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What does a fuse do when excessive current flows through it?

  1. It amplifies the current to manage load

  2. It allows excess current to continue flowing

  3. It breaks the connection in the circuit

  4. It converts extra current into heat energy

The correct answer is: It breaks the connection in the circuit

A fuse plays a critical safety role in electrical circuits by providing overcurrent protection. When excessive current flows through a fuse, it heats up due to the increased electrical resistance. The fuse is designed with a specific metal strip or filament that melts when the current exceeds its rated limit. This melting effectively breaks the connection in the circuit, thereby interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing damage to the electrical devices and reducing the risk of fire. This mechanism is fundamental to the functionality of fuses. By opening the circuit, the fuse ensures that the downstream devices are protected from the potential dangers of an overcurrent situation, which could lead to overheating, equipment failure, or electrical fires.