A fuse is used in an electric circuit to

An electric fuse is a critical safety device used to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrent, such as short-circuits or overloading [3]. It consists of a conductive wire or strip with a specific, relatively low melting point [1]. The fuse is connected in series with the circuit components [1]. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds a predetermined safe limit, the Joule heating effect causes the fuse wire to increase in temperature and melt [2]. This physical separation of the wire breaks the circuit, effectively stopping the flow of electricity and preventing potential fire hazards or damage to appliances [2]. Unlike circuit breakers, a fuse is a sacrificial device that must be replaced once it has blown. It does not serve to indicate current flow or complete the circuit during normal operation, but rather acts as a protective interrupt [1].

Sources

1. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.4 DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS > p. 205
2. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > What you have learnt > p. 206
3. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > 11.7.1 Practical Applications of Heating Effect of Electric Current > p. 190