Difference Between Fuse And Circuit Breaker

The main difference between fuse and circuit breaker is that in case of fuse the wire of the fuse melts in case of overflow of current while in case of circuit breaker the trip coil gets energized and thus moves away. Understanding the difference between fuses and circuit breakers is essential for ensuring electrical safety in homes, businesses, and industries. While both serve to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent, they operate differently and offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. A fuse is like a metal strip that melts if there’s too much electricity, while a circuit breaker has a switch inside that turns off if there’s too much electricity or a short circuit.

What is Fuse?

A fuse is a safety device used in electrical circuits to protect against overcurrent. It consists of a thin wire that melts when too much current flows through it, breaking the circuit and preventing damage to the wiring or devices connected to it. Fuses are commonly found in homes, cars, and electronic devices to prevent electrical fires and equipment damage. Fuse work on the heating effect of electric current.

What is Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is a safety device used in electrical circuits to protect against overcurrent and short circuits. It works by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when it detects a fault in the circuit. Unlike fuses, which need to be replaced after they melt, circuit breakers can be reset manually or automatically after they trip. They are commonly installed in electrical panels in homes, buildings, and industrial settings to prevent electrical fires and protect electrical equipment from damage. In case of circuit breaker, when current overflows, the trip coil of the circuit breaker get energized and move away. This opens the circuit and prevent flow of electric current.

Difference Between Fuse And Circuit Breaker

A fuse and a circuit breaker both serve to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent, but they have some key differences:

• Functionality: A fuse contains a thin wire that melts when too much current flows through it, breaking the circuit. Once a fuse blows, it needs to be replaced. On the other hand, a circuit breaker interrupts the flow of electricity when it detects an overcurrent or a short circuit. It can be reset manually or automatically after it trips.
• Resetting: Fuses need to be replaced after they blow, while circuit breakers can be reset without needing a replacement part.
• Cost: Fuses are typically cheaper than circuit breakers, but they need to be replaced every time they blow. Circuit breakers are more expensive initially but can be reused after they trip.
• Response Time: Circuit breakers generally have faster response times than fuses, meaning they can interrupt the circuit more quickly when a fault occurs.
• Maintenance: Circuit breakers require less maintenance since they can be reset, while fuses need to be replaced each time they blow.

Feature	Fuse	Circuit Breaker
Functionality	Melts wire to break circuit	Interrupts flow of electricity when tripped
Resetting	Needs replacement after blowing	Can be reset manually or automatically
Cost	Mostly low cost	Initial cost is higher, later it is reusable
Response Time	Slow	Fast
Sensitivity	Less sensitive to small overloads	Can be adjusted for different current levels
Installation	Simple, straightforward installation	Requires professional installation
Size	Small in size	Large in size
Lifespan	Short life	Long life
Environmental Impact	Contains materials that may not be environmentally friendly	Generally more environmentally friendly
Maintenance	Requires replacement	Requires less maintenance

Conclusion

To conclude we can say that, both fuses and circuit breakers play crucial roles in safeguarding electrical circuits against overcurrents, which ensures the safety of equipment and preventing electrical fires. While they differ in functionality, resetting options, cost, response time, maintenance requirements, and other features, they ultimately serve the common purpose of protecting electrical systems from potential hazards. Understanding their differences and similarities helps in making informed decisions regarding their selection and installation based on specific needs and requirements.

FAQs on Difference Between Fuse And Circuit Breaker

What is the main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

Fuses melt to break the circuit when there is too much current, needing replacement. Circuit breakers trip and can be reset without replacing them.

What is the difference between a fused disconnect and a circuit breaker?

A fused disconnect combines a switch and a fuse, cutting off power and protecting against overcurrent. Circuit breakers perform similar functions but can be reset without replacing any parts.

What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a HRC fuse?

Circuit breakers trip to interrupt the flow of electricity when there’s a fault. HRC (High Rupture Capacity) fuses also break the circuit during overcurrent but are designed to handle higher power surges.

What is the difference between glass fuse and circuit breaker?

Glass fuses contain a wire that melts to break the circuit. Circuit breakers trip to stop the flow of electricity. While both protect against overcurrent, circuit breakers can be reset, while glass fuses need replacement.

What are the similarities between fuse and circuit breaker?

Both protect electrical circuits from overcurrent, preventing fires and damage to equipment. They achieve this by interrupting the flow of electricity when needed, ensuring safety in electrical systems.