Natural Sciences and Technology Grade 6 Term 3

Natural Sciences and Technology Grade 6 Term 3: Energy and Change Electrical Conductors and Insulators

Topic 2 Electrical Conductors and Insulators Wiring a three-pin plug Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

The 3 colours of a three-pin plug neutral earth live Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

The 3 colours of a three-pin plug • The LIVE wire is BROWN It is connected to a fuse on the live pin. The electric current uses the live wire as its route. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

The 3 colours of a three-pin plug • The NEUTRAL wire is BLUE It is the route that the electric current takes when it exits an appliance, therefore the neutral wire has a voltage close to zero. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

The 3 colours of a three-pin plug • The EARTH wire is GREEN & YELLOW It is connected to the earth pin. It is used when the appliance has a metal casing to take any current away as soon as the live wire comes in contact with the casing. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin plug STEP 1: The electric cord • Cut the plastic insulation approximately 0. 5 cm away at the ends of the three wires inside the electrical cord. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin STEP 2: The copper strands • Twist the strands of copper wire gently with your fingers until each strand is tight. • Fold the twisted strands over. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin STEP 3: The plug cover • Unscrew or “snap” the plug cover. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin plug STEP 4: Undo small/tiny screws • The small/tiny screws on each of the plug's pins must be unscrewed. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin plug STEP 5: The copper and brown wires • The twisted copper wires must be inserted into the pins’ holes. • Insert the brown wire into the pin on the right [this pin is marked with the letter L or a brown spot]. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin plug [ STEP 6. Tighten screws • Use a flat screwdriver to tighten the small / tiny screws on each pin of the plug. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a three-pin plug STEP 7: The green, yellow and blue wires • Make certain that the arrestor clips grip the electrical cord firmly. • Always insert the green and yellow wire into the top pin. • Insert the blue wire into the left pin [this pin is marked with the letter N or a blue spot]. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

Wiring a South African three-pin plug STEP 8: Replace cover • Replace the cover of the plug properly. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6