How does a circuit breaker differ from a fuse?

A circuit breaker is designed to be a reusable safety device that protects an electrical circuit from overload or short circuit conditions. When a circuit experiences a fault, the circuit breaker will "trip," interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing potential damage or fire. The key advantage of a circuit breaker over a fuse is that it can be reset after it has tripped, allowing the circuit to be restored to its operational state without requiring any replacement parts. This makes circuit breakers a more convenient and sustainable choice for protecting electrical systems.

In contrast, fuses are typically one-time use devices. Once a fuse has blown—meaning it has interrupted the circuit due to an overload or fault—it needs to be replaced with a new fuse to restore functionality. This fundamental difference highlights why the ability to reset a circuit breaker without replacement is significant for ease of use and ongoing maintenance in electrical systems.