A large fluctuation in current could cause electrical devices to overheat and without a fuse (or circuit breaker), might even cause an electrical fire. The flow of electrical current may not always be uniform. Most newer homes now use circuit breakers, but fuse boxes with different types of fuses can still be found in many older homes throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland. You also can’t use a fuse in any location that requires a GFCI outlet. Unfortunately, a blown fuse is often mistakenly replaced with a fuse that has a higher current rating, which can often lead to an overheated circuit. As well, fuse boxes may have exposed electrical connections that can be potentially hazardous. While relatively inexpensive, once blown, fuses do need to be replaced with new fuses. A low voltage fuse can also be re-wireable (porcelain type) or semi-enclosed. An example of a low voltage fuse (1,500 volts or less) is the easy-to-replace cartridge fuse, where the fuse element and contacts are encased within the cartridge or body of the fuse. What Are Some of the Different Types of Fuses?Īn electrical fuse can either be a high voltage fuse or a low voltage fuse. Slow blowing fuses are types of fuses designed to carry a small overload for a short period before actually blowing, even with the same maximum current level as for a fast blowing fuse. A loose wire, for instance, might cause a huge surge in electrical current and result in a short circuit. What Is A Short Circuit?Ī short circuit usually occurs when an excessive amount of electrical current flows into the circuit from an accidental pathway that has very little or no electrical impedance. See our post on Circuit Breaker vs Fuse Box. How Do Fuses Work?įuses are designed to blow whenever the electrical current becomes too great or if there is a short-circuit, thereby breaking the circuit and eliminating the electrical power. The ratings vary on different types of fuses and tell you how much current is needed (in amps) to break or blow the fuse. An amp is the unit of measurement for the incoming power, the electrical current. The fuse rating is measured in “amps” and is usually found written on the side of the fuse. If the current becomes too great, this thin conductor is designed to melt, separating into two pieces and thereby breaking the circuit. Inside a fuse is a relatively small and slender conductor. Although there are different types of fuses, all were designed as safety over-current devices to provide protection by breaking an electrical circuit if the current became excessive. Fuses & Breakers What Is A Fuse?įuses are devices that allow the flow of standard electrical current and in some cases, a marginal percentage more. In this post, our Abbotsford electricians answer the most frequently asked questions about the types of fuses available, plus how they work and how they should be used properly.
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