What is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker in an electrical system?

Fuse vs. Circuit Breaker in an Electrical System

In an electrical system, the main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker lies in their operating mechanisms and modes of protection.

Focus Keyword: Fuse vs. Circuit Breaker

Fuse:

A fuse is a thin wire that melts when excess current flows through it, thereby breaking the circuit to prevent further damage. Once a fuse blows, it needs to be replaced with a new one. Fuses are a one-time protection device and must be manually replaced after an overload.

Circuit Breaker:

A circuit breaker, on the other hand, is a reusable mechanical switch that trips and breaks the circuit when it detects an overload or short circuit. Unlike fuses, circuit breakers can be reset after tripping, providing continued protection without the need for replacement.

While both fuses and circuit breakers serve the purpose of protecting electrical circuits from overcurrent situations, the key difference lies in their operation and maintenance requirements. Fuse vs. circuit breaker comparison can help in choosing the most suitable protection method for different electrical systems.