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PhysicsCLASS 10CBSE
answered 28 May 2026

What 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:

  1. Normal conditions → current flows without significant heating.
  2. Excess current (short circuit/overload) → fuse wire heats rapidly.
  3. 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.

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