1 Electricity

Introduction
We are surrounded by technology and innovation.
Electricity is one of the greatest innovations of mankind.
It has now become a part of our daily life and one cannot
think of a world without electricity. Almost all the devices
at home, businesses and
industries are running
because of electricity Cars
Oven

(Fig. 1.1). The primary Electric Press

Motion or
use of electricity Power Heating/ Refrigerator
Cooling
depends on the place Air
Conditioner
Drill Machine
where it is used and the Electricity
nature of the facility.
Communication
You must have seen Light
bulbs, tubelights, Computer

refrigerators, TVs and Incandescent

Mobile Fig. 1.1TVUses of electricity Light
other electronic gadgets
at your home and you Radio Halogen
Flashlight Lamp

must have also felt cool

Fig. 1.1 Use of Electricity
because of a rotating
fan at your home. All this is possible due to electricity.
Electricity plays a vital role in our day-to-day life and it
also plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
The country’s development is measured in terms of per
person consumption of electricity. At present everything
in human life is dependent on electricity whether it is in
the health, transport, agriculture or industrial sector.
 Session 1: Electricity Generation Concept
Origin of Electricity
Electricity is one of the most commonly used forms of
energy. The word electricity comes from Greek word
elektron which means amber. It is converted from
mechanical (turbine) to electrical energy (generator).
Many people give credit to Benjamin Franklin for
discovering electricity, but his experiments only
helped to establish the connection between lightning
and electricity.

Basic Concept of Electricity

Electricity is a type of energy which involves the flow of
electrons. All elements are made up of atoms. The centre
of an atom is called nucleus. The nucleus has positively
charged particles known as protons and electrically
neutral particles called neutrons. The nucleus of an
atom is surrounded by negatively charged particles
known as electrons (Fig. 1.2). The negative charge of an
electron is the same as the positive charge of a proton,
and the number of electrons in an atom is equal to the
number of protons.

Distribution of Electrons in the Orbits of Copper

Atom (Good Conductor of Electricity)
From the generating station, electricity arrives at
homes through wires. Electric lamps, electric heaters,
fans, computers, etc., use electricity to work. Many
Atom number = 29 2, 8, 18,1
appliances, such as washing machines and electric
cookers use electricity. In factories, electricity is used
to run machines. People who deal with electricity and
electrical devices are called electricians.
There are two types of electric charges — positive
and negative charges. Similar charges repel each
other and opposite charges attract. This means that if
you put two negative charges close together, they will
move apart. This is also true for two positive charges.
But if you put a positive charge and a negative charge
Fig. 1.2 Electrons close together, they will attract each other.

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 Importance of Electricity
Electricity makes it possible to light our homes, roads,
offices, markets and factories. This helps us to continue
work during night hours. A power station provides us
electricity. If the supply of electricity fails, electrical
torches are used for providing light. We use electricity
to operate the pump that lifts water from wells or
ground level to roof-top water tank. Other electrical
equipment like AC, geyser, electrical iron, television,
refrigerator, induction cooker, oven, etc., also require
electricity to run (Figs. 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5).

Fig. 1.3 Electricity used for Lighting

Fig. 1.4 Electricity used for Heating

Fig. 1.5 Electricity Pump

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 Generation of Electricity
The basic principle of electrical generator is
Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
(Fig. 1.6). An electrical generator (Fig. 1.7)
is used to convert mechanical energy into
electrical energy. Generation of electrical
energy is just conversion of kinetic energy into
Fig. 1.6 Experiment of Michael Faraday electrical energy.

Experiment of Michael Faraday

Electromagnetic induction is the production
Magnet Armature
of an electromotive force across a conductor,
when it is exposed to a varying magnetic
Slip
Ring field. It is described by Faraday’s Law of
A
Brush Electromagnetic Induction.
AC generator
Electricity Generated by
Fig. 1.7 Diagram of D.C. Generator
Electrochemical Cell
An electrochemical cell is a device which is
capable of generating electrical energy through
chemical reactions. A common example of an
electrochemical cell (Fig. 1.8) is a standard
1.5 V cell meant for consumer use.

Electricity Generated by Solar Cell

A solar cell (Fig. 1.9) is a device that converts
light energy into electrical energy. This
conversion is called the photovoltaic effect.
Solar cells have many applications. They are
Fig. 1.8 Electrochemical Battery
used in situations where electrical power
is unavailable, such as in remote areas,
earth-orbiting satellites and space probes,
consumer systems like handheld calculators or
wrist watches.

Electricity Generated by Thermal

Power Station
A thermal power station (Fig. 1.10) is a power
station in which heat energy is converted to
electrical energy. In most parts of the world,
Fig. 1.9 Electricity Generated by a Solar
Panel made of Several Solar Cells the turbine is steam-driven. Water is heated,
which then turns into steam and spins the
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 steam turbine which drives the electrical generator. In
a thermal power station fuel, such as coal, oil or gas,
is burned in a furnace to convert chemical to heat
energy. This heat is used to change water into steam
in the boiler and this drives the generator to produce
electricity— mechanical to electrical energy.

