A refrigerator is supplied through a three-pin plug
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Magnetic Effects of Electric Current · Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
Problem
A refrigerator is supplied through a three-pin plug. Unknown to the user, the earth conductor inside the plug has snapped, while live and neutral remain connected. Later, the insulation of the live conductor inside the refrigerator wears out and touches the metal casing. The barefoot owner then touches the casing while standing on a wet floor. Which outcome is most probable, and why?
(a) No shock occurs because a circuit cannot be completed without the earth wire.
(b) The fuse in the plug blows immediately even though the earth wire is open, preventing any shock.
(c) The owner receives a severe shock because his body now provides the only path for fault current to reach earth.
(d) No harm occurs because the metal casing and the owner’s body quickly reach the same potential, so no current flows through him.