Is a Circuit Breaker the Same as a Fuse?

Circuit breakers and fuses are two of the most important parts of any electrical system. They interrupt energy flow to keep the house safe from potential damage. Many homeowners think these two terms denote the same item but is that actually the case?

Are circuit breakers and fuses different?

Although both components serve the same purpose, they’re not the same. Fuses are made of metal and melt when overheated. Circuit breakers come with an internal switch mechanism that trips if there’s a dangerous electrical surge.

Fuses can interrupt power flow more quickly, but they need to be replaced after melting. Circuit breakers may be more convenient in this regard since they only need to be reset after interrupting current.

Now that the main difference between the two components has been covered, let’s check out the pros and cons of using each one.

Advantages and disadvantages of fuses

Many people prefer fuses due to their quick reaction to overloading. As a result, there’s faster protection to electric instruments, preventing considerable damage and costly repairs. The only downside to this is if the system is susceptible to surges. With fuses blowing over and over again, their rapid reaction can be a major disadvantage.

Another great feature of fuses is their simple design. Homeowners can easily see which unit is broken and needs replacing. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be found in virtually any hardware store.

While identifying broken fuses is generally straightforward, replacing them can be quite tricky, especially in dark rooms or if new products aren’t available when needed. Also, people changing fuses themselves may inadvertently install a fuse with a greater voltage or current rating. Consequently, the system can overheat and cause serious issues.

Advantages and disadvantages of circuit breakers

The greatest benefit of circuit breakers is the lack of the need to replace them. All you need to reset one is to flip it, making them the more convenient option. Moreover, most modern systems feature circuit breakers, meaning their technology is slightly more up-to-date.

They may also provide more reliable protection than fuses. Sometimes, the current reaching a fuse may not be powerful enough to melt it, but it’s strong enough to harm the appliance’s user. Circuit breakers can withstand this pressure to stave off severe injuries.

As for the drawbacks, circuit breakers don’t react as quickly as fuses. They may allow a bit of energy to pass through and harm the device. In addition, setting and repairing circuit breakers is generally more expensive than fuses.

Overall, both circuit breakers and fuses offer tremendous benefits. To select the right product for your household, reach out to a practiced electrician.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!