Primary Turbine Transmission End User

Electrical Electrical
Source (Prime and Distribution (House/
Generator Transformer
of energy mover) Line Factory)

Fig. 1.10 Thermal Power Plant

Status of Electricity Production in India

1. Total Installed Capacity (as on 30.06.2017)
Fuel MW % of Total
Total Thermal 2,20,576 67.0%
Coal 1,94,553 59.1%
Gas 25,185 7.6%
Oil 838 0.3%
Hydro 44,614 13.6%
Nuclear 6,780 2.1%
Renewable Energy Sources* 57,260 17.4%
Total 3,29,231 100%

Source: Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

* Installed capacity, in respect, Renewable Energy Sources as on
31.03.2017.
Renewable Energy Sources include Small Hydro Project, Biomass
Gasified, Biomass Power, Urban and Industrial Waste Power, Solar
and Wind Energy

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 Notes

Activity 1
Making an electrical quiz board for listing sources of electricity
and their sharing percentage (%) in India

Objective
Students will be able to
1. identify the sources of electrical energy in India,
2. define their sharing percentage (%) and
3. make basic circuit connection.

Material required
One cardboard (45cm × 15cm), insulated copper wire, one 9-volt
bulb with holder, one 9-volt battery, 10 nos, connectors with
socket

Tools and Equipment

S.No. Particular Specification Quantity

1. Screw Driver 6" 01
2. Combination Plier 6" 01
3. Wire Stripper -- 01
4. Phase Tester -- 01

Coal 13.6
Gas 17.4
Oil 59.1
Hydro 7.6
Nuclear 0.3
Renewable 2.1
Front view of cardboard
Back view of cardboard
Fig. 1 Electrical Cardboard

Electrical Circuit Diagram of Electrical Quiz Board

9-volt bulb

9-volt battery

Quiz Board

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 Procedure Notes
1. Take one cardboard (45cm × 15cm) and fix pieces of
insulated wire with two metal connectors at the end of
each wire.
2. Paste the name of energy source and percentage as shown
in the figure.
3. Connect each question to the correct answer by a wire at
the back of the cardboard.
4. Connect 9-volt battery and 9-volt bulb as shown in
the figure.
5. Clip one lead of connector to a question and clip the other
lead to what you think is the correct answer.
6. If the answer selected by you is correct the bulb will
glow because the connection wire on the back side of the
cardboard will complete the circuit.
7. If the answer is wrong, the bulb will not glow.

Precautions
1. All the connections should be correctly fastened.
2. No wire should be left naked.
3. ‘Questions’ and ‘Answers’ should be connected correctly
at the back side of the cardboard.

Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the Blanks

1. Electricity is a form of _____________________.
2. In a generator _________________ energy is converted to
electrical energy.
3. Electricity is also generated by ________________ and
________________ energy other than thermal energy.
4. The commonly used machine for generating electricity is
called ________________.
5. Law of electromagnetic induction was discovered by
_____________.

B. Match the Columns

1. Thermal Power Plant (a) Renewable
2. Wind Power Plant (b) Coal
3. Nuclear Power Plant (c) Water
4. Hydro Power Plant (d) Uranium

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 Notes C. Multiple Choice Questions
1. Electricity was discovered by __________________.
(a) Isaac Newton
(b) Benjamin Franklin
(c) Max Plank
(d) D. Rutherford
2. Most of the electricity generated in India is by using
_______________.
(a) wind
(b) coal
(c) solar
(d) hydro
3. Which of the following forms of energy is converted by a
solar cell into electrical energy?
(a) Wind
(b) Thermal
(c) Nuclear
(d) Light
4. Electricity is a type of energy which involves the flow of
___________________.
(a) protons
(b) neutrons
(c) electrons
(d) atoms
5. If you put two negative charges close together, they will
____________________ .
(a) attract
(b) repel
(c) not interact
(d) attract some time and repel some time

Session 2: Basic Units and Effects of

Electric Current
Electricity is a form of energy which though cannot be
seen, but its effects can still be felt (Fig. 1.11).

Fig. 1.11: Electricity as form energy

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 Various Effects of Electric Current

