What do fuses do in an electrical system?

Fuses serve a crucial role in protecting electrical circuits from overloads. When the electric current flowing through a circuit exceeds a certain threshold, typically due to a fault or excessive load, the fuse is designed to melt and break the circuit. This interruption prevents excessive heat build-up that could lead to electrical fires or damage to devices and components in the system.

While regulating current flow is a characteristic associated with devices like resistors or circuit breakers, fuses are primarily focused on safety rather than controlling or maintaining current flow. Connectivity is typically a function of connectors or terminal blocks, and power switches are meant for turning circuits on or off, rather than providing protective measures. By melting and breaking the circuit, a fuse ensures that the flow of electricity is halted in dangerous conditions, thereby safeguarding the entire electrical system and its components.