Fuses, Sockets & Circuit Breakers

What are the differences between fuses, sockets & circuit breakers?

A fuse is a protection device used to prevent short circuits and the overloading of electrical circuits. These components are made from wire or thin metal strips and are usually the cheapest devices used in interrupting electrical circuits. Fuses allow normal current to flow through them, only breaking the circuit when a short circuit or overload current occurs. This occurs when the fuse wire melts, thereby stopping the flow of power.

Sockets are components that enable communication between two different processes in the same or separate machines. Sockets are essential for connecting equipment to other power sources in different countries. Sockets can be found in domestic settings, commercial buildings and industrial operations.

Circuit breakers are mechanical devices that protect electrical circuits from damage. These automatically operated switches respond quicker than fuses by interrupting an abnormal or fault current. Unlike fuses that need to be replaced, circuit breakers can also be reset when they have been tripped. 

Types of fuses, sockets & circuit breakers

Fuses

• DC fuses
• AC fuses
• Cartridge fuses
• D – type cartridge fuses
• HRC (High Rupturing Capacity) fuses or link cartridge fuses
• High voltage fuses
• Automotive, blade type and bolted type fuses
• SMD (Surface Mount Fuse), chip, radial and lead fuses
• Rewireable fuses
• Thermal fuses
• Resettable fuses

Sockets

• Hex sockets
• Socket bits
• Impact sockets
• Spark plug sockets
• Insulated sockets
• Pass through sockets
• Adjustable multi sockets
• Oil filter sockets
• Universal sockets
• Bolt grip sockets

Circuit breakers

• AC circuit breakers
• DC circuit breakers