Electrical safety — Paper 1 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

36 A builder plugs an electric drill into a socket inside a house. house electric cable He uses the drill outdoors. It starts to rain heavily. Why is it dangerous to continue using the electric drill in the rain? A The drill could give the builder an electric shock. B The drill could overheat. C The fuse could blow. D The rain could rust the drill.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2005

39 In the circuit shown, one of the fuses blows and all the lamps go out. Which fuse blows? + – A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2005

38 An electric power tool is being used outdoors in a shower of rain. What is the greatest hazard to the user? A The cable gets hot and causes burns. B The circuit-breaker cuts off the current. C The current passes through water and causes a shock. D The tool rusts.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2006

38 A cable in a house is carrying too much current. What is the greatest danger? A appliances not working B electric shock C fire D low power

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2007

38 The diagram shows four electric kettles plugged into a 4-way adaptor. An extension lead connects the adaptor to a single mains plug. The mains plug is designed to work without a fuse. extension lead mains plug adaptor Why is this use of the adaptor dangerous? A The heating elements in the kettle will overheat. B The extension lead connecting the adaptor to the mains plug will overheat. C The leads connecting the kettles to the adaptor will overheat. D The water in the kettles will overheat.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2007

38 The device X in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply if too much current flows. X What is device X? A a fuse B a relay C a resistor D an ammeter

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2008

34 Electrical appliances are often fitted with a fuse. What is the purpose of the fuse? A to adjust the voltage supplied to the correct value B to allow the appliance to be switched on by a small current C to cut the power supply if the appliance is used too often D to cut the power supply if the current becomes too large

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2010

33 Electrical appliances are often fitted with a fuse. What is the purpose of the fuse? A to adjust the voltage supplied to the correct value B to allow the appliance to be switched on by a small current C to cut the power supply if the appliance is used too often D to cut the power supply if the current becomes too large

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2010

33 Electrical appliances are often fitted with a fuse. What is the purpose of the fuse? A to adjust the voltage supplied to the correct value B to allow the appliance to be switched on by a small current C to cut the power supply if the appliance is used too often D to cut the power supply if the current becomes too large

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2010

35 In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit. Which fuse has blown? power supply B A D C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2010

33 In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit. Which fuse has blown? power supply B A D C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2010

36 In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit. Which fuse has blown? power supply B A D C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2010

36 A circuit diagram contains the following symbol. What does this symbol represent? A a fixed resistor B a fuse C a relay D a variable resistor

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2011

33 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used to a minimum value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2011

35 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used to a minimum value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2011

34 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used to a minimum value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2011

39 An electric fire draws a current of 10 A. Fuses are available rated at 5 A and 13 A. Which fuse rating should be used with this electric fire, and where should it be fitted in the circuit? fuse rating where in circuit A 5 A live wire B 5 A neutral wire C 13 A live wire D 13 A neutral wire

1 marks

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2012

39 The circuit shows a mains supply connected to a heater. P Q live mains heater supply neutral S R Between which labelled points should a fuse be connected in the circuit? A between P and Q B between Q and R C between R and S D between S and P

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2013

39 The charger for a laptop computer is connected by a cable to the mains supply through a plug. The plug contains a 13 A fuse. The thin wires in the cable are designed to carry a current of 2 A. A fault develops and the current in the wires rises to 5 A. plug laptop connecting cable What is the danger caused by this larger current? A A large amount of electrical energy could be wasted. B Somebody might receive an electric shock. C The fuse could blow and start a fire. D The wires could overheat and start a fire.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2013

39 The charger for a laptop computer is connected by a cable to the mains supply through a plug. The plug contains a 13 A fuse. The thin wires in the cable are designed to carry a current of 2 A. A fault develops and the current in the wires rises to 5 A. plug laptop connecting cable What is the danger caused by this larger current? A A large amount of electrical energy could be wasted. B Somebody might receive an electric shock. C The fuse could blow and start a fire. D The wires could overheat and start a fire.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2013

39 When a computer is switched on, the current rises quickly to 3.1 A and then falls slowly to a steady value of 1.0 A whilst the computer is in use. The mains plug for the computer contains a fuse. Which value of fuse would be suitable to use and would provide the greatest protection? A 1.0 A B 3.0 A C 5.0 A D 13.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2013

40 The diagram shows a circuit containing three lamps P, Q and R. All the lamps are lit. P Q R The fuse melts (blows). Which lamps go out? A P and Q B P only C Q and R D Q only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2014

