smälssäkring

Smältsäkring, or fuse, is a safety device that protects electrical circuits from overcurrents. It contains a metal wire or filament that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a safe level. This prevents damage to electrical equipment and reduces the risk of fire.

Fuses are characterized by their rated current, which is the maximum current they can safely handle continuously. They also have a breaking capacity, which is the maximum fault current they can interrupt without failing. The type of fuse used depends on the application and the potential fault current.

Common types of fuses include cartridge fuses, blade fuses, and wire fuses. Cartridge fuses are cylindrical and have metal caps at each end. Blade fuses are flat and have prongs that plug into a socket. Wire fuses are simply a length of wire designed to melt at a specific current.

When a fuse blows, it must be replaced with a new one of the same rating. Using a fuse with a higher rating can be dangerous as it may not provide adequate protection. Fuses are a simple and effective way to protect electrical systems, but they are sacrificial components that must be replaced when they operate. They are a fundamental component in electrical safety.