Exams

An electric fuse is a device which is used to limit the current in an electric circuit. The fuse safeguards the circuit and the electrical appliances from being damaged.

The fuse wire is generally an alloy of lead and tin. It has a low melting point and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a safe value. The thickness and length of the fuse wire depends on the maximum current allowed through the circuit.

It is connected in series in the beginning of the electric circuits.

If too many electrical appliances of high power rating (like electric iron, water heater etc) are switched on at the same time, they draw an extremely large current from the circuit. This condition is called overloading and it can cause overheating of the wiring and lead to a fire. (heating effect and magnitude of the current)