How do fuses prevent electrical overloads?

Fuses prevent electrical overloads by melting and breaking the circuit when the current exceeds a safe level.

A fuse is a safety device that is connected in an electrical circuit to protect the circuit from overloading. It is designed to limit the amount of current flowing through it. The fuse contains a thin wire or strip made of a metal with a low melting point, such as tin or copper. This wire is designed to melt and break when the current flowing through it exceeds a certain level, known as the fuse's rating.

When the current in a circuit becomes too high, it can cause overheating and potentially start a fire. This could happen, for example, if too many electrical appliances are connected to the same circuit, or if there is a fault in an appliance that causes it to draw more current than it should. The fuse is there to prevent this from happening. If the current in the circuit exceeds the fuse's rating, the heat generated by the current will cause the fuse wire to melt and break. This interrupts the flow of current, effectively switching off the circuit and preventing any further increase in current.

The rating of a fuse is chosen based on the maximum safe current for the circuit it is protecting. For example, a circuit designed to carry a maximum of 13 amps would typically be protected by a 13-amp fuse. If a current greater than 13 amps tries to flow through the circuit, the fuse will blow and cut off the current.

In summary, fuses play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of electrical circuits. By melting and breaking the circuit when the current exceeds a safe level, they prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.