What is the Difference Between Fuse and Circuit Breaker? . Fuses and circuit breakers are both designed to interrupt the flow of electricity. But they operate through different mechanisms. The fuse works as a piece of metal that melts down when overheated. While a circuit breaker works by operating a switching mechanism when an overflow of electricity is detected.
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One of the fundamental differences between a fuse and a circuit breaker is that a fuse is a metal piece that melts when excess current overloads the circuit. In contrast, a circuit breaker has an internal switch that gets tripped when there is excess current in the circuit from an overload or short circuit.
What are fuses?
The most common type of fuse is a metal wire of filament that comes in a ceramic or glass and metal casing. Within a home, a fuse is likely plugged into the fuse box, through which the building’s power is delivered. With electricity flowing, the fuse allows the power to pass across the filament and between the related circuits. When an overload occurs, the metal filament will melt and the flow of electricity is stopped.
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Because of the time it takes a filament to melt, power surges are prevented through the use of fuses. It’s important to note that there are different voltages for fuses and different ratings, which dictate how well the fuse handles specific levels of electricity. It’s also important to note that the best fuse option for your home circuits is one that is rated slightly higher than the maximum capacity of your home operating current.
What are circuit breakers?
Circuit breakers are uniquely designed to operate through two different methods. The first method of operation involves an electromagnet, and the second involves a bi-metal strip. When the power is turned on, the breaker allows the power to pass from the bottom terminal to the upper terminal. If the current begins to reach unsafe levels, the magnetic force of the solenoid is strong enough to move a metal lever in the switch mechanism, which then breaks the current and stops the flow of electricity. Some circuit breakers are designed with a metal strip that bends, thereby initiating the switch and breaking the current.
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A leading advantage of circuit breakers is that the switch can simply be reset to restart the flow of electricity to the property.
Differences between Circuit Breaker and Fuse
| Fuse | Circuit Breaker |
| Works on the thermal and electrical properties of the conducting materials | Works on the switching principle and electromagnetism |
| It doesn’t give any indication of overloads | It gives an indication of overloads |
| Fuse can only be used once | A circuit breaker can be used many numbers of times |
| Provides protection against power overloads | Provides protection against power overloads and short circuits |
| It detects and interrupts faulty circuit conditions | It performs the interruption process only. Faults are detected by a relay system. |
| Low breaking capacity compared to the circuit breaker | High breaking capacity |
| Automatic operation | Can either be automatic or manually operated |
| Operating time of fuse is 0.002 seconds | Operating time of the circuit breaker is 0.02 – 0.05 seconds |
| Low Cost | High Cost |
Most houses use circuit breakers nowadays due to their many advantages. Fuses are used widely in motor protection circuits due to their simplicity and small size.
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Characteristics of Fuse and Circuit Breaker
Both are rated in Amperes (which can be seen on its nameplate) which is known as Rated Current or Nominal Current. We know that both having the same rated current (say 30A) will not trip when more than 30A (say 32) is flowing through them. But there is a big difference between fuse and circuit breaker i.e. both circuit breaker and fuse with same rated current has different properties.
One of the main differences between circuit breaker and fuse is that a 30A (rated current) for both fuse and circuit breaker, a fuse need 300A and circuit breaker need 128A for tripping in 0.1 sec. It shows very high difference in amperes.
Keep in mind that the full load current of the circuit which has to be protected by fuse should not more than the fuse current rating.
Fuse and circuit breaker rating and selection is depends on multiple factors. Keep in mind that the full load current of the circuit which has to be protected by fuse should not more than the fuse current rating.
As a general, we have to use the following formula to select proper fuse rating.
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Fuse Rating in Amp = (Power / Voltage) x 1.25
For example, we have to find the circuit breaker of fuse rating in ampere for 10A two pin socket where the load is 1kW and supply voltage is 220V AC (120 V in US).
(1000W / 220V) x 1.25 = 4.5 Amperes.
Advantages of Fuse over Circuit Breaker
- Fuse is very loss cost device as compared to circuit breaker.
- Fuse is a static device and doesn’t require maintenance as compared to circuit breaker which has moving parts inside it which needs maintenances and testing to be at good condition for normal operations.
- Main advantage of fuse over circuit breaker is its stable, reliable and high-speed operation without noise e. it can stay at the same position for very long time period if no fault current occurs at all. In short, HRS fuse do not deteriorate with age.
- Another advantage of rewireable fuse is that It can be rewire (by replacing the fuse element) easily in case if it blown due to short circuit or over current which melts the fuse elements
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Advantages of Circuit Breaker over Fuse
Circuit breaker can be used as over current protective device as well as normal switch where fuse can’t be used as a switch.
Circuit breaker can be reset (like simple ON-OFF switch) after an automatic operation while fuse should be replaced for post-of operation.
One of the major advantages of circuit breaker over fuse is that a circuit breaker can be multiple poles. It can protect multiple lines whereas fuse is a single pole and can be used on single line.
Circuit breaker can be easily check and trace the fault where in fuse, the fault indication won’t be easy to identified as the fuse element is inside the fuse.
At all, as compared to fuse, a circuit breaker responds quicker, reliable in operation, and more sensitive. That’s why a fuse should be replaced with circuit breaker.
How to Choose Between a Fuse and Circuit Breaker
Factors to Consider for Home Use
- Cost: Fuses are more affordable for basic needs.
- Reusability: Circuit breakers eliminate frequent replacements.
Industrial and Commercial Considerations
- Circuit breakers are ideal due to their ability to handle high loads and advanced fault detection.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is a fuse?
What is a circuit breaker?
What is the common function of both fuse and circuit breaker?
What is the key difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
What is an electrical circuit?
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