Which is Right for You: Fuses or Circuit Breakers?
As we are ever reliant on electricity to fuel daily applications, one may wonder what happens when there is too much incoming electricity overloading a circuit at once. In such instances, electrical protection devices like fuses and circuit breakers are specially designed and implemented to prevent circuit overloads. If not applied, electrical circuits without precautionary measures are susceptible to overflows in electricity. When unmitigated, an overflow can result in an electrical unit short-circuiting, potentially causing a fire within itself and in its surroundings, resulting in a hazard for nearby individuals. Posing as a safety device for circuits within electronics, homes, commercial buildings, and a variety of other circumstances, we will discuss how fuses and circuit breakers differ and why they are an integral part in maintaining electrical safety.
In the event of a surge in electricity, it is always best to pander towards the side of caution. Though sharing a similar function as circuit breakers, fuses are a single-use device within a circuit hub. Patented in 1890 by Thomas Edison during his trials on distributing electricity, the fuse is made for the intentional separation of two internal contacts. Needing to be replaced after its purpose has been fulfilled, fuses are sensitive and require constant replacement if they are fitted incorrectly or improperly used. Due to this, there are thousands of fuses manufactured with various current limits in mind.
Unlike fuses, circuit breakers are constructed to be reset with the use of switches. Also first used by Edison in 1879, modern variations of breakers come in a variety of sizes to support diverse ranges of power. Within the breaker box which serves as a central location for circuits, if a circuit within the breaker were to experience an oncoming surge in power, it will react to prevent potential electrical and thermal damage. Either through the use of an internal bi-metal strip or electromagnet, once the internal component senses unsafe levels of electricity within the circuit, contacts will be separated or “tripped”. This results in the corresponding circuit breaker switch to flip, effectively cutting off current along that circuit. To restore power to an interrupted circuit, the switch at fault can be reset without any need for repairs or replacement. Functionally similar in purpose, fuses and breakers are not to be interchanged, and the application of either is best determined by a qualified professional.
With any two items that share a relatable function comes their pros and cons. When comparing fuses to circuit breakers, electrical systems will often incorporate fuses for their ease of access, fast reaction times when faced with excess voltage, and variety in speeds at which a fuse can be blown. Not only convenient, these devices are also relatively inexpensive and readily available. Due to their accessibility and common convenience in most hardware stores, however, this commonly makes fuses mishandled by individuals. Procuring a fuse capable of withstanding each individual current relay is necessary to avoid a prematurely blown fuse. On the other hand, while efficient and quick to react, circuit breakers are seen as a more costly and permanent method of circuit protection.
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