Objective:
By the end of this
post, the reader should be able to:
· Explain housing environment and utilities in the home.
· Describe the various sources of water.
· Explain the reasons for and ways of purifying water.
· Examine the need for water conservation in the home and the methods used.
· Describe the various forms of lighting in the home. Describe types and sources of fuel.
HOUSING ENVIRONMENT
Housing
environments are the amenities inside and outside the house that contribute to
health, comfort, and beauty in the home and its surroundings. These amenities
include:
(i) Basic amenities like
kitchen, toilet, bathroom, etc.
(ii) Good and appropriate
working surfaces.
(iii) Good sanitation
(iv) Adequate ventilation
(v) Functional and appropriate
utilities.
UTILITIES IN THE HOME
Utilities
are services that bring comfort and convenience to the home. The major ones are
water, lighting and fuel. They are services that are convenient and bring
comfort to the home. It will be difficult if not impossible to carry out most
activities in the home without utilities. These utilities include water, light
or electricity and fuel, which are the major utilities. Other services provided
to families in housing environment include telephone, garbage collection and
the media (radio and television).
WATER
Sources of Water
Sources
of water can be put into two broad groups. Natural and treated water.
(a) Natural water
Natural water is water found in its natural state e.g. rain water, spring water, river water, sea water, well water and lakes.
(b)
Treated water
Water
which has been processed to make it wholesome for drinking e.g. pipe borne
water. City and urban dwellers enjoy the benefits of pipe-borne water to their
homes. Plumbing is a system of bringing water in and out of the house through
pipes. A person who is trained to work on water supply systems is called a
plumber.
(A) Natural Sources of Water
(i) Rainwater: This can be said to be the purest form of natural water because it is formed as a result of the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere. This means that rain water is naturally distilled. It is usually soft and easily forms good lather with soap. This water is however, a good solvent, so it contains dissolved substances such as air, dust, and airborne bacteria, depending on the area or environment. The result is that, we do not often collect rain water in its pure state.
(ii) Spring water: When it rains, some of the rain water sinks through the porous layers of the soil until it collects above an impervious layer. Some of this water may emerge again on the soil surface as spring water. As the water passes through the soil, it dissolves some amount of mineral salts and the suspended impurities in it, such as dust and bacteria are filtered off. Spring water is therefore, considered a good source of drinking water.
(iii) Well water: Some people obtain their water through digging deep holes called wells. These holes reach the water. which collects on the top of the impervious layers of soil. Well water is stagnant. It may also contain a lot of clay, mineral salts, and the remains of dead organisms which might have fallen into the well. It is therefore, necessary to treat well water before drinking it.
(iv) River water: River water is formed when springs or other running waters come together. It contains a lot of impurities. It must, therefore, be treated in various ways before it can be considered fit for drinki
(v) Lake water and sea water:
Lakes and sea form reservoirs or types of storage for rivers and other running
waters. They contain all sorts of impurities such as bacteria, organic remains,
mineral salts, and gases.
Water
from these sources need to be well treated before it can be fit for human
consumption.
(B) TREATED WATER
PIPE-BORNE
WATER
Some urban and rural areas have pipe borne water. This water may be obtained from boreholes or rivers but it is normally treated in different ways with chemicals to kill the bacteria in it. Sometimes, mineral salts that are essential for man such as sodium chloride may be added to the water. After treatment and filtration, the water is passed into a large reservoir (tank) from where it is distributed to the town. With pipe-borne water, meters are fixed to the pipeline connected to the house to record the use of water. Individual homes and communities that use pipe-borne water pay for it.
Uses
/ Importance of Water in the Home
i.
