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Why is it not okay to use a fuse with a higher amperage rating in an electrical circuit?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The fuse is supposed to be the weakest link in the circuit. The circuit is rated to handle a specific load current. The wire and insulation rating of the circuit is governed by this specific load. If this load malfunctions and the load current becomes higher that what is specified, the fuse is there to break the circuit. A fuse of a higher rating than what is called for will allow a higher current to flow through the circuit which could cause the insulation on the wire to melt, the wire to burn open or components in the circuit to become unusable. Never over fuse an electrical circuit with a larger amp rated fuse.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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Is amperage rating and running amperage the same thing?
Usually the current rating for a circuit is higher than the current usually taken. This leaves a little margin for safety.
It is ok to use a fuse with a higher amperage rating and not ok to use a fuse with a smaller amperage rating why?
It is ok to use a fuse with a higher amperage rating and not ok to use a fuse with a smaller amperage rating why?
Will a circuit breaker give off less amperage?
A circuit breaker does not give off amperage. A circuit breaker allows a flow of current up to the rating of the breaker. Any current higher than that of the breaker's rating will open the breaker's contacts and stop the flow of current.
Will a fuse of a higher amperage rating have a higher melting point link?
No, a fuse of a higher amperage rating will not usually have a higher melting point link. The higher amperage fuse will use a wider link or a link of larger diameter.
Can different rating circuit breakers have the same short circuit characteristics?
Yes, different amperage rating circuit breakers can have the same short circuit characteristics.
Can you connect an electrical shower into the same circuit as the tank immersion heater?
Would be best not to ... especially if both, when turned on, will exceed the amperage rating of the breaker to which they are connected.
What causes electrical overloads?
Electrical overloads are caused by the load amperage increasing above what it should normally be. On a motor load this could be a request for the motor to do more work than the motor is capable of, working outside of its HP rating. In a house circuit an overload is created by plugging more devices into the circuit than the circuit breaker can handle. Again the load current will be higher than the circuit will allow and the circuit will open by the tripping of the breaker.
How does the fuse wire save your electrical appliances?
The fuse wire is rated for a specific amount of amperage. If the amperage exceeds that rating, the fuse wire will quickly melt. The current flow in the circuit is interrupted, thereby protecting the appliance from an overload condition.
What is the functions of a fuse?
The function of a fuse is to stop the current from flowing by opening the circuit when the circuit amperage exceeds the rating of the fuse.
What is power rating of appliances?
Wattage = voltage x amperage. Every appliance in North America is built to work at 120 V, so you have the voltage. The amperage rating is probably written in the microwaves manual if the wattage is not. Remember the amperage you put on a circuit can't be more that 80% of what the wiring is rated for in the branch circuit.
What is the cause and how would you correct a blown fuse?
The purpose of a fuse is to restrict amperage traveling through an electrical circuit to a specified value. It does this by inserting itself into the circuit and running the current through a metal strip inside the fuse. When the circuit is carrying to much amperage the metal strip will heat and then melt away, breaking the circuit and protecting anything that would be damaged due to the overload. In order to correct it, you must locate the fuse, remove it, and replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage rating.
What do car fuses do?
A device designed to provide protection for a given circuit or device by physically opening the circuit. Fuses are rated by their amperage and are designed to blow or open when the current being drawn through it exceeds its design rating. They are designed to protect the electrical circuits in your car from a short circuit or overload.
