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Difference between Fuse and Circuit Breaker
An electric circuit is the interconnection of circuit elements which carries the electric power from the source to the load. Sometimes, the electric power (or voltage or current) in the circuit may increase suddenly, which cause damages of the load or other devices in the circuit. Therefore, in order to protect the electric circuit and appliances from getting damaged due to abnormalities in the circuit, two protecting devices viz. fuse and circuit breaker are used in the circuit.
In this article, we will discuss about the differences between fuse and circuit breaker. Also, we will add a brief description of both fuse and circuit breaker for the reader's reference.
What is a Fuse?
In electric circuits, the device that is used to provide protection against the over-current is called the fuse. A fuse consists of a fuse body made up of porcelain, glass, plastic, etc. and a thin piece of fuse wire which is made up of tin and lead.
If there is any fault in an electric circuit in which the fuse is connected and the flow of over-current takes place through the circuit, then the fuse wire melts and breaks the circuit. Hence, protecting the electrical appliances connected in the circuit from any damage.
When the fuse wire gets damaged (melted), depending upon the type of fuse, it is rewired or replaced. The fuse in the electric circuit provide only the over-current protection. Some common reasons of over-current in a circuit are short-circuit, equipment failure, overload, etc.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device that is specially designed to protect the electric circuit from damages due to faults. A circuit breaker can be operated manually as well as automatically. The main advantage of the circuit breaker over the fuse is that it is not necessary to replace the circuit breaker with the new one, instead it can be reset for performing its operation.
Unlike a fuse, a circuit breaker can provide many levels of protection in addition to the over-current protection such as over-voltage protection, overload protection, and short-circuit protection, etc. Also, a circuit breaker can be used for switching purposes along with the protection of the circuit.
Difference between Fuse and Circuit Breaker
The following table highlights the key differences between a fuse and a circuit breaker −
| Parameter | Fuse | Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A fuse is an electrical safety device that is used to provide over-current protection in an electric circuit. | A circuit breaker is an electric safety device that is designed for switching and protection of an electric circuit from the damages caused by an overcurrent or short-circuit. |
| Circuit symbol |  |  |
| Working principle | The working principle of fuse is based on the electrical and thermal properties of conducting materials, i.e. it uses the conducting materials whose electrical and thermal properties damage it when the current exceeds the defined limit. | A circuit breaker works on the principle of switching and electromechanical, i.e. it switches off the connection electromechanically. |
| Operation | Fuse performs its operation by melting the fuse wire, when an excessive current flows in the circuit due to overload. | A circuit breaker consists of an internal switch that gets tripped when there is excessive current in the circuit. |
| Used for switching | A fuse cannot be used as a switch in an electric circuit. | Circuit breaker can also be used as a switch. |
| Protection provided | A fuse can only provide the protection to the circuit against the overcurrent (overload). | Circuit breaker can provide protection to the circuit against overload and short-circuit. |
| Automation of operation | The operation of a fuse in case of fault is completely automatic. | The operation of a circuit breaker can be automatic as well as manual. |
| Operating time | For a fuse, the operating time is very less, of the order of 0.002 seconds | The operating time of a circuit breaker is relatively more than that of a fuse. It is ranges from 0.02 to 0.05 seconds. |
| Reusability | A fuse can only be used at once. It needs to be replaced after operation. | A circuit breaker can be used again and again. It just need to be reset. |
| Effect of ambient temperature | The operation of fuse is independent of the ambient temperature. | The ambient temperature affects the operation of a circuit breaker. |
| Function | A fuse performs both detection interruption functions, i.e. it detects the fault itself and interrupts the current flow in the circuit if there is any fault. | The circuit breaker performs only the interruption of current flow in the circuit. The detection of fault in the circuit is done by the relay system. |
| Indication | A fuse does not give any indication of fault. | Circuit breaker gives the indication of fault. |
| Characteristics curve | The characteristics curve of a fuse shifts due to ageing effect. | The characteristics curve of a circuit breaker does not shift. |
| Breaking capacity | A fuse has relatively low breaking capacity. | The breaking capacity of a circuit breaker is higher than fuse. |
| Version | Fuses are available in single-pole version only. | Circuit breakers are available in single-pole as well as multiple pole versions. |
| Design | Fuse is simple in design. | Circuit breaker has complex design. |
| Cost | Fuse is less costly. | The cost of a circuit breaker is high and depends upon the size and capacity. |
| Applications | Fuses are used to protect the low current circuits and devices against the overload. | Circuit breakers are mainly used to protect the high power devices such as motors and other machines that draw a large current. |
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed all the noticeable differences between a circuit breaker and a fuse. Both are electrical safety devices used to protect the circuits and devices against overload and short-circuit faults. The most significant difference between these two devices is that a fuse provides protection against overload by melting its element, whereas a circuit breaker provides protection against overload and short-circuit by tripping its internal switch.
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