Drinking: We must drink water regularly for our
body to function.
ii. Bathing for healthy
living: We need to clean our body at least once
every day by bathing with clean water.
iii. Cooking:
We use water in preparing food e.g. washing of meat, vegetables, fruits,
cooking, boiling, stewing, etc.
iv. Washing up:
After cooking and eating our food, we also need water for washing up our
cooking utensils and plates.
v. Laundering or washing:
We use water in laundering or washing our clothes and other household articles.
vi. Ironing:
For effective ironing of our clothes and household articles, we require water
for dampening. Some irons (steam irons) require water.
vii. Toilet:
The modern water system toilet which is common in many modern homes, especially
in urban areas, cannot work without adequate water supply for flushing.
viii. Fires:
Water is necessary for fighting fires in homes and outside the home.
ix. Cleaning:
Water is also used for cleaning our houses. Without water, it would be
difficult to keep our bodies and homes clean. Thus, families consume large
volumes of water daily.
TYPES OF WATER
Soft Water
Water which
lathers easily/readily with soap.
Advantages of Soft Water
(i)
It is smooth to touch.
(ii) It
forms lather easily/readily with soap thus less soap is used when washing.
(iii) It does not form scum
with soap to discolor articles
(iv) It is suitable for dyeing
and tanning.
(v) It does not leave 'fur'
or scale in kettles, boilers, hot water pipes and radiators.
Disadvantages of Soft Water
i. It is not suitable as drinking water.
ii. It can corrode
water pipes.
Hard Water
Water
which does not lather easily with soap. Hard water therefore refers to water
which will not form lather easily with soap, because it contains a number of
dissolved salts such as Ca2 ions in the water.
Advantages of Hard Water
(i) It has more pleasant
taste than soft water and thus good for drinking
(ii) Hard water may contain
chemicals which are necessary for proper bone and teeth formation and
functioning
(iii) Hard water can reduce the
likelihood of heart disease.
(iv) Hard water can also
prevent lead poisoning because it does not dissolve lead when lead pipes are
used to convey portable water into our homes.
Disadvantages of Hard Water
(i) It is not suitable for
laundering as it wastes a lot of soap. It does not lather easily.
(ii) It forms scum with soap
which can stick to an article and discolor it.
(iii) A lot of energy is
exerted or used when hard water is used for cleaning.
(iv) Hard water leaves 'fur'
or scale in kettles, pipe, boilers, etc. This wastes fuel during cooking
because it takes a longer time for water to heat up.
Causes of Hardness in Water
Hardness in water
is caused by dissolved salts such as;
(i) Sulphates
(ii) Carbonates of calcium
Types of Hard Water
There are two
types namely:
Temporary
hardness: Can easily be removed by boiling.
Permanent
hardness: Cannot be removed by boiling.
WAYS OF PURIFYING WATER
a) Boiling
Water
can be purified by boiling. Water boils at the temperature of 1000C or 2120F.
At this temperature, most of the harmful bacteria are destroyed. The water must
be brought to boil for purification to be effective. A special pot should be
set aside for boiling drinking water in the home.
(b) Filtration
Water
is passed through a porous substance such as the candle of water filter or
clean cloth to remove dirt and other tiny particles. There may however, still be some very
tiny particles or bacteria that can pass through the filter candle. It is
therefore, necessary to boil your drinking water before filtration. Another
method of filtration is charcoal filtration.
Care
of the
water filter
The
water filter should be cleaned at least once a week; otherwise, it can become a
source of infection, if it is allowed to get dirty. A clean sponge should be
reserved for cleaning the water filter. The filter sponge should be rinsed in
clean water, dried thoroughly and stored in a clean plastic bag after use.
Procedure for cleaning the water filter
i. Dismantled the filter
into its various parts, that is, the cover, the upper compartment with the
candles and the lower compartment.
ii. Remove the candles
carefully by holding the filter firmly with your left hand and unscrewing it
with your right hand. The candle is very delicate and breaks easily. It is also
expensive.
iii. Wash the candle in water that is as hot as your hands can bare, using the filter sponge. Rub thoroughly to remove as much discoloration as possible. Rinse well in clean hot water.
iv. Place the candles in very
hot water and leave them there until the water has cooled down. You can add salt to the
hot water to ensure effective sterilization.
v. While the candles are in
the hot water, wash the other compartments of the filter with a sponge and hand
and hot water.
vi. When the water cools
down, reassemble the filter and fill the top compartment with water. The
candles normally wear off with time. They should be replaced when they have
worn off sufficiently.
