Electrical Projects A fuse is a metal strip designed to burn out if too much current flows through it. Fuses are used as protective devices in many appliances. Some are sealed in glass envelopes and can be plugged into or removed from circuit if desired, and others may be strips of metal that can be replaced only by soldering. Always remember that a fuse is there to protect the appliance—do not defeat the protection by using a wire or a larger fuse to replace a blown one. If an appliance persists in blowing fuses, it is drawing too much current, and you should troubleshoot the appliance accordingly.

October 13, 2008