(a) Heating effect: Heat is produced in a conductor,

like nichrome, due to the flow of current through it. It is
called the heating effect of electric current or Joule’s law
of heating. When electricity flows through a conductor
like tungsten, light is emitted (Fig. 1.12) from the surface
of conductor due to heating, such as in an electric bulb.
(b) Chemical effect: When current is passed through
an electrolyte, it breaks up in its ions. This is known as
Fig. 1.12 Heating effect of
chemical effect of electric current. electric current
(c) Magnetic effect: It was discovered by Magnetic Field
Faraday. A magnetic field (Fig. 1.13) is produced
around the conductor through which the
Induced Current in Part
current flows. This is called the magnetic effect
of electric current.
(d) Physical effect: When electricity flows
through the human body, contraction of
nerves takes place, which may be dangerous
for a person’s life. This is the physical effect of Current in Coil
electric current. Fig. 1.14 Magnetic effect of
electric current
Voltage, Current, Resistance,
Capacitance and Inductance
If we place two objects, charged to different potential,
side by side, charges will not move from one to the
other. Now, if the two are connected using a conductor
the flow of charges will take place. The charge will flow
as long as there is a difference of potential between the
two objects. The flow will stop as soon as their potential
becomes equal. This flow of electric charge is called
electric current.
The potential difference (PD) between two points is
one volt when the work done in moving one coulomb of
charge between these points is one joule.
Air current (air flow) and water current (water flow)
can be easily understood. The flowing water in rivers
constitutes water current. Similarly, if electric charge
flows through a conductor it means there is an electric
current in the conductor. In a torch, the cells provide

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 Notes necessary potential difference for the flow of charges
or an electric current through the torch bulb to glow.
It can also be observed that the torch gives light only
when its switch is on. A continuous and closed path of
an electric current is called electric circuit. Now, if the
circuit is broken anywhere the current stops flowing.
Electric current is expressed by the amount of charge
flowing through a particular area in unit time. In other
words, it is the rate of flow of electric charges.
Let us understand water flow and current. Water
will not flow by itself in a perfectly horizontal tube.
If one end of the tube is connected to a tank of water
kept at a higher level, such that there is a pressure
difference between the two ends of the tube, water
will flow out of the other end of the tube. For the flow
of charges in a conducting wire, the voltage plays an
important role. The electrons move only if there is
a difference of electric pressure called the potential
difference or voltage. This difference of potential may
be produced by a cell or a battery, consisting more
than one electric cell. The chemical action within
a cell generates the potential difference across the
terminals of the cell. When the cell is connected to
a conducting circuit element, the charge flows from
one end to another.

Voltage
Piston

Fluid
Voltage
TUBE

Wire
Battery Voltage

Voltage works like a pressure

Fig. 1.14 Voltage

(a) Voltage
What makes the electric charge flow? It is voltage
(Fig. 1.14). It refers to the pressure or tendency to drive
the electrons in a circuit. Its unit is volt.

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 (b) Current
conventional
Flow of electrons in any conductor is called electron flow current flow
current (Fig. 1.15).
If electrons flow through a conducting wire, it is
said that there is an electric current in the wire. Unit of
current is ampere.
Flow of current in conductor (CU)
(c) Resistance Electric current in the external
circuit is directed from the
It is the property of a conductor to resist the flow of positive to the negative terminal
charge through it. The ratio of the voltage and current Fig. 1.15 Flow of current
is called electric resistance of the conductor. Unit of in conductor
resistance is Ohm ( ) 1 ohm = 1 volt/1 ampere.
Conductive
(d) Capacitance Parallel Plates Electrical
Charge
Capacitance is the capability of a device for storing
electric charge. Capacitance is expressed as the ratio of
stored charge in coulombs to the impressed potential
difference in volts. Its unit is farad. Dielectric
Symbol
In an electric circuit the device which stores charge
is called capacitor (Fig 1.16). The ratio of the charge Q
Voltage
on one of the plates of a capacitor and the potential
difference V between the plates is the capacitance, that Fig. 1.16 Circuit diagram
of a capacitor
is, Q/V=C.
(e) Inductance
If a changing magnetic field (flux) is linked with a coil
of a conductor there is an electromotive force induced
in it. The property of the coil of inducing electromotive
force due to the changing flux linked with it is known
as inductance (Fig. 1.17) of the coil. Due to this
property an electrical coil is referred as inductor.
An inductor can be defined as an energy storage
device which stores energy in the form of magnetic
field. Unit of inductance is henry.
Inductance Mutual Inductance (Working Principal of Transformer)

a voltage
opposing
change is
created by the
magnetic field
of the coil
Inductor

Changing electrical field

Current flows in first inductor due to
create inductance
current flow in second inductor
Fig. 1.17 Inductance

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 Understanding Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit
If two or more resistors (loads) are connected in such
a way that they form a chain, one after the other, then
each carries the same current when the combination is
connected with the supply source. They are said to be
connected in series (Fig.1.18).
This circuit is called a series circuit.

