Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

An electric fuse is designed to melt and break an electric circuit when an excessive current flows through it. Why is it that the main household wiring, through which the same current passes, does not melt under normal operating conditions, while the fuse wire does?

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
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Answer

The fuse wire is made of a material with a much lower melting point and often higher resistance per unit length compared to the main household wiring. When excessive current flows, the fuse wire heats up rapidly due to the heating effect of current (I²R) and melts, breaking the circuit, thereby protecting appliances and the main wiring.

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