Electrical safety: past paper questions
Real questions on electrical safety
The newest 20 of 41 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q8c[1]
The current in the heater is large. Give one reason why large currents can be dangerous.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q8d[2]
The live wire connects to a fuse which protects the circuit. Explain how a fuse protects the circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · May/June 2026 · Q8e[1]
The current in the heater is normally 11.5 A. State a suitable value for the fuse. Choose one of these values: 5 A, 10 A, 13 A or 30 A.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q8c[1]
The current in the heater is large. Give one reason why large currents can be dangerous.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q8d[2]
The live wire connects to a fuse which protects the circuit. Explain how a fuse protects the circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q8e[1]
The current in the heater is normally 11.5 A. State a suitable value for the fuse. Choose one of these values: 5 A, 10 A, 13 A or 30 A.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2026 · Q8a(ii)[2]
The lawnmower circuit contains a trip switch. Explain the purpose of the trip switch.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2026 · Q8a(iii)[1]
State one advantage of using a trip switch instead of a fuse in the lawnmower circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0625/63 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[1]
Suggest one safety precaution the student takes when doing the experiment.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q9a(i)[1]
State the hazard due to any damaged insulation on the cable connected to the mains electricity supply.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q9a(ii)[2]
State and explain in which wire in the mains electricity supply the switch is connected. switch is connected in the .
See it on the paper → - 0625/62 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(i)[1]
State one advantage of using a digital meter.
See it on the paper → - 0625/62 · February/March 2026 · Q3c[1]
Suggest two reasons why the switch is opened after readings are taken. Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0625/31 · May/June 2025 · Q9d[3]
The mains plug for the router includes a fuse that protects the router. Explain how a fuse works.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q8a[1]
Suggest why a pull cord is safer than a push switch for a fan heater in a bathroom.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q8b[2]
Fig. 8.2 shows the electric circuit for the fan heater. switch mains supply X heater M Y Fig. 8.2 State the name for component X and for component Y. X
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[3]
The plug connecting the heater to the mains supply is fitted with a fuse. Fuse ratings of 3 A, 5 A, 10 A and 13 A are available. fuse explanation State which fuse is used. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2025 · Q3c[1]
The metal outer casing of the heater is earthed. State why this is an important safety feature.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q30[1]
Where should the fuse be placed and which rating should the fuse have?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q11a(i)[1]
State the name of the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates were able to correctly analyse the circuit diagram and the information to deduce that the hazard from the damaged insulation was electrocution or possible a fire. Limited responses • Some candidates thought that the damaged insulation would stop the laptop from charging. This was identified as a possible fault rather than a hazard. • Some candidates thoug...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q9(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Few candidates were able to identify the live wire as the location of the switch and even fewer could explain that this positioning is to ensure that the laptop is isolated from the mains supply when the switch is in the off position. Limited responses • Some candidates simply repeated the information in the question by stating that the switch is in the mains supply or...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q9(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates stated ‘more accurate’ or ‘easier to read’. Avoidance of parallax error was also mentioned. Limited responses • A number of candidates missed out the word ‘more’ when referring to accuracy. Both digital and analogue metres can be considered accurate. • Reference was made to human error by some candidates.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/62 Q3(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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