Fig. 1.18 Series circuit

In-series Circuit
Resultant Resistance
R=R1+R2+R3

Parallel Circuit
When two or more resistors (loads) are connected in
such a way that each forms a separate path and carries
a part of total current, they are said to be arranged in
parallel and the circuit is called parallel circuit (Fig. 1.19).
Parallel Circuit

Battery

R=Resistor
(such as a lightbulb)
Fig. 1.19 Parallel circuit

In Parallel Circuit
Resultant Resistance

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 (i) Ohm’s Law Notes
In any electrical circuit when physical conditions
(temperature diameter and length) of a conductor are
constant, voltage is directly proportional to the current
(Fig. 1.20).
Mathematically: V α I

Fig. 1.20 Diagram of Ohm’s Law

(ii) Kirchhoff’s Current Law

It states that the total current or charge entering a
junction or node is exactly equal to the charge leaving
the node, as no charge is lost within the node. In other
words, the algebraic sum of all the currents entering and
leaving a node must be equal to zero, (Fig. 1.21), that is,
I (current entering in the node) + I (current leaving the
node) = 0.
This idea by Kirchhoff is commonly known as the
Conservation of Charge or Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Here, the three currents entering in the node, I1, I2,
I3 are all positive in value and the two currents leaving
the node, I4 and I5 are negative in value.
This means we can also rewrite the equation as: I1 +
I2 + I3 – I4 – I5 = 0

Currents
Node
In
Currents Entering the Node
Equals
Currents Leaving the Node Currents
Out

Fig. 1.21 Diagram of Kirchhoff’s Current Law

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 Notes (iii) Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law or KVL, states that in any
closed-loop network, the total voltage around the loop
is equal to the sum of all the voltage drops within
the same loop. In other words the algebraic sum of
all voltages within the loop must be equal to zero
(Fig. 1.22). This is called Kirchhoff’s Second Law or law
of Conservation of Energy.

The sum of all the Voltage

Drops around the loop
is equal to Zero

VAB + VBC + VCD + VDA = 0

Fig. 1.22: Diagram of Kirchhoff’s Second Law

Starting at any point in the loop continue in the same

direction noting the direction of all the voltage drops,
either positive or negative, and come back to the same
starting point. It is important to maintain the same
direction either clockwise or anti-clockwise or else the
final voltage sum will not be equal to zero. Kirchhoff’s
voltage law can be used when analysing circuits.
When analysing either DC circuits or AC circuits
using Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws, the following
terminologies are used to describe the parts of the
circuit being analysed:
(a) Nodes: when any resistance is connected in
the circuit the two terminals of resistance are
called nodes.
(b) Loop: when multiple resistances are connected
and create a circle, it is called loop.
(c) Path: when multiple resistances are connected
with an electrical circuit, the direction of the
current flow is called path.
(d) Meshes: hundreds of resistances connected
in a circuit in parallel and in series are
called meshes.

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 Check Your Progress Notes
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. Light emitted from the surface of conductor is due to
_________________ of electric current.
2. The unit of current is __________________.
3. The unit of resistance is __________________.
4. The unit of capacitance is __________________.
5. The unit of inductance is __________________.

B. Match the Columns

1. Voltage Storing A. Charge
2. Current B. Obstruction in flow of charge
3. Resistance C. Flow of charge
4. Capacitance D. Pressure

C. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Voltage is like __________________.
(a) energy
(b) volume
(c) pressure
(d) temperature
2. If an electric circuit could be compared to a water
circuit, then the current would be analogous to the
__________________.
(a) water
(b) water flow
(c) water pressure
(d) water pump
3. Kirchhoff’s Current Law or KCL says that the algebraic
sum of all currents leaving a node should be __________.
(a) one
(b) two
(c) three
(d) zero
4. In any electrical circuit when physical condition
(temperature, diameter and length) of a conductor
are constant, the voltage is directly proportional to
__________________.
(a) current
(b) resistance
(c) power
(d) energy
5. If two or more resistors (loads) are connected in such
a way that they form a chain, it is called ______________.
(a) parallel circuit
(b) series circuit
(c) closed circuit
(d) open circuit

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 Notes D. Short Answer Questions
1. Describe Ohm’s Law.
2. What is electricity?
3. Write any one type of effect of electric current.
4. What is a parallel circuit? Explain with diagram.
5. What do you understand by the terms voltage, current
and resistance?

Session 3: Concept of electrical Power

and Energy

Difference between Power and Energy

Power is the measurement of energy transfer by an
electrical circuit in unit time. Electrical power and
energy play a vital role in today’s society. Electrical
power and energy involve generation, transmission and
distribution of electrical energy reliably and efficiently
to meet consumer demands. Electrical appliances at
home transfer energy from the mains to supply heat
and light in our homes. Electric energy also operates
appliances, such as TV, microwave, computers, etc.
The units measured by an electricity meter and used
to calculate the consumption (electricity bill), are called
kilowatt hours. The cost of each unit of electricity
varies. The electricity bill is calculated by working out
the number of units used and multiplying it with the
cost of per unit.

