In a typical three-pin plug, what are the voltages for live, neutral, and earth wires?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Electricity Test. Master key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Prepare with confidence for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In a typical three-pin plug, what are the voltages for live, neutral, and earth wires?

Explanation:
In mains wiring, the live conductor carries the actual supply voltage, the neutral conductor is kept at or near earth potential, and the earth conductor is a safety path at earth potential. That means the live wire is around 230 V higher than the earth, while the neutral is close to 0 V relative to earth under normal conditions. The earth wire is bonded to earth and also sits at 0 V. So the correct description is live about 230 V, neutral about 0 V, and earth about 0 V. In practice, neutral can have a small voltage rise when current flows, but it’s still near 0 V overall, and earth remains at 0 V for safety.

In mains wiring, the live conductor carries the actual supply voltage, the neutral conductor is kept at or near earth potential, and the earth conductor is a safety path at earth potential. That means the live wire is around 230 V higher than the earth, while the neutral is close to 0 V relative to earth under normal conditions. The earth wire is bonded to earth and also sits at 0 V. So the correct description is live about 230 V, neutral about 0 V, and earth about 0 V. In practice, neutral can have a small voltage rise when current flows, but it’s still near 0 V overall, and earth remains at 0 V for safety.

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