College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 18 - Basic Electric Circuits - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 652: 22

Answer

The fuse is connected in ground wire, not in the phase wire. The switch is also connected in ground wire (neutral line). These are the 2 mistakes in the figure. Fuse is a protective device to protect circuit from excessive current flow. When fuse is connected in ground line, the excessive current will reach the devices and the devices get damaged. If the switch is placed in neutral line, open switch will disconnect the neutral. But rest of the circuit will beat the dangerous line voltage. Hence even if the switch is off, one may get electric shock if they accidentally touch the damaged cable.

Work Step by Step

The fuse is connected in ground wire, not in the phase wire. The switch is also connected in ground wire (neutral line). These are the 2 mistakes in the figure. Fuse is a protective device to protect circuit from excessive current flow. When fuse is connected in ground line, the excessive current will reach the devices and the devices get damaged. If the switch is placed in neutral line, open switch will disconnect the neutral. But rest of the circuit will beat the dangerous line voltage. Hence even if the switch is off, one may get electric shock if they accidentally touch the damaged cable.
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