Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Although they work in different ways, fuses and circuit breakers broadly have the same purpose; to protect electrical appliances and electrical circuits from short circuits, and excessive current (called overcurrent or overload).

Fuses

Fuses are relatively low cost electrical safety devices. If too much current enters the circuit, the fuse will burn out (sometimes called blowing out). When the fuse blows out it breaks the circuit. This protects the attached devices and allows you to touch devices without being electrocuted. When the fuse blows, it must be replaced before using the device or appliance again.

Circuit breakers

Circuit breakers work in a similar way to fuses, but they are resettable. Once a fault is detected (this is typically a short circuit or an excessive amount of current flowing through the circuit) the circuit breaker will interrupt the flow of current. When the circuit breaker trips, it's simply a case of flicking a switch to reset the circuit breaker. As soon as you've reset the circuit breaker, it is ready to use again.

50973 Products showing for Fuses & Circuit Breakers

53 of 999+
  • RS Stock No. 541-3518
  • Mfr. Part No. 02193.15MXAP
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£0.714
  • RS Stock No. 448-3342
  • Mfr. Part No. B320069
Each
£33.71
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 196-3622
  • Mfr. Part No. 5SY5106-7
Each
£41.49
  • RS Stock No. 782-0927
  • Mfr. Part No. W58-XB1A4A-7
Each
£6.94
  • RS Stock No. 252-5313
  • Mfr. Part No. 60120008
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£0.869
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 132-100
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDS272001R0135 S202M-B13
Each
£52.80
  • RS Stock No. 182-1575
  • Mfr. Part No. 180LET
Each
£21.46
  • RS Stock No. 201-5189
  • Mfr. Part No. 1065729
Each
£123.63
  • RS Stock No. 284-5388
  • Mfr. Part No. 0034.6620
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£0.376
  • RS Stock No. 865-7405
  • Mfr. Part No. 0034.2522
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£0.686
  • RS Stock No. 413-787
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£4.373
  • RS Stock No. 285-7692
  • Mfr. Part No. 0FLQ.400T
Each
£3.46
  • RS Stock No. 849-6588
  • Mfr. Part No. EUC3P6C
Each
£22.40
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 132-087
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDS272001R0634 S202M-C63
Each
£60.88
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 746-7873
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDS252001R0401 S202-D40
Each
£47.25
  • RS Stock No. 831-9208
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SDA066655R1 LTC XT1 3p TERMINAL COVERS LOW 2pcs
Each (In a Pack of 2)
£15.03
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 514-0131
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDS251001R0427 S201-K10
Each
£22.56
  • RS Stock No. 284-5401
  • Mfr. Part No. 0034.6621
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£0.354
  • RS Stock No. 435-548
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CCS800900R0211 S800-SOR250
Each
£84.77
  • RS Stock No. 787-4328
  • Mfr. Part No. 0449002.MR
Each (In a Pack of 5)
£1.612
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