Grade 4 · Unit 5: Electricity and magnetism

Mains electricity

From the power station to your plug – and how to stay safe.

A power station makes electricity for many homes.

Where it comes from

Mains electricity is made in power stations. In most power stations, burning gas or coal heats water into steam. The steam spins a generator, which makes electricity.

Most of Bangladesh’s electricity comes from power stations that burn natural gas. Some comes from solar panels and the hydroelectric dam at Kaptai.

Along the wires

Electricity travels along thick cables held up by tall pylons. It reaches towns and villages, then goes into homes through wires in the walls. In Bangladesh, mains electricity is about 220 volts.

Bangladesh also makes electricity from the Sun, from water at the Kaptai dam, and from wind. These sources do not run out.

Dangerous!

Mains electricity is very strong. It can give a deadly electric shock. Never poke anything into a socket or touch switches with wet hands. Never touch fallen power lines – keep away and tell an adult.

Circuit breakers and fuses in homes switch the electricity off automatically if something goes wrong, to help prevent fires and shocks.

Saving electricity

Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room. Use LED bulbs, which use less electricity. Saving electricity saves money and helps the environment.

Switching off fans and lights when you leave a room, and using LED bulbs, can noticeably cut a family’s electricity bill.

What I learnt