What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit? Why is the switch put in the live wire? What precaution do you take while handling a switch?
What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit? Why is the switch put in the live wire? What precaution do you take while handling a switch?
A switch is an on-off device for current in a circuit (or in an appliance). The switch should always be connected in the live wire so that the appliance could be connected to the high potential point through the live wire. In this position, the circuit is complete as the neutral wire provides the return path for the current. When the appliance does not work i.e., in off position of the switch, the circuit is incomplete and no current reaches the appliance.
On the other hand, if the switch is connected in the neutral wire, then in 'off' position, no current passes through the bulb. But the appliance remains connected to the high potential terminal through the live wire.
Thus, if the switch is connected in the neutral wire, it can be quite deceptive and even dangerous for the user.
Precaution while handling a switch: A switch should not be touched with wet hands.
A switch is an on-off device for current in a circuit (or in an appliance). The switch should always be connected in the live wire so that the appliance could be connected to the high potential point through the live wire. In this position, the circuit is complete as the neutral wire provides the return path for the current. When the appliance does not work i.e., in off position of the switch, the circuit is incomplete and no current reaches the appliance.
On the other hand, if the switch is connected in the neutral wire, then in 'off' position, no current passes through the bulb. But the appliance remains connected to the high potential terminal through the live wire.
Thus, if the switch is connected in the neutral wire, it can be quite deceptive and even dangerous for the user.
Precaution while handling a switch: A switch should not be touched with wet hands.
