Understanding Electrical Circuits in North America

What is the primary function of the hot wire in a circuit?

• To carry used electricity back to the power supply

• To provide a path for electricity in case of a fault

• To dissipate static electricity

• To carry electricity from the power supply to the load

What does the neutral wire do in a circuit?

• Dissipates static electricity

• Provides a path for electricity in case of a fault

• Carries used electricity back to the power supply

• Carries electricity from the power supply to the load

What is the purpose of the ground wire?

• To carry used electricity back to the power supply

• To carry electricity from the power supply to the load

• To measure the current in a cable

• To provide a path for electricity in case of a fault

What type of current is used in North American homes?

• Pulsating Current

• Direct Current (DC)

• Static Current

• Alternating Current (AC)

What is the voltage between the two hot wires in a North American residential system?

• 480 volts

• 360 volts

• 240 volts

• 120 volts

What happens if the hot wire touches the metal casing of an appliance?

• The electricity will flow through the neutral wire

• The electricity will flow through the ground wire

• The appliance will stop working

• The circuit will become incomplete

What is a GFCI designed to do?

• Monitor the voltage in a circuit

• Monitor the current in a circuit

• Detect ground faults and cut the power

• Increase the resistance in a circuit

What is the purpose of the ground rod connected to the main panel?

• To measure the current in a cable

• To dissipate static electricity and external high voltages

• To carry used electricity back to the power supply

• To carry electricity from the power supply to the load

What is the reading on a multimeter when connected between a hot and a neutral wire in North America?

• 120 volts

• 60 volts

• 180 volts

• 240 volts

What happens during a ground fault?

• Electricity flows through the neutral wire

• Electricity flows through the ground wire

• Electricity stops flowing

• Electricity flows through the hot wire