What is the Difference Between Fuse and Circuit Breaker?

Fuses and circuit breakers are both designed to interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit, but they operate through different mechanisms and offer different advantages. Here are the main differences between fuses and circuit breakers:

1. Reusability: Fuses cannot be reused once they are blown, whereas circuit breakers can be reused over and over again.
2. Protection: Fuses protect devices and homes against overloading only, while circuit breakers protect against overloading and short-circuiting.
3. Response Time: Fuses have a response time of 0.002 seconds, while circuit breakers have a response time of 0.02 to 0.05 seconds.
4. Switching Action: Circuit breakers can be used on ON/OFF switches, while fuses cannot.
5. Operating Mechanism: Fuses work as a piece of metal that melts down when overheated, while circuit breakers operate using a switching mechanism when an overflow of electricity is detected.
6. Breaking Capacity: Fuses have a low breaking capacity compared to circuit breakers.
7. Cost: Fuses are generally less expensive than circuit breakers.
8. Application: Fuses are often used in electronic equipment that requires very low current, while circuit breakers are used in heavy machines or electronic equipment that requires higher current.

In conclusion, fuses are more suitable for protecting against overloads and are less expensive, but they cannot be reused and are not suitable for short-circuit protection. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, can be reused, protect against both overloads and short circuits, and are suitable for a wider range of applications, including higher current devices and machines.

Comparative Table: Fuse vs Circuit Breaker

Here is a table comparing the differences between fuses and circuit breakers:

Fuses and circuit breakers are both used to protect electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. However, they differ in their protection capabilities, response times, reusability, and application. Fuses are automatic and respond faster to overloads, while circuit breakers can be used manually and provide protection against both overloads and short circuits. Circuit breakers can also be reused, whereas fuses must be replaced after a single use. Additionally, fuses do not provide any indication when they trip, whereas circuit breakers do.