An electric heater has a power rating of 1500 W - Leaving Cert Physics - Question e - 2020
Question e
An electric heater has a power rating of 1500 W. It uses a voltage of 230 V. Which fuse should be used in the plug, a 3 A fuse or a 13 A fuse? Justify your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An electric heater has a power rating of 1500 W - Leaving Cert Physics - Question e - 2020
Step 1
Calculate the Current Drawn
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To determine the current drawn by the heater, we use the formula:
I=VP
where:
I is the current in amperes (A)
P is the power in watts (W)
V is the voltage in volts (V)
Substituting the given values:
I=230 V1500 W≈6.52 A
Step 2
Evaluate the Fuse Options
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Given that the current drawn is approximately 6.52 A, we compare this with the available fuse ratings:
A 3 A fuse would not be sufficient, as it is rated lower than the current drawn. It would blow under normal operation.
A 13 A fuse can handle the 6.52 A, providing a safe margin without risk of blowing.
Therefore, the appropriate fuse to use in the plug is the 13 A fuse.
Step 3
Justify Your Answer
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Using a 13 A fuse is justified because:
It will handle the current requirement of 6.52 A without blowing.
A fuse with a lower rating (3 A) would not withstand the current and would blow, leading to unnecessary interruptions.
Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...
