A fuse typically consists of a piece of wire made of a metal or an alloy with an appropriate melting point, such as aluminium, copper, iron, or lead. The fuse wire is often encased in a cartridge made of porcelain or a similar material with metal ends.
Describe the composition of a fuse and the materials commonly used for the fuse wire.
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A fuse comprises a fuse element, housing, and terminals. The crucial component is the fuse wire, often made of materials like copper, aluminum, silver, or metal alloys. Copper and aluminum offer good conductivity, while silver is used in precision fuses for accurate current ratings. Metal alloys, including tin or lead compositions, allow for tailored electrical and thermal properties. The housing, commonly ceramic or glass, insulates and supports the fuse element. Terminals facilitate easy connection in circuits. This design ensures the fuse responds predictably, breaking the circuit and preventing damage when subjected to excessive current, thus safeguarding electrical systems and devices.