Have you ever wondered how electricity can bring light into your home without using anything other than a switch? This article will explain exactly how electricity works from the PLN to the lights, TV, air conditioner, or garage in our homes. Yes, it takes about five minutes to understand the home electrical system!
1. Electricity from PLN Enters Homes
It all starts with PLN (State Electricity Company) which distributes electricity from power plants to people's homes. This electricity is initially high voltage, then lowered at the distribution substation to 220 volts, which is the standard household voltage in Indonesia.
Electricity enters the home through two main cables: phase and neutral.
2. Passing through the KWh Meter and MCB (Safety Device)
Before it can be used, electricity will pass through two important devices:
-KWh Meter: A device to record your electricity usage (electricity bills are calculated from here).
-MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): As an electrical safety device, which will automatically cut off the flow if there is a short circuit or electricity usage exceeds the capacity (for example, your capacity is 900 VA, then you turn on all electrical devices at once).
Tip: If the electricity suddenly goes out, check your MCB — maybe the electrical load at home is too high.
3. Distribution to All Rooms in the House
After that, the electricity is distributed to the electrical panel (mini panel) in the house, then distributed to various points such as the bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
The cables used in the installation usually consist of:
- Phase (Red/Brown/Black) – current carrier
- Neutral (Blue) – current return path
- Ground (Green-Yellow) – protection for leakage current
4. From Switch to Light and Socket
The cables are connected to:
Switch – controls the light on/off
Socket – where we plug in electrical devices such as chargers, TVs, fans, etc.
For example: When you press the ON switch, the current from the phase cable flows to the lamp and returns to the source via the neutral cable. Then the lamp lights up.
5. Electrical Safety System at Home
To be safe, modern homes must have:
- MCB to cut off the flow in case of excess current
- Grounding to channel leakage current to the ground
- ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) in addition, protects against electric shocks due to current leakage
Don't underestimate grounding. Grounding prevents electric shocks from equipment such as washing machines or refrigerators whose casings can shock if there is a current leak.
Conclusion
House electricity actually works in a fairly simple system but is very important for safety and comfort:
- Electricity from PLN enters the house via phase & neutral cables
- Enters the KWh meter and MCB as protection
- Distributed to various rooms via cables
- Used in lights, switches, and sockets
- Protected by a grounding system and automatic circuit breaker
6. How to Save Electricity at Home
If you already know the flow of electricity, now is the time to save:
Tips for Saving Electricity:
- Use LED lights - more energy efficient and long lasting
- Unplug the charger when not in use
- Turn off electrical devices when not in use
- Use electrical devices according to the power capacity of the house
- Do not pile up plugs in one socket
7. Common Dangers in Home Electrical Installations
Here are some common dangers that often occur due to unsafe installations:
🔥 Short circuit: can cause fire
⚡ Electric shock: due to installation without grounding or peeled cables
🔌 Overload: electricity usage exceeds MCB capacity
🛠️ Solution: Use installations according to SNI standards, use MCBs that match the home's power, and check the installation regularly at least once a year
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