CONTENTS

1. Domestic electricity
2. House circuit
3. Components in House Circuits
4. Earthing
5. Double Insulation
6. Electrical Lighting
7. Types of Electrical Lighting
8. Dangers of Electricity
9. Appliances used in Domestic Electricity
10. Conclusion
11. References
 Domestic Electricity
Electricity is a fundamental part of modern life. It powers
our homes, lights our rooms, runs our appliances, and
keeps us connected to the world. While we use it every
day, many people don’t fully understand how it works or
how it reaches their homes.
Domestic electricity refers to the electrical power
supplied for use in households. It flows through a
carefully designed system to ensure safety, efficiency,
and reliability.
Understanding
the basics of
this system can
help us use
electricity more
wisely, reduce
waste, and stay
safe.
 House Circuit
A household electrical circuit is a system of wiring,
switches, outlets, and safety devices that distributes
electricity safely throughout a home. Power from the
utility company enters the main service panel, where it is
divided into circuits protected by circuit breakers that
shut off power during overloads or faults.
Electricity travels through insulated conductors, with
hot wires supplying current, neutral wires completing
the path, and ground wires providing a critical safety
channel to prevent electrical shock. Outlets and
switches act as user interfaces, controlling and
distributing power to lighting fixtures, appliances, and
electronic devices. This system operates behind the walls,
but its precision and design are central to a home’s
safety, functionality, and comfort. Adhering to national
electrical codes, a well-designed circuit supports daily life
and protects it.

Components in House
Circuits

Several components are found in a typical House

Circuit, such as;
1. Circuit Breakers
 A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that
protects electrical circuits from damage caused
by excessive current, such as overloads or
short circuits. It interrupts the flow of electricity
when a fault occurs, preventing fires and
equipment damage. Circuit breakers can be
reset to
resume
normal
operation. Thi
s is one of the
most
common
components
used in a
 house circuit and is found in many other
buildings.

2.Fuse
 A fuse is a safety device used in electrical
circuits to protect them from damage caused
by excessive current. It
serves as a weak link in
the circuit that melts
and breaks the
connection when the
current exceeds a safe
limit. This action
prevents damage to
other components and
can help avert fires.

3.Ring main circuit

 A ring main circuit is an electrical wiring
method that forms a loop, returning to the
starting point (consumer unit) after supplying
power to various outlets and appliances. This
loop configuration allows for two paths of
current, making it possible to use thinner
cables and reduce the risk of overload
compared to traditional radial circuits.

4.Switches
  In electrical engineering, a switch is an
electrical component that can disconnect or
connect the
conducting
path in an
electrical
circuit,
interrupting the
electric current
or diverting it
from one
conductor to
another.

Earthing
Earthing, also
known as
grounding, refers
to a safety practice
in which electrical
equipment is
connected to the
Earth's conductive
surface. This
connection provides a safe pathway for excess
electrical energy to dissipate, thereby preventing
dangerous shocks and fires.
Earthing, in terms of electrons, involves
transferring excess electrons from an object to the
Earth, effectively neutralizing it. The Earth is
considered a vast reservoir of electrons, capable of
absorbing or releasing them without significantly
altering its potential.

Double Insulation
Double insulation is a safety feature in electrical
devices that involves adding a second layer of
insulation to the basic insulation. This extra layer
protects against the failure of the primary
insulation, preventing users from coming into
contact with live parts and reducing the risk of
electric shock.
 Electrical Lighting
Electrical lighting has profoundly transformed how we live
and work. We've shifted from dependence on natural
light, candles, and oil lamps to instantaneous,
controllable illumination. At its core, electrical lighting
converts electrical energy into light energy. Different
types of lamps achieve this in various ways:
1.Incandescence
 This is the oldest and simplest approach. An electric
current flows through a filament, usually tungsten,
until it reaches an extremely high temperature,
causing it to glow and produce visible light. However,
a lot of energy is wasted as heat (around 95% for
traditional

incandescent bulbs), making them relatively

inefficient.
2.Gas Discharge
 These lamps, such as fluorescent and high-intensity
discharge lamps, use electricity to make a gas or
vapor inside a tube produce ultraviolet (UV) light.
The UV light then hits a phosphor coating on the
tube's inside,
converting it
into visible
light. As a
result, they're
much more
energy-
efficient than
incandescent
lamps.

3.Electroluminescence (LEDs)
 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) work by passing an
electric current through a semiconductor material.
When electrons move across the semiconductor
layers, they
release energy
in the form of
photons
(light). LEDs
are highly
efficient,
durable, and
offer a wide
range of colors
and applications.
 Types of Electrical
Lighting
Here are some of the major types of electrical lighting,
along with their characteristics, advantages, and
disadvantages:

1.Incandescent Lamps
 How they work: The filament is heated to
incandescence.
 Characteristics: Warm, soft light, good color
rendering (objects appear natural).
 Pros: Cheap to buy, instant-on, dimmable.
 Cons: Very inefficient (most energy is heat), short
lifespan.

