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

89 of 999+
  • RS Stock No. 167-7702
  • Mfr. Part No. 0034.1516
1 Pack of 10
£3.31
  • RS Stock No. 769-3334
  • Mfr. Part No. SS-5-1A-BK
Each (In a Pack of 5)
£0.69
  • RS Stock No. 273-0854
  • Mfr. Part No. 1658-G21-02-P10-5A
Each
£4.86
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 791-3556
  • Mfr. Part No. A9F55306
Each
£127.01
  • RS Stock No. 111-7811
  • Mfr. Part No. SWTC-421-3535
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£1.646
  • RS Stock No. 211-2471
  • Mfr. Part No. M9U21204
Each
£91.29
  • RS Stock No. 231-9636
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDL220001R1612 PS2/12/16
1 Box of 1
£16.48
  • RS Stock No. 864-4361
  • Mfr. Part No. 242406 PLSM-C20/2-MW
Each
£61.26
  • RS Stock No. 101-785
Each
£42.03
  • RS Stock No. 226-0809
  • Mfr. Part No. 5ST3606
Each (In a Pack of 10)
£3.707
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 219-9171
  • Mfr. Part No. M9R81225
Each
£193.26
  • RS Stock No. 415-323
  • Mfr. Part No. CEO63
Each
£16.92
  • RS Stock No. 337-5240
  • Mfr. Part No. 0KLK015.T
1 Pack of 5
£120.77
  • RS Stock No. 203-712
  • Mfr. Part No. 2CDS251001R0045
Each
£22.87
  • RS Stock No. 413-507
  • Mfr. Part No. NSD16
Each (In a Pack of 5)
£10.066
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 776-2821
  • Mfr. Part No. A9XPE110
Each
£5.92
  • RS Stock No. 532-5118
  • Mfr. Part No. 278806 FAZ-S2/2
Each
£74.76
  • RS Stock No. 706-1939
  • Mfr. Part No. 3RV2902-1AP0
Each
£29.39
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 232-0270
  • Mfr. Part No. 1SDA068092R1 XT4N 250 TMA 250A FF
Each
£660.25
Better World
  • RS Stock No. 191-6088
  • Mfr. Part No. A9P22610
Each
£35.90
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