Question

List any two features of the electric current used in the houses of India.

Hint:

Domestic supply in India = AC, 220–230 V, 50 Hz.

Answer 1

Features of Domestic Electric Supply:

1. Type of current – Alternating Current (AC):
The domestic electric supply provided to homes is Alternating Current (AC).
In AC, the direction of current changes periodically.
This makes it suitable for long-distance transmission because energy loss is lower compared to direct current (DC).

2. Frequency – 50 Hz:
The frequency of domestic AC supply in India is 50 Hz.
This means the current changes its direction 50 times per second.
In one complete cycle, the current flows in one direction and then reverses its direction.

3. Voltage – 220 to 230 volts:
The voltage supplied to households is approximately 220–230 V.
This voltage is sufficient to operate common electrical appliances such as fans, lights, refrigerators and televisions.

4. Three-wire system:
Domestic wiring generally consists of three wires:
Live wire (carries current),
Neutral wire (completes the circuit),
Earth wire (provides safety against electric shock).

5. Safety measures:
Domestic circuits are protected by devices such as fuses and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs).
These devices prevent damage from overload and short-circuit.

(Any two features acceptable in examination)