Electrical Power
It is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by
an electrical appliance. Unit of electrical power is watt.
1000 watt = 1 kilowatt
Electrical Power in DC and AC Circuit
Electrical Power in DC Circuit
P = V × I
P = I²R
P = V²/R
where V = voltage, I = current and R = resistance

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 Electrical Power in AC Circuit
P = VI cos ø,
where cos ø = power factor and P = power

Fig. 1.23 Diagram shows relationship between P, V, I and R

Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is the capacity for doing
electrical work. Light Heat Energy
Energy
Energy in watt hour is the multiplication
of power in watt and time in hour. This is
the basic unit of energy. The commercial
unit of energy is kilowatt-hour (Fig. 1.24).
Electrical Energy = power × time Electrical Energy in Wires
Electrical Energy = watt × hour
Electrical Energy = 1000 watt × 1 hour Chemical Energy
Electrical power in a circuit is the rate at
which energy is used or generated within a
circuit. A source of energy, such as a battery, Fig. 1.24 Diagram shows conversion of
will deliver power while the connected load chemical energy into electrical energy

uses it. Light bulbs and heaters are examples of usage

of electrical power and its conversion into either heat,
or light, or both. The higher the value or rating in watts,
the more the electrical power they are likely to consume.

Electric Power Calculation

Electrical power (Fig. 1.25) is also expressed as the rate
by which energy is transferred in the circuit. If one joule
of work is either absorbed or delivered at a constant
rate of one second, then the corresponding power will
be one watt. So power can be defined as ‘1Joule/sec =
1Watt’. Then we can say that one watt is equal to one Fig. 1.25 Diagram shows
joule per second and electrical power can be defined electric power circulation
as the rate of doing work or the rate of transferring of
electrical energy.

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 Electrical Circuit Symbols

Cell Battery

Lamp AC Supply

Switch Ammeter

Voltmeter Galvanometer

Resistor Potentiometer

Transformer Heating Element

Fig. 1.26 Electrical circuit symbols

Use of Voltmeters and Ammeters

(a) Voltmeters
(i) A voltmeter is always connected across the device
or in parallel.
(ii) A voltmeter has a very high internal resistance,
so as to not draw a large current from the circuit.
(b) Ammeters
(i) An ammeter is always connected in series.
(ii) An ammeter has a very low internal resistance, so
as to not generate a drop in potential.

Power and Energy Calculation in DC and

AC System
(a) Watts
This is a unit of power. It is the rate at
which electricity is used at a specific
moment (Fig. 1.27).
P = V*I ........For DC
1 kilowatt = 1,000 watt,
P = V*I Cos(φ)........For DC 1 megawatt = 10,00,000 watt.
Example: 09-watt LED light bulb
consumes 09 watts of electricity at
Fig. 1.27 Diagram of electric power measurement any moment when turned on.

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 (b) Watt-hour
One watt-hour is the energy consumed when one watt
of power is used for one hour.
watt= hour = watt × hour
The commercial unit of energy is kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Example
09-watt LED bulb, which draws 09 watts at any one
moment, uses 09 watt-hours of electricity within a span
of one hour.
Here’s the general rule for calculating power
dissipation:
Power: P = V × I
where V = voltage applied across the circuit and
I = current flowing in the circuit
Example
We begin with one of the simplest circuits: A battery
hooked up to a single resistor. Voltage source Resistor
Here, we have a single 9V battery, and a single (Battery) 100Ω
100Ω (100 Ohm) resistor, hooked up with wires to 9V
form a complete circuit. Calculate power and energy
in 10 hours (Figs A and B). Fig. A

Calculation of Power
As per the formula of power in DC circuit
Electrical Power = Voltage × Current, i.e.,
P=V×I
As per Ohm’s Law,
V = IR (where R = resistance of the circuit)
I = V/R
Then, P = V × V/R
P = V²/R
P = 9²/100=81/100=0.81 watt
Solution: Power dissipated in the electrical circuit is
0.81 Watt.
Calculation of Electrical Energy 200 Volt
As per the formula of electrical energy in DC circuit
Electrical energy = Power (in watt) × Time (in hours)
Therefore, electrical energy consumed for 10 hours
= 0.81 × 10 = 8.1 watt-hours 100 ohm
Solution: Energy consumed by the above electrical
circuit is 8.1 Unit. Fig. B

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 Notes Check Your Progress

A. Fill in the Blanks

1. Ammeter is always connected in _________________ in
a circuit.
2. Voltmeter is always connected __________________ across
a circuit.
3. The unit of power is __________________.
4. The unit of electrical energy is __________________.
5. 1000 watt × 01 Hour Electrical Energy is called
____________ energy.

B. Match the Columns

1. Battery (a) Current indicating device
2. Galvanometer (b) Resists the flow of current
3. Resistor (c) A resistance which generates heat
4. Heating element (d) Combination of two or more cells

C. Multiple Choice Questions

1. AC stands for ______________.
(a) Alternating Current
(b) Accumulated Current
(c) Air Current
(d) None of the above
2. The internal resistance of an ammeter is ______________.
(a) very high
(b) very low
(c) zero
(d) infinite
3. Rate of doing electrical work is called electric ___________.
(a) energy
(b) current
(c) potential
(d) power
4. Potentiometer is an electric device that gives variable
__________________.
(a) power
(b) resistance
(c) voltage
(d) current
5. One commercial unit electrical energy is equal to
______________.
(a) 1 watt × 1 hour
(b) 10 watt × 1 hour
(c) 100 watt × 1 hour
(d) 1000 watt × 1 hour

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 D. Short Answer Questions
Notes
1. What do you understand by the term electrical power?
2. What is electrical energy?
3. What do you mean by one commercial unit of electrical
energy? Explain briefly.
4. An electric iron is connected across 220 volt power
supply. If the resistance of the iron is 50 ohm, then
calculate
(a) the current flowing through the iron.
(b) electrical power of the iron.
(c) energy used in commercial units (kWh) if the iron is
connected for 2 hours.
5. One LED bulb is labeled 220 volt and 11 watt. If the bulb
is connected to 220 volt power supply, then calculate
(a) the current flowing through the LED bulb.
(b) the amount of electrical energy used by the LED
bulb in 08 hours.

