Magnetic Effects of Current

Electric Fuse

An electric fuse is a safety device which is used to avoid the risk of fire due to overloading and short circuiting. It is also known as safety fuse. An electric fuse consists of a thin wire of pure tin or alloy of copper and tin or lead and tin. The fuse wire is a high resistant wire having low melting point. The electric fuse is always connected to live wire.

 
During overloading or shortcircuiting when large amount of current passes through the electric fuse, the fuse wire gets heated and melts. In this way the circuit breaks to ensure the safety of the circuit. These days, fuse wires of various capacities are available in market. But, for proper protection fuse wire of appropriate rating should be used.

Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:

  1. What is safety fuse? What is function of safety fuse?
  2. Of what substance is the safety fuse wire made? Why?
Domestic Electric Circuits
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