The Difference Between the Fuse and Circuit Breaker is explained considering various factors like Working Principle, Reusability, Indication of status, Requirement of Auxiliary equipment, Temperature, Characteristic Curve, Function, Protection, Breaking Capacity, Operating time, Cost, and Mode of Operation.
The Difference Between Fuse and Circuit Breaker is given below in the tabulated form
| BASIS | FUSE | CIRCUIT BREAKER |
|---|---|---|
| Working Principle | Fuse works on the electrical and thermal properties of the conducting materials. | Circuit breaker works on the Electromagnetism and switching principle. |
| Reusability | Fuses can be used only once. | Circuit breakers can be used a number of times. |
| Status indication | It does not give any indication. | It gives an indication of the status |
| Auxiliary contact | No auxiliary contact is required. | They are available with auxiliary contact. |
| Switching Action | Fuse cannot be used as as an ON/OFF switch. | The Circuit breaker is used as an ON/OFF switches. |
| Temperature | They are independent of ambient temperature | Circuit breaker Depends on ambient temperature |
| Characteristic Curve | The Characteristic curve shifts because of the ageing effect. | The characteristic curve does not shift. |
| Protection | The Fuse provides protection against only power overloads | Circuit breaker provides protection against power overloads and short circuits. |
| Function | It provides both detection and interruption process. | Circuit breaker performs only interruption. Faults are detected by relay system. |
| Breaking capacity | Breaking capacity of the fuse is low as compared to the circuit breaker. | Breaking capacity is high. |
| Operating time | Operating time of fuse is very less (0.002 seconds) | Operating time is comparatively more than that of the fuse. (0.02 – 0.05 seconds) |
| Version | Only single pole version is available. | Single and multiple version are available. |
| Mode of operation | Completely automatically. | Manually as well as automatically operated. |
| Cost | Cost of fuse is low. | Cost of circuit breaker is high. |
A Fuse is an electrical device made up of glass, porcelain, or plastic material containing a thin piece of wire. If any faults occur in the system and an over-current flow through the circuit, the fuse automatically melts and breaks the contact of the circuit. Thus, protecting the appliances from any damage.
The Circuit Breaker also performs a similar function as that of the fuse but by electromagnetic principle. The circuit breaker also protects the appliances from getting damaged due to overload current.
Difference Between Fuse and Circuit Breaker
- Fuse works on the principle of electrical and thermal properties of the conducting materials whereas the circuit breaker works on the Electromagnetism and Switching principle.
- Fuses once used cannot be reused again, but the circuit breaker can be reused. Hence, there is no need to change the circuit breaker after any fault takes place and the coil is tripped.
- No auxiliary contact is required in the case of fuse but in circuit breaker, auxiliary contact is required.
- Fuse cannot be used as an ON/OFF switch whereas circuit breaker can be used as an ON/OFF switch.
- Fuses are independent of ambient temperature, but circuit breaker depends on ambient temperature.
- The characteristic curve of the Fuse shifts because of the aging effect and, as a result, it causes nuisance and tripping. The curve of the Circuit Breaker does not shift.
- The Fuse provides protection against only power overloads whereas circuit breaker provides protection for both power overloads and short circuits.
- The Fuse provides both detection and interruption processes. The circuit breaker performs only interruption; a relay system is attached for detection of any fault in the circuit.
- The breaking capacity of the fuse is low as compared to that of a Circuit Breaker.
- The operating time of the fuse is very less about 0.002 seconds, whereas the operating time of a circuit Breaker is comparatively more than that of the fuse. It is about 0.02 – 0.05 seconds.
- The mode of operation of the fuse is completely automatic, but circuit breakers can be operated manually as well as automatically with the help of a relay system.
- The cost of the fuse is low, whereas circuit breakers are more costly.
Hence, a fuse is different from a circuit breaker.
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The difference between fuse and circuit breaker is very well explained. This blog has cleared my doubts very well.
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