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Lightning is hotter than the sun
Next time you see a flash of lightning, remember this: that single bolt is one of nature’s most powerful displays of electricity — and it’s seriously hot.
How hot? Around 30,000 Kelvin, which is about five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
That intense heat can instantly vaporise the air around it, creating the thunderous boom we call thunder. It’s an incredible reminder of how raw and untamed electrical energy can be — and why we humans are wise to keep our electricity safely contained in wires, sockets, and switches.
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Electricity travels at the speed of light (almost)
You know that satisfying moment when you flip the switch and your lights come on instantly? That’s because electricity travels incredibly fast — close to the speed of light, which is roughly 300,000 kilometres per second.
In the blink of an eye, electricity races through the wiring in your home to deliver power exactly where you need it. It’s easy to take for granted, but the science behind it is mind-blowing — a complex and carefully controlled system that keeps everything running smoothly.
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Copper isn’t the only conductor
Copper is the standard for electrical wiring in homes, but did you know it’s not actually the best conductor of electricity? That honour goes to silver.
Silver conducts electricity slightly better than copper, but because it’s far more expensive, it’s not practical for everyday wiring. Imagine rewiring your home with silver cables — beautiful, but definitely not budget-friendly. So, copper remains the go-to choice: reliable, efficient, and affordable.
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Electricity can be silent… or noisy
While most electrical systems hum along quietly in the background, sometimes you’ll hear a buzzing, crackling, or popping sound from sockets, switches, or light fittings.
That’s not something to ignore — it could be a sign of faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit. Electrical sounds are often an early warning that something isn’t quite right. If you ever hear them, switch off the power and call a qualified electrician to check things out before a small issue becomes a big (and potentially dangerous) one.
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Your body conducts electricity too
The human body is a surprisingly good conductor of electricity because it’s made up largely of water and minerals. That’s why electric shocks can be so dangerous — the current can travel through the body easily.
Even low voltages can cause serious harm if the current passes through vital organs. This is exactly why electrical safety matters so much and why DIY electrical work should always be left to professionals. A qualified electrician doesn’t just get the job done right — they make sure it’s done safely.
Electricity is fascinating, powerful, and essential to modern life — but it demands respect. At King Electrical, we love sharing interesting insights like these, but even more, we’re here to make sure your home and business stay safe, efficient, and powered up properly.
Whether you need new lighting, wiring upgrades, or just expert advice, our team is ready to help — because when it comes to electricity, knowing the facts is great, but staying safe is even better.