(c) Use of chemicals
Such
as chlorine to purify water on large scale e.g., pipe borne water is the safest
to drink because it is treated by the use of chemicals and runs through the
pipes before it gets into the house. This chemical kills bacteria in the water.
You can sometimes smell this chemical in your drinking water if it is supplied
from the tap. Over-chlorination i.e
the addition of excess chlorine, should be avoided because it could be harmful
to the human body. Other useful chemicals such as iodine and fluorine, may be
added in the correct amounts by the water-boards, as food supplements to
prevent goitre and tooth decay respectively when and where necessary. The
treated water is pumped into a tank called a reservoir. It is from here that
the water flows into the households or to pipes and the communities. This
method cannot be used at home since one cannot tell the exact amounts of
chemicals to use.
(d) Water Storage
Appropriate
storage prevent contamination e.g., water stored in clean covered containers.
Families need to provide for adequate storage of water. e.g., plastic tanks,
concrete tanks, buckets and clay pots.
Reasons for Purifying Water
(i)
To destroy micro-organisms which cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid
fever and guinea worm.
ii) To make it safe for
drinking. Water from lakes, rivers and ponds may be polluted by human waste,
dead plants and other solids from the soil. Water from such sources should be
given some kind of treatment to make it safe for drinking.
(iii)
To make it clean for use. Rain and well water, water from rivers, lakes and
ponds may be contaminated by droppings from birds, insects and other creatures,
It is important to treat it to make it clean for use.
Note:
Natural water from rivers, streams and lakes may be unsafe for drinking because
they are likely to be polluted.
WATER STORAGE
Families need to
provide for adequate storage of water. Water storage facilities include the
clay pot, plastic containers, bottles
and water tanks.
Point to Consider in Choosing Water Storage Facilities
1. The size of the family
should determine the type and size of facility to choose.
2. The space available for
the facility.
3. Money available.
4. The facility should have
a lid or cover that fits closely.
5. The inside and outside of
the facility should be clean with a smooth surface. If possible, it can be
painted with oil paint.
6. It should be rust free.
7. It should not leak.
8. It should be washable.
The
clay
water pot
The clay pot has
remained a common water storage facility in homes especially in rural areas. It
has the advantage of keeping water cool. Clay pots are available in different
sizes and shapes. They can also be painted.
Care
of the
Clay Pot:
a. Provide a suitable stand
and lid for the pot.
b. Reserve a special clean
piece of sponge for cleaning the pot.
c. Clean the pot at least
twice a week by scrubbing both the inside and outside with the sponge. It is
not necessary to use soap.
d. The pot can be sterilized
by placing it on open fire for about 15 to 30 minutes after scrubbing.
Plastic Water Containers
These
are available in different sizes, shapes and colors. Some are fitted with lids
and taps. Selection should be based on family size and needs. The plastic
containers do not keep water as cool as the clay pot. Plastic containers should
be kept clean by washing them at least twice every week. They should not be
kept close to a fire. Hot water should not be poured into a plastic container.
Bottles
These
are also available in different sizes, shapes and colors. They are, however,
commonly used for keeping water in the refrigerator. They should be cleaned
regularly with a special bottle
brush.
Water tanks
A
water tank can be very large. This is necessary so that it can take up to 500
to 1000 litres or more of water. It is normally made of stainless-steel metal
such as aluminum or other metals that can be coated or painted with aluminum.
Care
of water
tank
l. Provide the
tank with a good lid or cover, tap, and stand.
2. It should not be placed
directly on the ground.
3. Empty the tank at least
twice every year and wash it thoroughly
4. Paints the
inside at least once every year to prevent rusting.
Water Conservation
It is the
conscious use of water to prevent waste.
Water is a scarce
resource; it has no substitute and can be expensive if not judiciously used.
Note: Conserving
water in the home is one way of reducing family expenditures.
Ways of Water Conservation
(i) Repair broken and leaking
pipes to avoid waste and contamination of available water.
