“An explanation of why lighting, heating and other appliances have different circuits in a house and a description of these circuits.”
The reasons behind the different circuits for lights, heating and other appliances are:
a) Each circuit is created and designed so that it can carry a certain maximum current and it varies amongst the circuits based on the requirements for individual appliances. Exerting the maximum current could cause a circuit overload, which can lead to a fire.
b) The amount of current that passes through also influences the wires needed. For instance circuits that require more current also require the use of larger wires, so the resistance decreases, which decreases the heat generated. This means that there is a lower chance of a fire.
c) Also, separate circuits are used to decrease the chance of short circuits.
Relevant Link: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/circuit.htm
a) Each circuit is created and designed so that it can carry a certain maximum current and it varies amongst the circuits based on the requirements for individual appliances. Exerting the maximum current could cause a circuit overload, which can lead to a fire.
b) The amount of current that passes through also influences the wires needed. For instance circuits that require more current also require the use of larger wires, so the resistance decreases, which decreases the heat generated. This means that there is a lower chance of a fire.
c) Also, separate circuits are used to decrease the chance of short circuits.
Relevant Link: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/circuit.htm