39 The diagram shows a circuit containing three lamps P, Q and R. All the lamps are lit. P Q R The fuse melts (blows). Which lamps go out? A P and Q B P only C Q and R D Q only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2014

39 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used at a constant value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2014

40 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used at a constant value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2014

39 Why is a fuse used in an electric circuit in a house? A to increase the resistance of the circuit B to keep the power used at a constant value C to prevent a short circuit from occurring D to stop the cables overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2014

38 A mains circuit can safely supply a current of 40 A. A hairdryer takes 2 A. It is connected to the circuit by a lead which can safely carry up to 5 A. Which fuse should be used to protect the hairdryer? A 1 A fuse B 3 A fuse C 10 A fuse D 50 A fuse

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2015

38 The current in a lamp is 0.25 A. The maximum safe current in the cable to the lamp is 5.0 A. Which fuse should be used to protect the lamp circuit? A 0.2 A B 1.0 A C 5.0 A D 10.0 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2015

38 An air conditioner and a television are both connected to the same electrical circuit. X power air television supply conditioner The current in the air conditioner is 9.0 A and the current in the television is 2.0 A. Several different fuses are available. Which fuse should be connected at X? A 1 A B 3 A C 7 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2015

36 A worker in a hospital operates an X-ray machine. Which is not a useful precaution to help protect her from the X-rays while the machine is operating? A keeping a large distance away from the machine B limiting for how long she operates the machine C placing lead blocks between her and the machine D using safety glasses when operating the machine

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2016

39 When a computer is switched on, the current rises quickly to 3.1 A and then falls slowly to a steady value of 1.0 A while the computer is in use. The wire connecting the computer to the power supply can safely carry a current of up to 10.0 A. The circuit contains a fuse. Which value of fuse is suitable to use to provide the greatest protection? A 1.0 A B 3.0 A C 5.0 A D 13.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2016

39 When a computer is switched on, the current rises quickly to 3.1 A and then falls slowly to a steady value of 1.0 A while the computer is in use. The wire connecting the computer to the power supply can safely carry a current of up to 10.0 A. The circuit contains a fuse. Which value of fuse is suitable to use to provide the greatest protection? A 1.0 A B 3.0 A C 5.0 A D 13.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2016

39 When a computer is switched on, the current rises quickly to 3.1 A and then falls slowly to a steady value of 1.0 A while the computer is in use. The wire connecting the computer to the power supply can safely carry a current of up to 10.0 A. The circuit contains a fuse. Which value of fuse is suitable to use to provide the greatest protection? A 1.0 A B 3.0 A C 5.0 A D 13.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2016

39 What is the purpose of a 3 A fuse? A to keep the average current at 3.0 A B to keep the current constant at 3.0 A C to stop the current decreasing below 3.0 A D to stop the current increasing above 3.0 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2017

40 Each wire inside a cable leading from an electric socket to a hairdryer is covered with a plastic coating. This plastic coating splits and the two wires inside the cable touch each other. wires touch here plastic outer coating insulation What could happen because of this? A An appliance plugged into a different socket could become switched on. B A large current could flow in the wires making them overheat to cause a fire. C A person near the hairdryer could receive an electric shock. D The hairdryer plugged into the socket could be damaged.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2017

39 The device Z in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply automatically if too much current flows. Z What is device Z? A a fuse B a resistor C a switch D an ammeter

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2017

38 The device Z in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply automatically if too much current flows. Z What is device Z? A a fuse B a resistor C a switch D an ammeter

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2017

38 The device Z in this circuit is designed to cut off the electricity supply automatically if too much current flows. Z What is device Z? A a fuse B a resistor C a switch D an ammeter

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2017

38 Why is the electricity supply to a house fitted with a fuse? A to increase the current in the circuit B to increase the resistance of the circuit C to maintain a constant current in the circuit D to prevent overheating of the cables in the circuit

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2018

39 An electric kettle has the following label attached to its base. current: 7.5 A frequency: 50 Hz power: 1800 W voltage: 240 V How is an appropriate fuse for the kettle labelled? A 10 A B 60 Hz C 2000 W D 300 V

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2018

39 A lamp can be dimmed or switched off. Its circuit is protected by a fuse. Which diagram shows this circuit? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2018

39 A lamp can be dimmed or switched off. Its circuit is protected by a fuse. Which diagram shows this circuit? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2018

40 Two lamps and two ammeters are connected in the circuit shown. Each ammeter reads 1.0 A. A A Which is the most suitable rating for the fuse in this circuit? A 0.5 A B 1 A C 3 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2018