(ii) Do not wash dishes under
running tap.
(iii) Collect all dirty
dishes/clothes and wash them together and not one at a time.
(iv) Boil just the water that
is needed.
(v) Avoid over-filling
containers and pouring excess water away.
(vi) Use just enough water for
bathing, washing etc.
(vii) Washing water can be used
for scrubbing the floor.
(viii) Never use too much water
for lawn and garden flowers in the dry season.
LIGHTING IN THE HOME
Lighting in the
home makes it possible to see, provides a pleasant atmosphere, safety, promotes
efficiency in work and prevents eye strain. The quality of light as well as the
amount in a room must be adequate.
Forms
of lighting
in the home
There are two main forms or sources of lightning in the home. These are:
Natural
lighting and Artificial lighting.
(a)
Natural
lighting
This is obtained from sunlight. The amount of natural light entering a room depends on factors such as;
(i) Types of windows and positions of windows
It is advisable to avoid windows which have small panes, not only are they difficult to clean but the windows obstruct light and can darken the room.
(ii) Size and number of windows
Adequate window space is necessary to allow as much light as possible to enter into the house.
(iii) Position of rooms
Windows
should be large enough for a room and in suitable positions and areas so that
the whole room gets light.
(vi) The conditions of windows
Dirty
windows do not allow enough light into the house. The dirt absorbs some of the
light. Glass windows should allow enough light to enter the house.
(v) The surroundings of the house
It is best if the house is not overshadowed by
other buildings or tall trees which keep the light out. Plenty of light in the
house prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust.
Advantages
of natural lighting
(i) It is free and does not cost the home
maker any money.
(ii) It gives objects adequate
warmth.
(iii) It enhances or brightens
the appearance of things.
Disadvantages of natural lighting
(i) Individual has
no control over it.
(ii) Sunlight is
available only during the day.
(b)
Artificial
Lighting
This is man-made
lighting. Common sources include candles, oil lamps, battery lamps, electric
lamps and gas lamps.
Artificial
lighting is needed when natural lighting is inadequate or for use at night. It
helps to prolong the day and enables people to carry out activities when it is
dark. Note: To obtain good lighting, light fixtures should be kept clean.
Advantages of Artificial Lighting
(i) It is controllable and predictable.
(ii) It can be used both for
day and night time activities.
(iii) It is portable. That is,
it can be moved around.
(iv) It can be used to create
different effects for decoration using color bulbs.
Disadvantages of Artificial Lighting
It is very expensive be it oil, gas or
electricity.
Uses of Lighting in the Home
(i) For general illumination.
It makes it possible for people to see.
(ii) For performing specific
tasks. That is, it makes for efficiency in working areas.
(iii) For decoration— as part
of interior design. It provides a pleasant atmosphere.
(iv) It promotes safety and
prevents eyestrain or straining of the eyes.
TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL LAMPS
Oil lamps
These
include tin oil lamps, lantern or hurricane lamps and Aladdin lamps. Kerosene is the main
fuel used in
these lamps.
Tin Lamps
Light
is obtained by burning cloth or a wick soaked in kerosene. It is simple and cheap
but provides only a smoky yellow flame in a small area. It is dangerous to use
because it can
easily cause fire when it is knocked over. It is best used outdoors
because of the smoke.
Pressure Lamp
This
is similar in arrangement to a lantern, and also uses a wick. Kerosene is
forced out to the burner by air pressure and an incandescent mantle gives a
bright white light. The lighting level is high enough for reading, sewing and
for activities that require close attention.
Hurricane Lamp or Lantern
This
has a reservoir and holds a wick which carries the kerosene and a glass globe
which protects the flame. Part of the wick that comes out through the burner is
lighted to give light. The wick can be lowered to reduce the level of lighting
or raised to increase it.
Candles
These are a very
common source of light particularly for emergencies. They give very little
light and only to limited areas unless more than one is used. The light is soft
but it is not adequate for reading.
