What is the primary purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?

The primary purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit is to protect against overload. A fuse is a safety device that contains a metal wire or filament that melts when the current flowing through it exceeds a certain threshold. This melting interrupts the flow of electricity, thereby preventing damage to the circuit components and reducing the risk of fire or electrical shock due to excessive current.

Fuses are designed to fail in a predictable manner, ensuring that they will break the circuit before any significant damage occurs. This makes them a critical part of electrical safety systems. By using a fuse, circuits can be safeguarded against conditions such as short circuits or overloads, which can lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed.