There are a few key components everyone should know about home electrical systems. One of these is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the difference or what implications each one has for their home. This blog post will discuss the difference between fuses and circuit breakers and explain why you might need one in your home.
What is Fuse?
A fuse is a metal that melts when too much current flows through it. It interrupts the flow of electricity and prevents circuits from overheating. Fuses are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.
What is Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that automatically turns the power off to a circuit when too much current flows through it. It prevents circuits from overheating and protects your home from fire. Circuit breakers can be reset after a trip, but fuses must be replaced.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker is that a fuse cannot be reused after it trips, while a circuit breaker can be reset. Additionally, circuit breakers provide better protection for your home.
How Does Fuse & Circuit Breaker Work?
- Fuse: A fuse is a thin piece of metal that melts and breaks the circuit if too much current flows through it. Fuses are used to protect circuits from overheating and prevent fires.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that automatically turns off power to a circuit when too much current flows through it. It prevents circuits from overheating and protects your home from fire. Circuit breakers can be reset after a trip, but fuses must be replaced.
Difference Between a Fuse and a Circuit Breaker
Although these two are very similar in function, there are some critical differences between fuses and circuit breakers. For example, fuses are made of thin metal that melts when too much current flows through them, while circuit breakers have a switch that trips when too much current flows through them. This difference means fuses must be replaced when they blow, while circuit breakers can be reset. Let’s discuss many other differences between them regarding function and capacity.
Function
- Fuse: A fuse interrupts the electrical current flowing through it in the event of an overload or short circuit.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker does the same thing as a fuse but can be reset after it trips.
Capacity
- Fuse: Fuses are available in various sizes, from tiny fuses for low-voltage applications to oversized fuses for high-voltage circuits.
- Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers are also available in various sizes, but their capacity is generally much higher than a fuse. For example, a typical household circuit breaker has a capacity of 15 amps, while a typical car circuit breaker has a capacity of 30 amps.
Time Delay
- Fuse: A fuse is designed to blow as soon as it detects an overcurrent.
- Circuit Breaker: On the other hand, a circuit breaker has a time-delay feature that allows it to handle short-term overloads without tripping. This time delay can be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Resetting
- Fuse: Once a fuse blows, it must be replaced with a new one.
- Circuit Breaker: If a circuit breaker trips, you can simply reset it by flipping the switch back to the “on” position.
Operation Mode
- Fuse: A fuse must be connected in series with the circuit.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can be connected in either series or parallel with the circuit.
Operating Time
- Fuse: A fuse must have a low melting point so it can blow as soon as possible when there is an overload.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can have a quick-blow or time-delay feature.
Replacement
- Fuse: A fuse must be replaced with a new one.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can simply be reset by flipping the switch back to the “on” position.
Operation Principle
- Fuse: A fuse contains a thin wire that melts when there is an overload, thus breaking the circuit.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker has a tripped switch when there is an overload, thus breaking the circuit.
Breaking Capacity
- Fuse: A fuse has a low breaking capacity.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can have a high or low breaking capacity.
Temperature
- Fuse: A fuse is not affected by temperature.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can be affected by temperature.
Cost
- Fuse: A fuse is less expensive than a circuit breaker.
- Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker can be more expensive than a fuse.
Conclusion
Fuses and circuit breakers are critical pieces of electrical equipment in your home, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing the difference between the two is essential to choosing the right one for your needs. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, or if you have any other questions about electricity or home repairs, please call our professional in Allentown, Pennsylvania. We would be happy to help.