Electric Fuse


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Electric Fuse

Many electrical appliances are designed to work at a particular rated current.  Passage of current greater than the rated current will damage the appliance. To prevent electric appliances from getting damaged from an excessive flow of current, a safety device called a fuse is used. A fuse is a safety device which is used to control the current in an electric circuit.

Characteristics of a Fuse: It has a short length wire with a low melting point. The fuse wire is made an alloy containing equal amounts of lead and tin. It melts at about 200^{circ}C. Electric fuse consists of a solid porcelain grip with two copper clamps. A fuse wire is fixed between the two copper clamps.

Principle of an Fuse: The electric fuse works on the principle of heating effect of current. The amount of heating caused depends on the amount of current. An electric fuse consists of a thin wire usually placed inside a glass or ceramic cartridge. The wire is made of a material that melts easily when heated.

Working of  a Fuse: A wire becomes heated when electric current passes through it. Wires made up of some special material that melts quickly and break when large electric currents are passed through them.  The commonly used fuse wire is made of an alloy of tin and lead.

Fuses of different kinds are used for different purposes. Different fuse wires can have different thickness. Thicker wires can withstand more electric current. There is a maximum limit on the current which can pass through an appliance or circuit. If by accident the current exceeds the limits, this excess current  will pass through the fuse wire and melt it.

                                 

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

With which wire is the fuse wire connected?

Right Option : A
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Question : 2

When a fuse is rated 8A, it means __________________

Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Select the one that is a necessary requirement for a wire to be used as fuse wire :

Right Option : A
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