Question map
Which of the following items is used in the household wirings to prevent accidental fire in case of short circuit ?
Explanation
An electric fuse is a critical safety device used in household wiring to prevent accidental fires caused by short circuits or overloading [1]. A short circuit occurs when the live and neutral wires come into direct contact, causing the current to increase abruptly [1]. The fuse contains a metal wire or strip with a low melting point, placed in series with the circuit [2]. When excessive current flows, the Joule heating effect causes the fuse wire to melt, thereby breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity [2]. This interruption prevents conductors from overheating, which could otherwise burn insulation and ignite surrounding materials. While insulated wires and plastic switches provide protection against electric shocks by isolating conductors, they do not act as active circuit breakers to stop overcurrent during a short circuit [4].
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.4 DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS > p. 205
- [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > 11.7.1 Practical Applications of Heating Effect of Electric Current > p. 190
- [3] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Electricity: Circuits and their Components > 3.2 A Simple Electrical Circuit > p. 36
- [4] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects > A step further > p. 54