The open flame also
makes them unsafe to use. Always put candles on a stand which will not burn and
which will prevent them from falling and causing a fire. It can be expensive if
it is the main source of light. However, it is useful to keep a few candles in
the house in case of an emergency such as electricity failure.
Conservation
of Lightening in the Home
(i) Maximum use should be
made of natural light in the day time by providing adequate number of windows
for rooms.
(ii) Turn off gas, oil and
electric lamps when not needed or in use.
(iii) Use energy saving bulbs
and fluorescent lamps.
FUEL
It is any material
or substance that is used for producing heat or power. It is therefore used for
cooking, heating and providing lights. Fuel may be solid, liquid or gas. Fuel can be obtained from
organic (plants and animals) and inorganic sources (minerals like coal and
petroleum).
Though electricity
is not fuel, it is a source of power used for cooking, heating, lighting,
training, refrigeration (cooling), driving engines, etc.
Types and Sources of Fuel
Solid Fuel
(i) Firewood.
(ii) Charcoal.
(i) Firewood:
It is the oldest
kind of fuel used in Ghanaian homes both in the urban and rural areas. Wood is
relatively easy to get and cheaper in villages than in towns and cities. People
do their cooking over ordinary firewood burning on the ground and in a pot
supported either by stones or by metal tripod.
Firewood
Advantages of Firewood
(i) It is suitable for
outdoor cooking.
(ii) It does not require a
special cooker or stove.
(iii) Food can cook faster in
strong firewood than in kerosene cooker.
(iv) It is readily available
in both rural and urban areas.
(v) It is a cheap source of
fuel.
Disadvantages of Firewood
(i)
It burns quickly and gives off a
lot of smoke which blackens walls and cooking utensils.
(ii) The smoke and the ashes
it produces make it unsuitable for indoor cooking.
(iii) The open flames also make
a room very hot.
(iv) Fire made with wood
cannot be easily regulated and sometimes a lot of waste occurs.
(v) It is one source of air
pollution.
(vi) It is difficult to
relight a fire once it has been put off.
Storage of Firewood
(i) Store firewood under a
rain-proof shade. Wet firewood can be a nuisance to cook with. Therefore,
endeavor to keep the firewood as dry as possible.
(ii) Stored firewood can be a
good hiding place for animals such as rats and snakes. Prevent this by ensuring
that you keep the storage place tidy. It may be necessary to remove the
firewood, clean the space, and replace the wood once every week.
Uses
and Control
of Firewood
(i) Clean your
fire-place every morning by removing the ashes of the previous day.
(ii) Stack your firewood
properly within the tripod or stones before lighting.
(iii) After cooking or use,
remove the remaining firewood and put off the fire, using water or any other
suitable method. Put away the firewood properly for future use.
(iv) Do not leave the firewood
to burn off completely after cooking, to avoid waste
Charcoal
Charcoal
can be derived or obtained by burning wood or firewood. It is cleaner to use
than firewood. It also produces ash which may pollute environment.
Advantages of Charcoal
(i) They are clearer and more
convenient to use than firewood.
(ii) They can cook faster than
firewood.
(iii) They require less storage
space than firewood.
Disadvantages of Charcoal
(i) Charcoal gives off fumes
which can be poisonous and injurious to health.
(ii) Charcoal is not as
readily available as firewood.
(iii) It is an uneconomical
type of fuel because a lot of waste occurs.
(iv) Fresh trees are being
destroyed to burn charcoal.
Use, Storage and Control of Charcoal
(i) Keep them as dry as
possible by storing them away from moisture preferably in a polythene or
water-proof bag.
(ii) When using them indoors,
ensure that the kitchen is well-ventilated, as the fumes are unhealthy
(iii) After cooking, carefully
put off the fire, using water.
LIQUID FUEL
Oil
Oil (kerosene or
paraffin) — from petroleum by fractional distillation.
Gas
— natural gas from underground reserves and manufactured gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas— LPG from the processing of p
Kerosene
Kerosene or
paraffin is a common household fuel in Ghana today. It is also a petroleum product.
As household fuel, it is used for lighting lamps, cooking and heating.
