Electric Fuses

A fuse used in electrical engineering is a type of protection device, sometimes known as a sacrificial protection device, it is an essential component of any circuit. It is a housed strip of metal or wire that melts when too much current flows through the circuit, thus interrupting the system. A short circuit or overload is the usual reason for this occurrence. By doing this it prevents further damage by overheating or fire. Wiring regulations often define a maximum fuse current rating for particular circuits. These types of overcurrent protection devices are essential in electrical circuits to limit threats to human life and property damage. In some cases fuses are selected and installed to allow passage of normal current and excessive current only for short periods. In 1847, reduced section conductors were installed to protect telegraph stations from lightening strikes, the wires would melt on contact with the huge currents and safeguard the wiring in the building. There were a variety of wire or foil fusible elements in use in telegraph installations as early as 1864, but it wasn’t until 1890 that a fuse was patented by Thomas Edison as part of his successful electric distribution system.