Electricity Basics
The name for the injury or killing of someone from electric shock.
Electrocution
Who should perform the electrical work at your house?
A licensed electrician.
Why is electricity dangerous if misused?
It can cause injury, fires, or death.
Name 1 thing you should NOT do when you see an electrical problem.
- Do NOT touch exposed wires
- Do NOT stick metal into electrical outlets
- Do NOT fix electrical problems yourself
- Do NOT use water near electricity
- Do NOT run cords under rugs
- Do NOT throw water on an electrical fire
Name a job that works with electricity.
Electrician, Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Powerline Technician, Traffic Signal Technician, or Renewable Energy Technician.
What is electricity?
A form of energy that we get when electrons move from one place to another.
Name 2 electrical things you should regularly check for damage.
- Cords
- Outlets
- Switches
- Appliances
Name 1 warning sign of an electrical problem.
- sparks from outlets
- flickering lights
- burning smell
- damaged or frayed wires
Name 1 thing you should do when you see an electrical problem.
- Tell a parent, guardian, or teacher
- STOP using the device
- Stay away from the danger
What does an electrician do?
Installs and repairs electrical systems in homes and buildings
When you turn on a light switch, what are you doing to the switch in that circuit (Hint: think open vs closed circuits)?
Closing it/completing the circuit
Why is water dangerous around electricity?
Water helps electricity move faster (it is a conductor).
If you see sparks from an outlet while using an appliance, what should you do?
STOP using it and report immediately
What material should you never run a cord under?
Rugs/carpets/mats
What does a Powerline Technician do?
Fixes/repairs powerlines.
What is it called when electricity takes a shorter path than intended?
A short circuit.
Where should GFCI outlets be especially used?
In the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas with water nearby.
Your cord for your phone charger is frayed. What should you do?
Stop using it and throw it out.
If your toast gets stuck in the toaster, what should you NOT do?
Stick anything made of metal in it to get it out.
What is 1 example of something a Renewable Energy Technician would install?
Solar panels or wind turbines
What kind of electricity is flowing throughout circuits?
Current Electricity
What do GFCI outlets do?
Shuts off power when water/fault is detected
A student plugs too many devices into a power bar and after a while, a fire begins. What is one thing you should NOT use to try to put out this fire?
Water
If someone is getting electrocuted, why shouldn't you touch them?
You will also get electrocuted (you are adding to the circuit).
What does an Industrial Electrician do?
Works in factories, mines, and utility plants and fixes machines and large equipment.