Problem Set 2.9:        Household Wiring Diagram

 

Instructions:

Complete the questions below. In this activity you will construct a circuit diagram based on your kitchen at home. Keep this assignment in your portfolio. Science Probe 10   Pg. 109 Review #1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 Pg. 110 C #5, 6

 

Objectives: 

            ¥ To use the correct symbols for electrical devices

            ¥ To create a wiring diagram

            ¥ To demonstrate an understanding of how devices are connected in household circuits

 

Introduction: Before starting the experiment first review your knowledge of circuit symbols

 

1.  Draw the electric symbols for each of the following:

            a) wire                                                             b) power supply

                                                                       

 

            c) switch                                                         d) variable resistor

                                                 

 

            e) ground                                                         f) fuse/circuit breaker

                                               

 

2.  Draw a circuit diagram that contains the following:

a)          a variable resistor connected in series to a light bulb; trace the wires back to the service panel.

b)         two lights connect in parallel to a circuit breaker on the service panel; also include switches to activate each resistor individually.

c)          a heater plugged into a wall-socket; trace the hot , neutral and ground wires back to the service panel.

 

Data Collection and Analysis:        

 

1.   Make a sketch (not a wiring diagram yet!) of the electrical devices in the kitchen in your home; use a separate sheet of paper. Check that you have included all of the lights, light switches, and electrical outlets.

2.   Create a wiring diagram that correctly represents the wiring in your kitchen; use a separate sheet of paper.  Check that your diagram has all of the following features:

      ¥ all wires are drawn as vertical or horizontal lines

      ¥ appliances or lights that can be turned on or off have their own switch

      ¥ label the wires as white (neutral), black (+/-120V) or red (+/-120V)

      ¥ show the connection of the wires to a circuit breaker and/or the ground in the service panel

      ¥ Bonus: in your kitchen the top plug in an electrical outlet is on a separate circuit (has its own circuit breaker) from the bottom plug.  This pattern is reversed for the next outlet in the kitchen.

      ¥ draw one plug in an electrical outlet using the notation shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

HereÕs a sample:

 

Conclusion:  Summarize, in a brief paragraph, what you have learned about household wiring from this activity.  Be sure to include supporting evidence for your conclusions.