Advantages of Kerosene
(i) It is cheaper than
(ii) It is also cleaner and
easier to use than charcoal.
(iii) It is readily available
in the rural areas.
(iv) It can be used anywhere
and it is usually sold in gallon cans and bottles.
Disadvantages of Kerosene
(i) Kerosene stoves do not
cook as fast as gas cookers.
(ii) Cooking with kerosene can
leave the back of the cooking pot and our kitchen black.
(iii) It produces soot, and can
be uncomfortable to cook with.
Gas Fuel
There are two
types of gas fuel,- natural gas and manufactured gas.
(a) Natural Gas
Natural
gas is obtained directly from the earth and is used for fuel once the
impurities in it have been removed. In places where it is obtained, gas is
pumped directly through pipes into houses. A meter is attached to the home so
that the amount of gas used by the household is recorded.
(b) Manufactured Gas
This
is used in most homes in Ghana. It is a by-product of petroleum sold in
liquefied form. It is supplied in cylinders of different sizes: 28,32 and 72
cubic meters. The cylinder can be refilled when the gas is finished. It is a
clean source of heat and easy to use.
Use of Cooking Gas
We
burn cooking gas to obtain energy. Therefore, it is important to burn it
efficiently so that the maximum amount of energy can be obtained from it.
When
the gas is burnt completely, the only products are carbon dioxide and water
vapor. When there is insufficient air, the gas does not burn completely (i.e.,
incomplete combustion). In addition to carbon dioxide and water vapor, unburnt
carbon in the form of soot and also some carbon monoxides are produced.
The
burner of the gas cooker is, therefore, designed to ensure that sufficient air
is mixed with the gas so that all of it is burnt completely. Gas is also used
with lamps to give light.
Cooking
gas in a gas cylinder
Guidelines for the uses of cooking Gas
(i) Ensure that your gas
cylinder and the hose are not leaking.
(ii) Always clean your gas
cooker and the burners to ensure free flow of air, which is necessary for the
complete combustion of the gas.
(iii) When lighting the burner,
avoid the escape of gas by adopting the following procedure: Strike your match
or lighter, open the burner knob and light the burner as quickly as possible.
Avoid lighting a gas oven that is half full of unburnt gas. Follow the above
procedure in lighting the oven as well.
(iv) After
use, switch off gas supply carefully and properly to prevent the escape of gas.
(v) Plan to have your gas
supply in such a way that there is always a spare cylinder in the house. This
is very important so that even when supply is delayed, you will not be
stranded, if your gas gets finished suddenly.
Guidelines for the storage of Gas
(i)
The gas cylinders should be stored outside the kitchen because gas is poisonous
and should not be inhaled.
(ii) If the gas must be stored in the kitchen,
it is important to have adequate ventilation so that any escaping gas can be
carried away.
(iii) It is, however, better to
store gas in open spaces such as open garage.
(iv) Children should not be
allowed to play with or around stored gas cylinders.
Control
of Cooking
Gas
It
is important to control the cooking gas used in the home because it can be a
source of health hazard. It is also expensive. Gas cooks faster than other
fuels so the homemaker should always be watchful to ensure it is not wasted by
putting it off as soon as her food is cooked.
The
flow of gas can also be controlled through the use of the adapter and the
burner knobs of the gas cooker or range.
Advantages of Cooking gas
(i) It is faster to cook
with cooking gas than the other fuels, such as kerosene, coal or firewood.
Thus, cooking time is reduced.
(ii) When the gas burns
completely, it produces clear flame that does not stain the cooking pot.
(iii) It does not produce soot
that can dirty the kitchen or leave the walls black.
(iv) Gas can be controlled or
regulated to desired level.
(v) It can be cheaper than
charcoal or firewood if it is properly used.
Disadvantages of Cooking gas
(i)
It is more expensive than other common cooking fuels.
(ii)
It can be dangerous if carelessly handled. e.g., when it is allowed to leak in
a room as it can catch fire easily.
