Question

How does a fuse protect an electric circuit?

Answer 1

the concept used: Electric fuse

Body of solution:

• An electrical fuse is an electrical safety device against the overloading of any electrical circuit.
• The overheating of electrical wiring in any circuit due to the flow of large current through it is called overloading of the electrical circuit. so a safety device like a fuse is necessary for domestic electric circuits
• . A fuse is a piece of thin wire of a material having a low melting point and high resistance. Usually, fuse wire is made from an alloy of tin and copper.
• A fuse is based on the heating effect of current. A fuse is always connected in the live wire and in series with the electrical circuit to protect it from overloading.

working principle

• The heat produced in a conductor is proportional to the square of the current (I) passing through it.
• When an electric circuit gets overloaded or short-circuited, a very high current flows through it.
• If the current flowing through a circuit containing a fuse is higher than the rated limit of the fuse, the fuse wire gets heated up and melts down. As a result, the supply of electricity is cut off, and further damage to the circuit is prevented.