An electric fuse prevents damage to the appliances and circuits due t...
An electric fuse prevents damage to the appliances and circuits due to short-circuiting, which can occur when the live wire and the neutral wire come into direct contact, causing an abrupt increase in current flow.
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An electric fuse prevents damage to the appliances and circuits due t...
Understanding Electric Fuses
Electric fuses are essential safety devices used in electrical circuits to prevent damage to appliances and wiring. They are specifically designed to respond to abnormal conditions that can lead to harmful consequences.
What Causes Damage?
- Overvoltage: While overvoltage can damage appliances, fuses primarily protect against excessive current.
- Short-Circuiting: This is the primary reason fuses blow. A short circuit occurs when there is a low-resistance connection between two conductors in a circuit, leading to a sudden surge of current.
- Power Surges: Although power surges can cause damage, they are typically handled by surge protectors rather than fuses.
- Underloading: This refers to running a circuit below its intended capacity and does not pose a risk that fuses are designed to mitigate.
How Fuses Work
- Current Limiting: When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds the fuse's rated capacity due to a short circuit, the fuse element melts and breaks the circuit.
- Protection Mechanism: By interrupting the electrical flow, fuses prevent overheating and potential fires that could arise from excessive current.
Conclusion
In summary, fuses primarily protect against short-circuiting, making option 'B' the correct answer. By disconnecting the circuit when a fault occurs, fuses safeguard both appliances and wiring from severe damage. Understanding this function is crucial for effective electrical safety management.