Differences between circuit breaker and rewirable fuse

Circuit breakers and rewirable fuses are both used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrents and short circuits, but they work in different ways and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main differences:

1. Principle of Operation:

• Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker is an automatic device that opens the circuit when it detects an overcurrent or short circuit. It uses a thermal or magnetic trip mechanism to interrupt the flow of electricity.
• Rewirable Fuse: A rewirable fuse is a simple device that melts or breaks when the current exceeds a certain value, disconnecting the circuit.

2. Resetability:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers are resettable, meaning they can be manually reset after a fault has been cleared.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses are not resettable and must be replaced after a fault has occurred.

3. Response Time:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers respond quickly to faults, typically within milliseconds.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses take longer to respond, typically within seconds or minutes.

4. Overcurrent Detection:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers can detect overcurrents and short circuits more accurately and reliably than rewirable fuses.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses are more prone to false tripping due to inrush currents, harmonics, or other non-fault conditions.

5. Maintenance:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers require less maintenance than rewirable fuses, as they don't need to be replaced after each fault.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses need to be replaced after each fault, which can be time-consuming and costly.

6. Cost:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers are generally more expensive than rewirable fuses, especially for larger applications.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses are often less expensive than circuit breakers, especially for smaller applications.

7. Application:

• Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers are commonly used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications where high reliability and quick response are critical.
• Rewirable Fuse: Rewirable fuses are often used in smaller applications, such as household appliances, where the risk of fault is lower and the cost of replacement is more acceptable.

In summary, circuit breakers offer faster response times, higher accuracy, and resetability, making them suitable for critical applications. Rewirable fuses, on the other hand, are simpler, less expensive, and more suitable for smaller applications where the risk of fault is lower.