Question

Given a scenario about a hair dryer overheating at 13 amps, which safety device should be installed, how does it work, and where should it be installed?

a) Capacitor - It stores excess electrical energy and releases it slowly, preventing overheating. It should be installed near the motor.

b) Fuse - It breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a safe level, preventing overheating. It should be installed in the main circuit.

c) Resistor - It reduces the current flow, maintaining a safe level and preventing overheating. It should be installed in the heating element circuit.

d) Diode - It allows current to flow in one direction, preventing excess current and overheating. It should be installed near the power source.

Answer 1

A fuse is the correct electrical safety device for a hair dryer that overheats at 13 amps. It works by breaking the circuit when the current exceeds safe limits, and should be installed in the main circuit of the appliance.

Step-by-step explanation:

Choosing the Right Electrical Safety Device

For a hair dryer that is overheating due to a current of 13 amps, the appropriate safety device would be a fuse. The purpose of a fuse is to prevent overheating by breaking the circuit when the electrical current exceeds a predetermined safe level. A fuse contains a metal wire or filament that melts when too much current flows through it, which opens the circuit and stops the flow of electricity. It should be installed in the main circuit of the hair dryer to protect the entire system from overcurrent conditions, which can lead to thermal hazards like fires. Unlike capacitors, resistors, or diodes, a fuse directly addresses the issue of excessive current, fulfilling its role as a critical component in electrical safety systems and devices.

The installation of this device should be in a place where it can easily interrupt the power supply in case of an overload, typically ahead of the appliance's internal components, such as the motor or heating element. By doing so, it ensures that when the current exceeds safe limits, the appliance is quickly detached from the power source, minimizing the risk of overheating and potential fires.