37 Which group contains only electrical insulators? A air, lead, rubber B copper, lead, steel C plastic, rubber, wood D plastic, steel, wood

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2018

39 It is hazardous to use an electric hairdryer near a hot bath. Why is this? A The cable to the hairdryer might overheat. B The motor in the hairdryer might become rusty and not work. C The water might enter the hairdryer so the user could receive an electric shock. D The warmth of the atmosphere might damage the insulation in the hairdryer.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2018

39 A kettle is connected to a power supply as shown. X power kettle supply If too much current flows, a component connected at X automatically disconnects the power supply. Which symbol represents the component at X? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2018

40 Why are mains electrical circuits fitted with a fuse? A to allow the cable to pass more current B to increase the power that can be delivered by the cables C to increase the voltage that the cables deliver D to prevent the cables from overheating

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2019

40 A mains circuit can safely supply a current of up to 40 A. The current in a hairdryer is 2 A when it is operating normally. The hairdryer is connected to the mains by a lead which can safely carry up to 5 A. What is the correct fuse to protect the hairdryer? A 1 A fuse B 3 A fuse C 10 A fuse D 50 A fuse

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2019

40 A mains circuit can safely supply a current of up to 40 A. The current in a hairdryer is 2 A when it is operating normally. The hairdryer is connected to the mains by a lead which can safely carry up to 5 A. What is the correct fuse to protect the hairdryer? A 1 A fuse B 3 A fuse C 10 A fuse D 50 A fuse

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2019

40 A mains circuit can safely supply a current of up to 40 A. The current in a hairdryer is 2 A when it is operating normally. The hairdryer is connected to the mains by a lead which can safely carry up to 5 A. What is the correct fuse to protect the hairdryer? A 1 A fuse B 3 A fuse C 10 A fuse D 50 A fuse

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2019

40 An electrical appliance with a resistance of 60 Ω requires a voltage of 240 V to operate normally. Which fuse is the most suitable to use to protect the appliance? A 0.25 A B 1 A C 5 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2019

40 An electric oven is connected to the mains supply using insulated copper wires. The wires become very warm. Which change reduces the amount of heat produced in the connecting wires? A Use thicker copper wires. B Use thinner copper wires. C Use thicker insulation. D Use thinner insulation.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2020

40 The charger for a laptop computer is connected by a cable to the mains supply through a plug. The plug contains a 13 A fuse. The cable is designed to carry a current of 2 A. A fault develops and the current in the cable increases to 5 A. laptop plug computer connecting cable What is a possible danger caused by this larger current? A A large amount of electrical energy is wasted. B Somebody receives an electric shock. C The fuse blows and starts a fire. D The cable overheats and starts a fire.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2020

40 The diagram shows a circuit containing a 2.0 V cell, a fuse and a resistor of resistance 4.0 . 2.0 V 4.0 Ω What is the most appropriate rating for the fuse? A 0.4 A B 1 A C 2 A D 5 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2020

40 What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical appliance? A to maintain the correct current in the appliance B to maintain the correct voltage across the appliance C to prevent the insulation around the cables from becoming too thin D to protect the wires from overheating when the current is too large

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2020

40 An air conditioner and a television are both connected to the same electrical circuit. X power air television supply conditioner The current in the air conditioner is 9.0 A and the current in the television is 2.0 A. Several different fuses are available. Which fuse should be connected at X? A 1 A B 3 A C 7 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2021

40 An air conditioner and a television are both connected to the same electrical circuit. X power air television supply conditioner The current in the air conditioner is 9.0 A and the current in the television is 2.0 A. Several different fuses are available. Which fuse should be connected at X? A 1 A B 3 A C 7 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2021

40 An air conditioner and a television are both connected to the same electrical circuit. X power air television supply conditioner The current in the air conditioner is 9.0 A and the current in the television is 2.0 A. Several different fuses are available. Which fuse should be connected at X? A 1 A B 3 A C 7 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2021

40 What is the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit? A It acts as an extra resistor in the circuit. B It keeps the current at a steady value. C It keeps the voltage at a steady value. D It protects the circuit from a current that is too large.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2021

40 What is the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit? A to disconnect the circuit if the current becomes too large B to increase the voltage if the current becomes too small C to prevent someone cutting the insulation of the wiring D to stop water getting into the circuit

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2022

40 Why is the electricity supply to a mains circuit fitted with a fuse? A to increase the current in the circuit B to increase the resistance of the circuit C to maintain a constant current in the circuit D to prevent overheating of the cables in the circuit

