2
Water and electricity
Workbook 2: Topic 6.2, pp. 71–74
GoalExplain why water and mains electricity are dangerous together, and say where mains things must stay dry.
New words
wet · covered with waterdry · with no water on itappliance · a machine that does a job using electricity
Explanation
Water and mains electricity are a dangerous mix. Water lets electricity pass through it easily, and it can pass through you too. So we never touch plugs, sockets or switches with wet hands. Dry your hands well first. Mains appliances must never be used in the bath or near a sink. Keep drinks well away from computers and chargers. If something spills, tell an adult at once. Mains things are not used outside in the rain.
Worked examples
Lola’s mum never uses a radio next to the bath. The water could be dangerous with mains electricity.
Kenji spills his juice next to the laptop. He tells his dad, who dries everything before it is used again.
Rain is coming. Tom’s dad switches off and unplugs the radio in the garden. Then Tom helps him carry it indoors to keep it dry.
Class activity
Safe or not safe? (no real electricity): draw eight small cards. Draw a different scene on each, such as a wet hand near a switch, a dry hand with a torch, or a drink beside a laptop. Show a thumb up for safe and a thumb down for not safe, and say why.
Practice
1
Why must you dry your hands before touching a switch?
Water lets mains electricity pass through to you, and you could get a shock.
2
Is it safe to play a mains radio in the shower? Say why.
No. Water and mains electricity are dangerous together.
3
A cup of tea is on a shelf just above the computer. Is that a good place for it? Say why.
No. The tea could spill onto the computer. Water and mains electricity are dangerous together, so drinks should be kept away.
4
Name two places where mains things must be kept away from water.
For example: the bathroom, near a sink, a swimming pool, outside in the rain.