Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

A fuse wire is designed to protect electrical circuits. Why is it always connected in series with the live wire and made of a material with a low melting point and high resistance compared to the circuit wires?

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
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Answer

A fuse wire is connected in series with the live wire so that if an excessive current flows, it melts and breaks the circuit, thereby disconnecting the appliance from the power supply.

It is made of a material with a low melting point so it melts quickly at a specific current threshold, and high resistance so it heats up sufficiently to melt before the main circuit wires or appliances are damaged.

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