(iii)
It is sometimes difficult to get gas when used up.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity
is generated from a source of energy e.g., water, solar energy, petroleum. It
is an important form of energy. Its energy provides us with light, heat and
power. Today, there are numerous electrically operated appliances available to
families such as the radio, television, refrigerator, air conditioners, fans,
blenders, sewing machines, electric cookers, etc.
In
Ghana, electricity is supplied to households by the electricity corporation
which buys it from the Volta River Authority. Electric power enters a house
through cables from the street connected to the main supply line. The main
supply line may be either overhead or underground cables. Underground cables
are generally safer.
It
is however necessary that you understand the working of electricity so that you
can use it efficiently and safely.
The
mains supply line enters the house through a meter which records all the
current that is used. A panel box or fuse box distributes the electricity to
the wiring system in the house.
The
wiring system in a house is divided into what are called circuits which carry
specific amounts of electric current. There are separate circuits for lights,
heavy or big appliances such as electric cookers and small appliances.
Electric Circuit
An
electric circuit is the path of flow of electricity or electric current from
the positive to the negative terminal or ends of an electric supply system. The
source of the electricity acts like a pump to drive the electric current round
the circuit.
Current
An
electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electrical charge round a
circuit. It is merely the flow of moving charges or electrons. When an electric
current is flowing through a wire or cable, it can be considered as a flow of
very fast-moving electrons, jumping from one atom of the wire to another. The
electric current can be compared to gas or water flowing down pipes. It can be
tapped at diffent points. The basic unit of electricity or electric current is referred
to as the amperes
or amps.
Fuse
A
fuse is a safety device and consists of a weak wire linking the circuit. It is
intentionally made weak so that it will melt or blow if;
i.
The circuit is overloaded.
ii.
There is a short circuit or
iii. There is a deterioration of the fuse wire itself.
Overloading
This
is the commonest cause of a fuse blowing.
When a house is wired, an estimate
is made of the amount of electricity that will probably be needed. As more and more appliances are
purchase, the number of
socket outlets may not be sufficient. In this case, adapters can
be bought to which several
appliances can be connected. But if the total loading of the appliances
switched on
is greater than the supply to the house, fuses will blow.
Short Circuit
If
the live' an the
'neutral' wires in an appliance
accidentally
touch overheating occurs
which cause; the
fuse to blow. Faulty wiring
of a plug, a worn or worn-out insulation
can all cause this to happen. You can
see the 'live' wires (brown or red) and neutral wire (blue or
black) on the cord of any appliance.
Guidelines
for Safety in the Use of Electricity
in the Home
Electricity
is very useful in the home, but it could be very dangerous if not properly handled. Consumers who
use electrical appliances
according to the specifications of the manufacturers and the power supply authority will find electricity
an extremely useful servant. They will avoid fire hazards in their homes and
unnecessary damage to their
appliances.
In
order to ensure safety in the use of electricity in the home, the following
guidelines are suggested:
1.
Use the correct voltage for any given appliance. Most of the electrical appliances in our homes
are rated 220-240V. Voltages higher or lower than this rating will damage an
appliance.
2.
Use voltage stabilizers to protect electrical appliances from voltage fluctuations. Stabilizers function to
keep the supply of voltage
within the specified range of 220-240V
even when the external supply
fluctuates.
i. Only switch on
electricity when it is needed.
Turn off all lights in the morning
as soon as there is enough natural
light.
ii. When cooking with it,
reduce the heat as
soon as the food starts to boil and turn off the plate when cooking is completed.
iii. Do not overload a
circuit. See
that all appliances used are in good condition. Change wires if they are exposed
or faulty.
v. Plugs should be connected
by a competent
person. Most appliances have
earthing and a fuse in the wiring, check for these. They make appliances safe to use.
vi.
Do not touch an appliance
with wet hands.
vii.
Unplug appliances from the mains when
not in use, i.e., kettles, irons, cookers, etc.
viii. Check how many units each appliance you purchase consumes. This will help you to know how much it costs to run the item.
