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In the home, two wires (live and neutral) carry the current and the third wire is the earth, which is for safety.
The earth (ground) wire connects together the external metal surfaces of all appliances, so that even in most fault conditions you will not get a shock by touching two at one time, e.g. the cooker and the toaster, because the surfaces are already connected together.
If a fault occurs and a live wire touches the metal surface, the earth wire is there to conduct the fault-current and trip the circuit-breaker to make it safe.
The house earth wire is also connected to the gas and water pipes to reduce the risk of electric shock, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. In UK houses the connections must be made as close as possible to where the services enter from outside, using a continuous copper wire of at least 10 sq. mm. cross section.
Finally the house earth wire is also connected physically to the ground via an earth-rod, which prevents the buildup of static electricity in the house during storms.
In Europe, live is brown, neutral is blue, earth is yellow/green stripes. Other places might have different codes.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoIn electrical single phase installations the third wire is usually a ground wire. It is used to carry a fault current back to the distribution and trip trip the breaker of the circuit that the fault was on.
In three phase systems the third wire is a phase leg.
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What is the purpose of the third wire?
By "third wire" I believe you are speaking of the ground wire. Its only purpose is to ensure that the over-current device, which is the breaker or fuse, operates property when a fault exists in the circuit. Without the ground wire you increase your risk of injury, death, or property damage. It is there for your protection. Do not remove it. Always choose to use it when it exists.
What is the third green wire on an electric drill is the wire?
it is the earth wire
What is The third green wire on an electric drill is the?
It is earth wire
Can you connect a 3 wire fan into a 2 wire supply?
yes....the third wired can be connected to a metal housing of the 2 wire supply as a ground
What happens when you connect the line wire from the switch to the load wire from the wall?
This is what the purpose of a switch is. It connects the "hot" wire to the load. When this is done the load becomes energized.
What is the purpose of the third wire?
By "third wire" I believe you are speaking of the ground wire. Its only purpose is to ensure that the over-current device, which is the breaker or fuse, operates property when a fault exists in the circuit. Without the ground wire you increase your risk of injury, death, or property damage. It is there for your protection. Do not remove it. Always choose to use it when it exists.
When was Third Wire created?
Third Wire was created in 1999.
What is the third green wire on an electric drill is the wire?
it is the earth wire
What is the purpose of a wire?
it is the brown wire in a three pin plug
What is the third (green) wire on a electric drill is the?
It is earth wire
What is The third green wire on an electric drill is the?
It is earth wire
What is the purpose for barbed wire?
to discourage trespassing.
What is the purpose of a live wire?
it gives you an electric shock
What is the purpose of a conductor?
to transfer an electrical charge, like a wire
What is the purpose of a side cutter?
To cut wire.
What is the the purpose of the ground wire on an appliance?
If there happens to be a fault on that appliance the ground wire is the faults path back to ground.
Can you connect a 3 wire fan into a 2 wire supply?
yes....the third wired can be connected to a metal housing of the 2 wire supply as a ground