E. Draw the Electrical Symbol of the following

1. Cell
2. Battery
3. Bulb
4. Resistance
5. Switch

Session 4: Importance of Earthing System

Importance of Earthing and its Types
Earthing system in an electrical circuit is for safety
purpose. The earthing system provides an alternative
path for high and dangerous current to flow to the earth
so that the problem of electric shock and damage to
equipments does not occur.
The metallic connection between electrical machines
and devices with the earth plate, commonly known as
earth electrode, through a thick wire of low resistance
to provide safety is known as earthing.
Metallic parts of an equipment are earthed and
if the equipment’s insulation fails there will be
dangerous current present on the surface of the
equipment. This may cause a short circuit and the fuse
will blow off immediately.

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 Notes Earthing
Earthing means connection of non-current carrying
parts (metallic parts) of electrical apparatus to the earth
to discharge electrical energy without any danger.
Earthing is done by connecting the appliance or
machinery to earth by a good conductor known as earth
electrode. Earthing is done to save human life from the
danger of electrical shock, in case a human body comes
in contact with a live wire.
If earthing is done correctly and the metallic part
comes in contact with a live wire, it will be discharged
in to the earth. In this condition, due to zero potential of
earth a large amount of the current flows to the earth.
If the current exceeds the limiting value of the fuse,
it blows off or the MCB trips and cuts off the supply
from appliance.

Different Terms used in Electrical Earthing

(a) Earthing: The proper electrical contact between
electrical installation and the earth is known
as earthing.
(b) Earthed: When an electrical machine, appliance
or wiring is connected to the earth through earth
electrode, it is known as earthed.
(c) Earth electrode: A pipe or plate buried in the
earth for discharge of electricity is known as
earth electrode.
(d) Earthing lead: The conducting wire or conductive
strip connected between earth electrode and
electrical installation and machine is called
earthing lead.
(e) Earthing resistance: This is the resistance
between earth electrode and the earth in ohms.

Specification for Earthing

S.No. Details Specification
1. Distance of earth from building More than 1.5 meter
from the building
2. Size of earth electrode Not be less then
2.9mm² or 14 SWG
3. Resistance of earth Not greater than 8 ohm

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 The earth electrode and earth wire should be of the Notes
same material.
Points to be earthed
1. Earth pin of 3 pin and 5 pin plug and socket
2. All metal parts of the electrical machine, e.g.,
motor, heater geyser and mixer
3. Metallic frame of electrical machines
4. The neutral conductor of 3-phase 4-wire system
5. Pole, tower, armouring of cable
6. Stray wire of overhead lines
Importance of electrical earthing
Electrical earthing is important to
1. save human life from the danger of shock from
leaking current.
2. maintain the line voltage constant.
3. protect large machines and buildings from
atmosphere lighting.
4. avoid the risk of accident in an electrical sub-
station and other installation.
Earth resistance of different electrical installations
Large power station 0.5 Ohm
Major power station 1.0 Ohm
Small sub-station 2.0 Ohm
In-house wiring and 5.0 to 8.0 Ohm
such other case

Types of Earthing
(a) Strip earthing: In this type of earthing galvanised
iron strip of 25mm × 4mm or copper strip of 25mm ×
1.6mm are laid in horizontal trenches of minimum
depth of 0.5 meter and covered with charcoal
and salt.
(b) Rod earthing: In this type of earthing system
12.5 mm diameter of solid rod of copper or 16 mm
diameter of solid rod of galvanised iron are fitted
vertically into the earth not less than 2.5 meter
on earth surface.
(c) Pipe earthing: It is cheaper and the best
form of earthing. In this type of earthing a
hollow pipe of 38 mm diameter and 2.5 meter

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 Notes long GI is placed underground and covered with
charcoal and salt.
(d) Plate earthing: In this type of earthing
system, a plate of either copper with dimensions
60cm×60cm×3.18mm or galvanised iron (GI)
of dimensions 60cm × 60cm × 6.35mm is buried
vertical in the earth pit which should not be less
than 3 metre from the surface of ground.

