What is a three-core cable?

A three-core cable is the wire that attaches a device (like a kettle) to the mains supply.

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What are the names of the 3 wires in a three-core cable?

1Live wire.


2Neutral wire.


3Earth wire.

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What is wrapped around each wire, and why?

A layer of insulating plastic is wrapped around each wire so that it doesn't conduct electricity to things it touches.

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What colour is the plastic wrapped around the live wire?

Brown

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What colour is the plastic wrapped around the neutral wire?

Blue

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What colour is the plastic wrapped around the earth wire?

Stripes of yellow and green.

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What is the function of live wire?

The live wire carries the alternating potential difference from the mains supply. 

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What is the function of neutral wire?

The neutral wire completes the circuit.

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What is the function of earth wire?

The earth wire is a safety wire to stop the appliance becoming live.

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What is the potential difference between the live wire and earth wire?

230 V

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What is the potential difference between the neutral wire and earth wire?

0 V

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Which wire can be dangerous to touch (even when the switch is open)?

The live wire.

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