PhysicsCLASS 10CBSE
answered 28 May 2026What is an electric fuse and how does it work?
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
An electric fuse is a short piece of thin wire with a low melting point, connected in series to protect circuits from overcurrent.
How it works:
- Normal conditions → current flows without significant heating.
- Excess current (short circuit/overload) → fuse wire heats rapidly.
- Wire melts → circuit breaks → appliances protected.
- Made of lead-tin alloy (melting point ~180°C).
- Rated in Amperes (5A, 15A, 30A).
- Modern alternative: MCBs (resettable).
An electric fuse melts and breaks the circuit when excess current flows, protecting appliances and preventing fire hazards.