Three Prong Circuits: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:44, 6 December 2015

Three Prong Plugs

The Main Idea

Why do outlets need that third prong? Grounded electricity explained without any confusing math or equations.

A Mathematical Model

Don't be silly, this is a page for dummies. Let's not bother with equations, as the real world is more complex than theory as it is.

A Computational Model

Below is a circuit diagram of the standard American three-prong outlet. The third prong provides a common zero voltage at either side of the green neutral connection, and removes the possibly fatal consequences of the neutral line resistance from the electric circuit.

A circuit diagram of the standard American three-prong outlet. The third prong provides a common zero voltage at either side of the green neutral connection, and removes the possibly fatal consequences of the neutral line resistance from the electric circuit. . — A circuit diagram of the standard American three-prong outlet. The third prong provides a common zero voltage at either side of the green neutral connection, and removes the possibly fatal consequences of the neutral line resistance from the electric circuit.

Groundedness

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Sparks

Theoretically, in an AC system where there is no "plus" and "minus" an electric plug's two wires should be interchangeable. But let's get real, reality is much more complicated than theory and issues will "spark" up regardless of how perfect the circumstances are.

So let's build a theoretical situation where you, a highly accomplished engineer and businessman, want to create your own electric power distribution system for surrounding customers. Customers are calling and complaining that their fridges and stoves are failing. You receive a lawsuit stating that one of your customers had a powerful electric shock strike them unconscious. How come DC voltage are appearing in what is supposed to be an alternating current system?

Explosions

Solution

Murphy's Law

Customer DeathToll Rises

The Third Prong

Connectedness

How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
How is it connected to your major?
Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

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 ===Sparks===
+Theoretically, in an AC system where there is no "plus" and "minus" an electric plug's two wires should be interchangeable. But let's get real, reality is much more complicated than theory and issues will "spark" up regardless of how perfect the circumstances are.
+So let's build a theoretical situation where you, a highly accomplished engineer and businessman, want to create your own electric power distribution system for surrounding customers.
+Customers are calling and complaining that their fridges and stoves are failing. You receive a lawsuit stating that one of your customers had a powerful electric shock strike them unconscious. How come DC voltage are appearing in what is supposed to be an alternating current system?
 ===Explosions===
 ===Solution===