Question

What is a fuse? Why is it called a safety device?

Answer 1

Definition
A piece of wire of a material with a very low melting point, that is, it melts and breaks as soon as its temperature gets higher than its melting point is called a fuse.

Why is it called a safety device?
Fuse wire is used as a safety wire which is connected in series with the live wire. The fuse wire melts and breaks the electric circuit when there is a supply of large current or malfunctioning in the electric connections.

1. Acts as a barrier between the electric circuit and the human body.
2. Prevents device failure due to faulty circuit operation.
3. The fuse prevents short-circuits.
4. Prevents overload and blackouts.
5. Prevents damage that is caused due to mismatched loads.

Therefore, a fuse refers to a safety device designed to protect electrical equipment from melting or catching on fire.