Atmospheric Lightning
Atmospheric lightning is a form of visible discharge
of electricity between a rain cloud and the earth. The
electric discharge is seen in the form of a arc between
cloud and earth surface.
When the electrical potential between two clouds, or
a cloud and the earth reaches a sufficiently high value
the air becomes ionised along a narrow path and results
in lightning flash.
The possibility of lightning is more on tall trees
and buildings rather than the ground. Buildings are
protected from lightning by metallic lightning rods.
These lightning rods are known as lightning arresters.
This lightning arrester is fitted at the highest part of
the roof and it is extended to the ground through a
conductor. The conductor has a pointed edge on one side
and the other side is connected to a long thick copper
strip which runs down the building. The lower end of the
strip is properly connected to the earth. When lightning
strikes on the rod the current flows down through the
copper strip. These rods provide a low-resistance path
for the lightning discharge and prevent it from travelling
through the structure of a building itself.

Lightning Arrester
The principle of the lightning arrester was first
discovered by Benjamin Franklin in 1749, who in
the subsequent years developed his invention for
household application.
Lightning arresters (Fig.1.28) are devices which prevent
damage of apparatus due to high lightning voltages.
The lightning arrester provides a low resistance path
to ground for the current from a lightning strike.

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 When a high voltage or greater than normal line Notes
voltage exists in the circuit, the lightning arrester
immediately provides a path to earth and thus limits
and drains off the excess voltage.

Lightning Arrester
Lightning arrester used in building

Earthing Lead

Earthing of Building
Fig. 1.28 Lightning arresters

Working of Lightning Arrester

A lightning arrester
1. does not absorb any charge caused by lightning.
2. diverts the charge towards the ground.
3. limits the voltage produced by atmospheric
lightning.
4. works at the time of lightning because lightning
produces very high voltages.
5. provides protection against lightning surges
during rainy session.

Pipe Earthing
This type of earthing is used widely in industries and
house wiring system. In this system of earthing, a GI
pipe of 30 mm diameter and 2.5 m length is buried
vertically into the ground to work as an earth electrode,
but the depth depends upon the soil conditions (there
are no hard and fast rules for this). The earth electrodes
are connected to the top section of the pipe with a nut
and bolt. The pit area around the GI pipe is filled with

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 Cast Iron Box an alternate layer of salt and charcoal
Earth Wire
for reducing the earth’s resistance. It
Funnel can take heavy leakage current for the
60 cm 21.7 mm Pipe same electrode size in comparison to

2.25 m
plate earthing. Water is filled through
pipe to maintain the resistance of
earth electrode. Pipe earthing (Fig.
19.05 mm dia pipe 1.29) is the best form of earthing and
it is also a cheap method of earthing.
Charcoal Earthing pipes are also known as
12 mm Hole
earthing electrode pipes, these can be
used in houses, office as well as power
2m stations. Earthing pipes are used in
G.I. Pipe 38 mm dia electrical installation, transmission
line and other installation. Copper
pipe is generally used in an earthing
Fig. 1.29 Pipe earthing system. The pipe size depends upon
the current to be carried and on
the soil type. Pipe earthing is reliable, durable, easy
to handle and highly secure. Connectivity of the pipe
earthing is up to the chamber or earth terminal. The
connection of earth wire from machine to Galvanised
Iron (GI) pipe, being above the ground level makes it
Cast Iron Cover easy to check for any discontinuity.
Pipe earthing gives us the
30 cm Funnel Covered freedom to put 23 buckets of water
with mesh wire
60 cm 30 cm through the funnel, which helps
in achieving effective earthing. It is
3m one of the most widely used method
12.5 mm of earthing.
G.I. Pipe

19 mm dia
15 cm Alternate Layers
Plate Earthing
Charcoal and Salt In this type of earthing, a plate
of copper or GI, is buried into
the ground at a depth of greater
60 × 60 mm
than 3 m (Fig. 1.30).
3.18 mm 90 mm Earthing plate is filled with alternate
Copper
Plate layers of salt and coke not less than
46 cm (1.5 feet) so as to provide lesser
resistance due to absorption of moisture.
The earth conductor is properly bolted
90 mm to an earth plate with the help of nut
Fig. 1.30 Plate earthing and bolt and washer made of copper, in

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 case of copper plate earthing and of G.I., in case of G.I.,
plate earthing (Fig. 1.30).
For G.I., the earthing plate size should be
600 mm × 600 mm × 8.30 mm and for copper earthing
the plate size should be 600 mm × 600 mm × 3.15 mm
and the pit size made for maintenance should be 30
cm × 30 cm so as to provide ease of accessibility of
maintenance of these earthing pits and for testing of
earthing pits.

Advantages of Earthing
One of the major objectives of earthing is to ensure
safety of persons during leakage fault conditions.
Earthing creates the path of least resistance from
machine to the earth so that the fault current dissipates
quickly. It allows the lightning electrical energy to be
safely dissipated thereby minimising the danger caused
by the lightning. Earthing is the key to safety, i.e.,
protection of personnel, equipment, wiring, machines
and instruments (Fig. 1.31). Another advantage of
earthing is in communication tower where it is used to
reduce electromagnetic interference.
Both type of earthing processes can be used. But
plate earthing is preferred in small buildings and
pipe earthing is used for multistorey buildings as well
as electrical sub-station. All metallic parts of electric
machines must be earthed for safety of equipment.

