5 types of most common fuses

Explore the five most common types of fuses, from plug and cartridge fuses to blade, thermal, and resettable fuses, and their applications.

The Five Most Common Types of Fuses

In electrical systems, fuses play a pivotal role in preventing equipment damage and potential electrical fires by interrupting excessive currents. This article presents an overview of the five most common types of fuses you may encounter in various applications.

1. Plug Fuses

Plug fuses are widely used in residential applications and are typically found in older homes. These fuses plug directly into a socket in the fuse box and protect individual circuits. They are designed to burn out when overloaded, ensuring the safety of the wiring.

2. Cartridge Fuses

Cartridge fuses are cylindrical in shape and typically used in industries and homes for high voltage applications. They have metal end caps and come in two types: general purpose fuses for appliances and electronic equipment, and heavy-duty time-delay fuses for motor circuits.

3. Blade Fuses

Blade fuses, also known as spade or plug-in fuses, are widely used in automobiles and marine applications. They come in various amperage ratings, each color-coded for easy identification. Blade fuses protect the wiring and electrical equipment in vehicles from short-circuit and overload conditions.

4. Thermal Fuses

Thermal fuses are a one-time use fuse commonly found in household appliances such as coffee makers, dryers, and microwaves. When the device’s temperature exceeds a certain limit, the thermal fuse blows and stops the electrical current, preventing overheating and potential fires.

5. Resettable Fuses

Unlike traditional fuses which need replacing after a single use, resettable fuses, or polymeric positive temperature coefficient devices (PPTCs), can return to their normal operation once the fault is removed. They are often used in computer applications and telecommunication systems where system uptime is crucial.

In conclusion, the selection of the right type of fuse depends on the application and the characteristics of the electrical system. While their primary role is to provide safety by stopping the flow of excess current, each type of fuse has unique features that make it suitable for particular uses.

header - logo

The primary purpose of this project is to help the public to learn some exciting and important information about electricity and magnetism.

Privacy Policy

Our Website follows all legal requirements to protect your privacy. Visit our Privacy Policy page.

The Cookies Statement is part of our Privacy Policy.

Editorial note

The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. This website does not use any proprietary data. Visit our Editorial note.

Copyright Notice

It’s simple:

1) You may use almost everything for non-commercial and educational use.

2) You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content, especially on another website.