Fuses Flashcards
What do fuses do?
Fuses protect electronic circuits by breaking the connection when the current exceeds a safe level.
How do fuses work?
Fuses contain a thin wire that melts when excessive current flows through, interrupting the circuit.
What are the main types of fuses?
Glass tube, ceramic, blade, and resettable (polymer) fuses.
What is a fast-blow fuse?
A fuse that responds quickly to overcurrent, protecting sensitive electronics.
What is a slow-blow (time-delay) fuse?
A fuse that allows brief surges of current without blowing, ideal for circuits with inrush currents.
What is the voltage rating of a fuse?
The maximum voltage the fuse can safely interrupt without arcing.
What is the current rating of a fuse?
The maximum continuous current the fuse can handle without blowing.
What is the breaking capacity of a fuse?
The maximum current the fuse can interrupt safely.
What is a glass tube fuse?
A common fuse type with a visible filament, used in low-voltage applications.
What is a ceramic fuse?
A durable fuse used in high-voltage or high-current applications, resistant to thermal shock.
What is a blade fuse?
Aa fuse with flat, blade-like terminals, commonly used in automotive applications.
What is a resettable fuse?
A polymer-based fuse that automatically resets after cooling down, used in circuits requiring frequent protection.
What is a thermal fuse?
A fuse that responds to excessive heat rather than current, used in appliances like hairdryers.
How do you choose the correct fuse for a circuit?
Match the fuse’s voltage, current, and breaking capacity to the circuit’s requirements.
What happens when a fuse blows?
The circuit is interrupted, preventing further damage to components.
How do you test a fuse for continuity?
Use a multimeter to check if the fuse allows current to pass through.
What is a fuse holder?
A device that secures the fuse in the circuit and allows for easy replacement.
What are the typical sizes of fuses?
Standard sizes include 5x20mm and 6.3x32mm for glass and ceramic fuses.
How do fuses differ from circuit breakers?
Fuses are single-use, while circuit breakers can be reset after tripping.
What is a fusible link?
A type of fuse integrated into a wire, commonly used in automotive applications.
What is an inrush current?
A brief surge of current when a device is powered on, which can cause fast-blow fuses to trip unnecessarily.
What can go wrong with fuses?
Using the wrong fuse rating can result in insufficient protection or frequent blowing.
What is a dual-element fuse?
A fuse with two elements: one for short-term surges and another for sustained overcurrent protection.
How do environmental factors affect fuses?
High temperatures can reduce a fuse’s current rating, while vibration can cause premature failure.
What is the role of a fuse in a power supply?
To protect the power supply and connected devices from overcurrent conditions.
What are some signs of a blown fuse?
Visible filament breakage, discolored glass, or a device that no longer powers on.
How do you safely replace a fuse?
Turn off power, remove the blown fuse, and replace it with one of the same rating and type.
What is a high-rupture capacity (HRC) fuse?
A fuse designed to handle high fault currents without exploding, used in industrial applications.
What is the purpose of color coding on blade fuses?
To indicate the current rating for easy identification.
Why is it dangerous to bypass a fuse?
It removes the circuit’s overcurrent protection, risking component damage, fire or injury.
