Electricity in your home
Circuits An electrical circuit is a path between two points in which an electrical current flows. Our homes are filled with circuits of varying size and complexity. 2
Your home electrical system Essential parts of your home electrical system are: transformer, advanced meter, circuit panel, circuit breakers (for each circuit), wiring, switches, outlets and loads (e.g. appliances, lights) 3
Individual circuits in your home Individual circuits run from the circuit panel to appliances and devices, then back. Examples include: hot water tank refrigerator lights and plug outlets stove dryer 4
Electrical safety at home Circuits in your home safely supply power to appliances and devices. Many electrical safety features are present in your home. We need to be aware of hazards that can cause deadly shocks or fires. 5
Electrical safety at home Circuit breakers protect circuits from excess current or short circuits. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), found in many newer kitchen and bathroom electrical outlets, detect any change in current and shut off the current. 6
Alternating current (AC) Alternating current changes direction regularly, creating a voltage of 120V. Homes in BC are mostly powered by AC. AC allows voltage to be increased or decreased using a transformer (from high voltage in power lines to 120V to 240V in homes). 7
Alternating current (AC) Most home circuits are supplied with 120V AC power. Some circuits use 240V for appliances such as: dryers electric stoves baseboard heaters 8
Direct current (DC) Direct current (DC) is electrical current that flows in one direction. It s used for digital controls and small circuits in our homes and appliances. AC can be converted to DC using an adaptor which is built into many home devices. 9
AC and/or DC? Many household devices convert AC to DC in order to function (e.g. laptops, plasma TV). Other devices use both AC and DC. For example, a coffee maker uses AC for the hot plate but DC for the digital controls. 10
Energy efficiency at home Efficiency means reducing the amount of energy used to provide the same service. For example: A better insulated home will increase energy savings over a less insulated one. Energy-efficient light bulbs use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. 11
Energy efficiency at home Installing a more efficient furnace or hot water heater can save energy at home. We can also conserve energy by making our homes less drafty (e.g. with weatherstripping and caulking) and better insulated. 12
EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR EnerGuide is a label that tells you the energy consumption and efficiency of electrical appliances so you can compare options. ENERGY STAR is a label and rating system that identifies energy-efficient products. 13
Energy-efficient lighting Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are common highefficiency bulbs, using 75 per cent less electricity than an incandescent bulb. Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs cost more than CFLs, but are even more efficient and last much longer. 14
Energy-efficient equipment Energy-efficient equipment, some with advanced digital components, helps us to conserve energy in our homes. Examples include: programmable thermostats space and water heating systems DC motor appliances (e.g. lighting timers) LED bulbs 15
Advanced meters Advanced meters are electronic devices that measure, record and wirelessly transmit information about your home s electricity use. They provide real-time information to help you understand how you are using electricity in the home. This helps you target ways to conserve energy which results in saving money. 16
Summary Your home electrical system has many circuits to power lights and appliances. Safety features are built into the electrical system. Home circuits involve AC or DC power at 120V or 240V. There are many ways to save energy at home including energy-efficient technologies for space and water heating. 17