2.Halogen Lamps
 How they work: A type of incandescent lamp that
uses halogen gas to improve efficiency and lifespan.
 Characteristics: Brighter, whiter light than standard
incandescent
lamps, good color
rendering.
 Pros: More efficient
and longer-lasting
than standard
 incandescent lamps, instant-on, dimmable, compact
size.
 Cons: Still generate significant heat, can be hot to
the touch, sometimes require a transformer.

3.Fluorescent Lamps
 How they work: Electric current excites mercury
vapor, producing UV light, which then illuminates a
phosphor coating.
 Characteristics: Available in various color
temperatures (cool to warm white), generally
diffused light.
 Pros: Much more energy-efficient than incandescent
lamps, longer lifespan.
 Cons: Contain small amounts of mercury (requiring
proper disposal), may have a warm-up time, some
types are
not easily
dimmable,
and can be
sensitive to
cold

temperatures.
 Danger of electricity
While electricity is indispensable in our modern lives, its
inherent power also presents several serious dangers if
not handled with respect and proper safety measures.
These dangers can lead to severe injury, property
damage, and even fatalities.
1.Electric Shock
 An electric
shock occurs
when a person
becomes part
of an electrical
circuit, allowing
current to flow
through their
 body, with severity depending on voltage, current,
the path through the body, duration of contact, and
the individual's health, potentially leading to muscle
contractions, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or
long-term nervous system damage, and making it
impossible to let go of a live conductor.

2.Electrical Burns
 Electric current can cause intense internal and
external burns as it passes through the body, with
damage often far worse beneath the skin, affecting
muscles, bones, and organs. Additionally, arc flashes
—sudden bursts of electrical energy—can produce
extreme heat, pressure waves, and flying debris,
resulting in severe burns, shrapnel injuries, and
hearing loss.

3.Electrical Fires
 Electrical fires are frequently triggered by
overheating, sparks, or arcing—often caused by
overloaded circuits, aging or faulty wiring, damaged
appliances and cords, or improper use of extension
cords, such as placing them under rugs or using
them as permanent fixtures. Outdated electrical
systems
and the
use of
incorrect
fuses or
breakers
that fail to
respond to
overloads
also

significantly increase the risk.

Appliances used in
Domestic Electricity
Household electricity powers a variety of appliances for
heating, cooling, cooking, cleaning, and entertainment.
The most energy-demanding devices typically include
HVAC systems, water heaters, refrigerators, clothes
dryers, ovens, and dishwashers. Additionally, appliances
such as washing machines, microwaves, and
entertainment systems also contribute significantly to
overall electricity usage.

Conclusion
Household electricity is the fundamental energy source
that drives the functionality and convenience of
contemporary homes. It powers a diverse range of
appliances essential for daily living, encompassing
climate control, food preservation, cooking, cleaning,
lighting, and entertainment.
This booklet has equipped you with a comprehensive
understanding of what constitutes a standard domestic
electricity system. You now possess valuable insights into
the powerful source that energizes our homes and,
crucially, its inherent dangers, empowering you to
approach electricity with informed confidence.
This booklet has further clarified the key concepts of
various lighting systems, detailing their operational
principles. Concurrently, it has provided a thorough
discussion of the essential components within your
household electrical circuit.
Electricity is indeed a powerful force, offering immense
advantages while simultaneously posing significant risks.
This booklet thoroughly details the most common
electrical hazards and associated injuries, empowering
you with the knowledge necessary to safely prevent such
incidents.
Remember, electricity is an incredible tool when
understood and respected. Stay safe, stay informed, and
always consult a qualified professional for any complex
electrical work in your home.

References
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2. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/
basiclightingforelectricianslevel2/chapter/phosphor-coating/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-
discharge_lamp#:~:text=Still%2C%20owing%20to%20their
%20greater,lighting%20applications%2C%20until%20recent
%20improvements
4. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting
5. https://justenergy.com/blog/types-of-light-bulbs-buying-
guide/#:~:text=Spiral%20(CFL%20Twist)%3A
%20Bulbs,traditional%20A%2Dseries%20incandescent
%20bulbs.
6. https://lankalaw.net/2024/11/01/sri-lanka-electricity-act-n0-
36-of-2024/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448087/
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9. https://www.hydroquebec.com/safety/electric-shock/
consequences-electric-shock.\
10. https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/safety/arc-flash-
vs-arc-blast
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448087/
#:~:text=Potential%20long%2Dterm%20sequelae
%20of,Seizures