Learn how an electrical fuse works as a safety device to protect electrical equipment from excessive current and prevent short circuits. Find out the different types of fuses based on the input supply and their functions and markings. A fuse is an electrical device that melts when too much current flows through it, to protect a circuit from overload or short circuit. Learn about the history, construction, characteristics, and applications of different types of fuses, such as time-delay, fast-blow, and semiconductor fuses. Fig. 1 Fuse Definition of fuse It is a device used for protecting appliances, cables, and electrical equipments against short circuits and/or overloads. Whenever the current flowing in the circuit exceeds a certain predetermined value, fuse breaks the circuit by melting or fusing fuse element ( a piece of thin metal wire). Fuse Element It is the part of the fuse which melts whenever current flowing in the circuit exceeds a certain predetermined value. The material used for fuses are lead-tin ... The fuse is made up of thin strip or strand of metal, whenever the heavy amount of current or an excessive current flow is there in an electrical circuit, the fuse melts and it opens the circuit and disconnects it from the power supply.