SSCE/WASSCE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON UTILITIES IN THE HOME
l. a. Write down four reasons why good lighting is
important in the home. (2004/2009)
Solution
Importance of lighting in the home include:
i) It provides a pleasant atmosphere for work
relation. It prevents the straining of eyes.
iii) It prevents accidents, thereby promoting safety.
iv) It makes for efficiency of work.
v) It makes it possible for people to work in the
night.
1. b. State six points to have in mind when using
electricity in the home.
Solution
(i) Use the correct voltage for any given electrical appliance.
ii) Use voltage stabilizers to protect electrical
appliances from voltage fluctuations.
iii) Avoid touching electrical appliances with wet
hands.
iv) Do not overload socket circuit.
v) Keep electric sockets out of reach of children.
vi) Make sure to switch off electrical appliances
after use.
vii) Use plugs that are fused and earthed.
2. (a) Explain four reasons why electricity is
considered a useful utility in the home (2008)
Solution
(i) Electricity is used to operate labor saving
devices and other equipment in the home.
(ii) Electricity provides light and thus a pleasant
atmosphere in the home.
(iii) Electricity makes for efficiency in working
areas in the home especially the kitchen
(iv) It promotes safety and prevents eyestrains.
(v) It is comparatively simple to use
(vi) It can also be supplied when needed and
controlled effectively according to need.
(b) List
(i) Six artificial lighting used in the home.
(ii) Two natural lighting used in the home.
Solution
(i) Artificial
lighting used in the home include:
(i) Candle
(ii) Tin lamps
(iii) Oil lamps or paraffin
(iv) Lantern or hurricane lamp
(v) Flash lights or torch light or battery light
(vi) Gas lights
(vii) Electric light
(viii) Rechargeable lights / lamps
(ii) Natural lighting used in the home include:
(i) Sunlight (day)
(ii) Moonlight and stars (night)
(c) State four advantages of artificial lighting
Solution
(i)It is predictable and controllable.
(ii) It can be moved around.
(iii) It extends the working hours.
(iv) Can be used at both day and night.
(v) Can be used to create different effects for
decoration.
(d) Describe four safety measures that can be applied
when using electricity in the home
Solution
(i) Use the correct voltage for any given electrical
appliance
(ii) Use voltage stabilizers to protect electrical
appliances from voltage fluctuations
(iii) Avoid over loading an electric point by indiscriminate
use of adapters to connect more appliances to the point that it can carry.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
l.(a) State three different uses of fuel in the home
giving an example of each
(b) State FOUR advantages and two
disadvantages of using gas as fuel
(c) What FIVE things must be done to
prolong the use of gas contained in a cylinder?
(d) Explain the functions of the following in the
home:
(i) Main supply line of electricity:
(ii) Electricity meter;
(iii) Circuit (November 2004).
2. (a) State three uses of fuel in the home.
(b) Give FOUR advantages of using kerosene as fuel in
the home
(c) Explain two ways of saving gas when cooking
(d) Explain three safety measures to take when using a
gas cooker in the kitchen (November 2002).
3.(a) What is artificial lighting?
(b) state FOUR advantages and TWO disadvantages of
artificial lighting.
(iv) Avoid the use of faulty appliances and
installation to prevent excess current and shocks.
(v) Ensure that protective devices like fuses are
installed at strategic positions in the building.
(vi) Avoid touching an electrical appliance or even a
switch with a wet hand to prevent shock.
(vii) Wear rubber sandals or slippers when operating
an electrical appliance.
(viii) Switch off electrical appliance after use
(ix) Keep electric sockets and appliances out of
children's reach.
4. State FOUR reasons why good lighting
is important in the home.
5.(a) Distinguish between soft water and hard water.
(b) Explain FOUR ways of conserving
water in the home.
6. Identify and explain any three sources of water to
the community.
7. Mention and explain any FOUR ways of
purifying water.
8. State FOUR uses of water in the home.
9.(a)Explain five reasons for the good lighting in the
home.
(b) State five uses of electricity in the home.
(c) Explain five ways of preventing electricity
wastage in the home (WASSCE June 2016)
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