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2022

40 Why is the electricity supply to a mains circuit fitted with a fuse? A to increase the current in the circuit B to increase the resistance of the circuit C to maintain a constant current in the circuit D to prevent overheating of the cables in the circuit

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2022

40 Why is the electricity supply to a mains circuit fitted with a fuse? A to increase the current in the circuit B to increase the resistance of the circuit C to maintain a constant current in the circuit D to prevent overheating of the cables in the circuit

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2022

40 When a computer is switched on, the current increases quickly to 3.1 A and then decreases slowly to a steady value of 1.0 A when the computer is in use. The cable connecting the computer to the power supply can safely carry a current of 10.0 A. The circuit contains a fuse. Which fuse rating is used to provide suitable protection? A 1 A B 3 A C 5 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2023

39 A circuit contains two lamps connected in parallel. One fuse protects both lamps and one switch operates both lamps. Which circuit diagram shows this arrangement? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2023

40 An electrical appliance with a resistance of 600  is connected to a 240 V supply. Which fuse rating is appropriate to protect the appliance and the wires from overheating if a fault occurs? A 0.04 A B 0.5 A C 5 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2023

40 An electric heater has a label stating this information: 240 V, 2400 W, 10 A. What is written on a fuse with a rating that is appropriate for use with this heater? A 5 A B 13 A C 230 V D 250 V

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2023

39 What is the circuit symbol for a component whose only purpose is to protect an electric circuit? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2023

40 Which risk is increased by using electrical equipment in damp conditions rather than in dry conditions? A the cable to the equipment overheating B the equipment overheating C the current becoming too low D the person receiving an electric shock

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2023

39 What is the circuit symbol for a component whose only purpose is to protect an electric circuit? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2023

40 Which risk is increased by using electrical equipment in damp conditions rather than in dry conditions? A the cable to the equipment overheating B the equipment overheating C the current becoming too low D the person receiving an electric shock

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2023

40 A fuse is rated at 10 A. What does this indicate? A The current in the fuse should always be equal to 10 A. B The current in the fuse should always be more than 10 A. C The current in the fuse should always be less than 10 A. D The fuse supplies a current of 10 A.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2024

39 Why are electrical devices not used near a sink containing hot water? A Hot water causes overheating in the cables. B Hot water causes the fuse to blow. C Water damages the insulation around the cables. D Water conducts electricity and can cause an electric shock.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2024

40 A 240 V power supply produces a current of 8.0 A in a heater that has a resistance of 30 . The power transferred in the heater is 1.9 kW. What is the rating of an appropriate fuse for the circuit? A 10 A B 2.0 kW C 1.8 kW D 30 

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2024

39 Two heaters are connected in parallel to a socket that is protected by a fuse. The current in each heater is 9.0 A. What is a suitable rating for the fuse? A 3 A B 5 A C 9 A D 20 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2024

40 A heater carries a current of 8.0 A when it is in normal use. What is the rating of a suitable fuse to protect the heater circuit? A 1 A B 5 A C 7 A D 13 A

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2024

40 The diagram shows a circuit. What is a description of this circuit? A a lamp that can be switched on and off, protected by a fuse B a lamp that can have its brightness continuously varied C a motor that can be switched on and off, protected by a fuse D a motor that can have the current in it measured

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2024

39 What is the circuit symbol for a fuse? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2024

40 A person uses an electric lawnmower to cut the grass in a garden. lawnmower cable Which situations are electrical hazards? 1 using the lawnmower when the insulation on the cable is damaged 2 plugging the lawnmower into an electric socket in a garage 3 using the lawnmower when it is raining A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2024

39 What is the circuit symbol for a fuse? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2024

40 A person uses an electric lawnmower to cut the grass in a garden. lawnmower cable Which situations are electrical hazards? 1 using the lawnmower when the insulation on the cable is damaged 2 plugging the lawnmower into an electric socket in a garage 3 using the lawnmower when it is raining A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2024

39 Which electrical device is used to protect a circuit? A ammeter B battery C fuse D voltmeter

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2025

39 The diagram shows a circuit containing three identical lamps, P, Q and R. All the lamps are shining. P Q R The fuse melts (blows). Which lamps stop shining? A P and Q B P only C Q and R D Q only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2025

39 The current in a kettle is 8.4 A. Which fuse rating is appropriate for a fuse used to protect the kettle? A 5 A B 8 A C 13 A D 30 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2025

39 What is not a possible hazard when using mains electrical equipment? A a fuse in a circuit B damaged electrical insulation C damp conditions D overheating of cables in a circuit

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2025