View source for Fuse

A '''fuse''' is a device used to limit the [[current]] in a [[circuit]]. It consists of a thin [[conductor]] which has a slight [[resistor|resistance]]; when the current flow becomes too large, the energy dissipated in the resistor will raise the temperature of the conductor so that it fails.

Although they are very simple, and generally reliable, they have the disadvantage that, once actuated, they have to be replaced; they cannot be repaired. Although they were once common, they have generally been replaced with [[circuit breaker]]s (which perform exactly the same function); although they are still to be met with in special circumstances - e.g. if there is not enough room (e.g. on a [[printed circuit board|PCB]]) for a circuit breaker.

The principle of the fuse is used in '''fusible links''', which are elements in programmable [[integrated circuit]]s. The technology was first developed for use in [[PROM]]s; in later appeared in other configurable devices, such as [[Programmable Array Logic]].

[[Category: Electrical Basics]]