be
a good conductor of
electricity on average. This is due
to the ions (i.e. Na+, K+, Cl−) that
are contained within the water.
Insulator
• A material or device used to prevent heat,
electricity or sound from escaping from
something.
• ஒன்றிலிருந்து மின்சாரம், வெப்பம் அல்லது ஒலி
வெளியேறாமல் தடுக்கப் பயன்படுத்தப்படும் பொருள்
அல்லது கருவி; வெப்ப/மின்/ஒலிக்காப்புப் பொருள்
அல்லது கருவி.
Examples for Electrical Conductors and
insulators
Conductors Insulators
• All metals
• Water
• Human Body
Grounding
Grounding creates a low-
resistance path from a tool
to the earth to disperse
unwanted current.
When a short or lightning
occurs, energy flows to the
ground, protecting you from
electrical shock, injury and
death.
Summary
Hazards Protective Measures
• Inadequate wiring • Proper grounding
• Exposed electrical parts • Use ELCB’s
• Wires with bad insulation • Use fuses and circuit
• Ungrounded electrical systems breakers
and tools
• Guard live parts
• Overloaded circuits
• Damaged power tools and • Lockout/ Tagout
equipment • Proper use of flexible
• Using the wrong PPE and tools cords
• Overhead powerlines • Close electric panels
• All hazards are made worse in wet • Training
conditions
