Main Difference between Fuse and Circuit Breaker
Fuse-
A fuse is a device, which is used to protect circuits from over current, overload and make sure the protection of the circuit. It is made of porcelain, glass or porcelain. The fuse link or fuse element is a thing metal strip made up of Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Zinc, or alloys. When overload occurs, the fuse element starts to melt immediately and break the connected circuit from the incoming supply. Thus, it protects the whole circuit.
A fuse (especially fuse element or fuse link) is made up of a piece of metal (Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Zinc, or alloys) that melts when overheated at specific load.
Provides detection as well as interruption tasks. This is an automatic process.
Fully Automatic Process.
0.002 seconds
Fuse works on the heating principle (I2R) i.e. thermal property of current carrying conductor.
Fuse provides protection against overload. It may also protect over current and short circuits.
Low
Fuse is independent of an ambient temperature during operation.
Fuse characteristic curve shifts because of the ageing effect.
- Replacement & post-operation-
Fuse can be used only once per operation as it is self destructive. Replacement is must after completed operation.
No need of Auxiliary contacts in a Fuse.
No status indication of operation during the process.
Fuse can’t be used as an ON-OFF Switch.
Only Singe Pole version is available.
Fuse cost is low as compared to Circuit Breaker
Fuses are widely used for low current operation such as electronic equipments and appliances. Also used in home wiring as well.
FUSE :-
- It detects and interrupts the fault current.
- When current exceeds fuse wire burns out to open the circuit.
- Fuse is destroyed in the process of opening the circuit.
- After fault rectification, a new fuse must be placed in the circuit.
- Current carrying terminals of fuse can not be isolated from uses. So they are less reliable and chances to electric shock to human being are more.
- Longer tripping time.
- No indication of faculty circuit.
- Arc interruption is simple.
- Simple to design hence cheap.
- Can not be used as a circuit control switch.
Circuit breaker-
A Circuit breaker is a device which control (make or break) a circuit automatically, manually or by remote control under normal and fault conditions like over current, Short circuit, etc. In circuit breaker, electromechanical switch and relay mechanism trip the circuit when an unsafe value of current (overload or short circuit) attempts to flow in the circuit connected through circuit breaker. This way, it protect the connected circuit by discounting it from power supply during faults such as overload or short circuit currents.
A circuit breaker has an internal electromechanical switch and rely mechanism that is tripped by an unsafe value of specified current in case of overload or short circuit.
Provides interruption only. Faults detection is performed by relay inside CB.
Automatic and Manual.
0.01-0.05 seconds
Circuit breaker works on thermal or thermal magnetic (electromagnetism and process is electromechanical)
Circuit breaker provides protection against overload, over current and short-circuits.
High
Circuit breaker operation is Depends on ambient temperature.
Circuit breaker characteristic curve doesn’t shift.
- Replacement & post-operation-
Circuit breaker doesn’t need to replace after each operation i.e. it can be used multiple times. So it is reliable as compared to fuse.
Circuit breakers are available with Auxiliary contacts.
It shows the indication status during operation.
Circuit breaker can be used as an ON-OFF Switch.
Single and Multiple Pole versions are available.
Circuit Breaker Cost is high which depends upon applications.
Circuit breakers are used in high current devices and appliances such as transformers, motors and other heavy machines as well as home wiring protection.
CIRCUIT BREAKER :-
- It only interrupts the fault current. The detection is done by relay system.
- It breaks and isolates the circuit by flipping.
- Circuit breaker is non destructive.
- The circuit breaker need not be replaced after it has opened and it is reusable. It has to be reset instead of replacing.
- In CB, contact termunal are hidden hence more liable.
- Shorter tripping time.
- Immediate indication of faulty circuit.
- Arc interruption is complicated.
- Complicated to design hence expensive.
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| What is the Difference between Fuse and Circuit Breaker |