Earth Resistance
1. Earth resistance depends on the following factors:
(a) Type of earth soil
(b) Temperature of earth
(c) Humidity on earth
(d) Minerals on earth
(e) Length of electrode (a)

(f) Distance between two electrodes

(g) Number of electrodes
2. Maximum earth resistance allowed is as follows: Socket Fault
to Earth
(a) Major power station—0.5 ohm (b)
Earth wire
(b) Major sub-stations—1.0 ohm
(c) Minor sub-station—2 ohm
(d) Neutral bushing—0.2 ohm Fault
Fig. 1.31 Proper earthing
(e) Service connection—4 ohm

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 (f) L.T. Lightning arrestor—4 ohm
(g) L.T. Pole— 5 ohm
(h) H.T. Pole— 10 ohm
(i) Tower— 20–30 ohm

Motor Isolater

Earth Continuity Connection

Conductors Point
Earthing Leads

Earthing Point

Fig. 1.32 Earthing to the electrical motor

Earth Tester and Resistance

Use of earth tester
Earth tester is used for measuring earth’s resistance.
If earth’s resistance is high, certain processes need to
be adopted for controlling it.
Working of earth tester
Earth tester consists of a hand-
operated D.C. generator, 4 spikes and
C1 C2 a connecting wire. These spikes are
P1 P2
connected through wire to terminals
of the earth tester. Spikes are inserted
Elecroede
Under Test
in the ground to check the earth’s
G.I.
resistance. Current is feeded to the
1.25 m 25 m 25 m
Auxilary spikes through the D.C. generator. The
Spike D.C. is converted into A.C. by the
Fig. 1.33 Measurement of Earthing Resistance— converter and the A.C. received from
Three-Point Method
the spike is again converted to D.C.
with the help of a rectifier. While moving towards the
generator, the A.C. is fed to the spike driven in the earth
as there should be no electrolytic effect.

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 Three-point method Notes
In this method, earth tester terminals C1 and P1 are
joined to each other and connected to the earth electrode
(pipe) under test. Terminals P2 and C2 are connected to
the two separate spikes driven in earth (Fig. 1.33). These
two spikes are kept in the same line at a distance of
25 metres and 50 metres each due to which, there will
not be mutual interference in the field of individual
spikes. If we rotate the generator handle at a specific
speed, we will directly get the earth’s resistance on
scale. This method of testing is known as the three-
point method.
Note: Spike length in the earth should not be more than 1/20th
distance between two spikes.

Four-point method
In this method, four spikes are driven in the earth in
the same line at an equal distance. Outer two spikes
are connected to C1 and C2 terminals of earth tester.
Similarly, inner two spikes are connected to P1 and P2
terminals. Now, if the generator handle is rotated at a
specific speed, earth’s resistance value of that place can
be obtained.
In this method, error due to polarisation effect is
eliminated and earth tester can be operated directly
on A.C.
If earth’s resistance is higher, the following
treatments can be done to minimise the resistance.
(a) Oxidation on joints should be removed and joints
should be tightened.
(b) Sufficient water should be poured into
earth’s electrode.
(c) Earth electrode of bigger size as far as possible
should be used.
(d) Electrodes should be connected in parallel.
(e) Earth pit of more depth and width-breadth should
be made.

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 Notes Check Your Progress
A. Fill in the Blanks
1. The metallic connection between electrical machines
and devices with the earth plate, through a thick wire is
known as ______________.
2. _________________ earthing is a cheap and best form
of earthing.
3. The resistance between earth electrode and earth in
Ohms is called _______________.
4. Earthing saves human lives from ____________________.
5. The unit of earth resistance is ____________________.

B. Match the Columns

1. Major sub-station A. 20–30 ohm
2. Major power staton B. 2 ohm
3. Minor sub-station C. 0.5 ohm
4. Tower D. 1 ohm

C. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Earth resistance value of house wiring is ___________.
(a) 5 ohm
(b) 2 ohm
(c) 1 ohm
(d) 8 ohm
2. The most commonly used type of earthing is __________.
(a) plate earthing
(b) pipe earthing
(c) rod earthing
(d) strip earthing
3. Ideal value for earth’s resistance in ohm is _____________.
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 0
4. For maintaining moisture around the earthing we use
____________.
(a) salt and charcoal
(b) sugar
(c) oil
(d) None of the above
5. Every metallic electrical pole must be _______
(a) grounded
(b) earthed
(c) phase
(d) neutral

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 D. Short Answer Questions
Notes
1. What do you understand by electrical earthing? Why is
it done?
2. Which electrical points should be earthed?
3. Write down the earth’s resistance of different
electrical installations.
4. What are the different types of earthing?
5. Draw a simple diagram of pipe earthing.

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