| Feature | Fuse | Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Wire melts when current too high | Switch trips when current too high |
| After tripping | Must be replaced | Can be reset |
| Response speed | Slower (wire must melt) | Faster |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Location | Inside plug or fuse box | Fuse/consumer unit box |
This comparison covers Fuse vs Circuit Breaker within Mains Electricity & Safety for GCSE Physics. Revise Mains Electricity & Safety in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 18 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 16 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Mains Electricity & Safety
What does AC stand for, and how does it differ from DC?
Explain how a fuse protects an electrical circuit from damage.
Quick recall flashcards
What is DC?
Direct Current — current flows in one direction only (batteries provide DC)
What is AC?
Alternating Current — current direction reverses constantly (50 times/second in UK)