Difference between revisions of "Fuse"
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| − | A '''fuse''' is a device used to limit the [[current]] in a [[circuit]]. | + | 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. |
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| + | 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. | ||
[[Category: Electrical Basics]] | [[Category: Electrical Basics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:43, 3 August 2023
A fuse is a device used to limit the current in a circuit. It consists of a thin conductor which has a slight 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 breakers (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 PCB) for a circuit breaker.
