Science Common Sense
630 - How does a fuse or circuit breaker protect electrical systems?
Imagine you're filling a balloon with air. If you fill it too much, it bursts. Electrical systems can get too much electricity too, and that's when fuses and circuit breakers come in.
A fuse is like a special wire that melts (or "blows") when too much electricity flows through it. When it melts, it breaks the connection and stops the electricity from flowing.
A circuit breaker is like a special switch that automatically turns off when it detects too much electricity flowing. It stops the electricity from flowing too.
Both fuses and circuit breakers protect electrical systems by:
- Stopping too much electricity from flowing, which can cause fires or damage the system.
- Preventing electrical shocks or accidents.
- Shutting off the power when something goes wrong, like a short circuit.
They help keep you and your electrical systems safe!