In electronics and electrical engineering, fuses are used to prevent an overcurrent condition from damaging
the circuit that it is designed to protect. Fuses come in many shapes, sizes, current limits, and operational
voltages. The primary component in the fuse it usually a metal wire whose length, diameter, and alloy composition
is tailored to melt (fuse) at a precise current value.
Two basic types of fuses are available - fast reaction and slow reaction. Fast reaction fuses are used to protect
circuit that cannot tolerate even a small amount of excessive current. The sensitive gate of a semiconductor device
is an example. Slow reaction (slow-blow) fuses are used for circuits where a higher than normal current condition
can be survived for a short time, such as a motor when it first starts (inrush current can be many times greater
than the normal run current).
In addition to the sizes represented here, surface mount (SMT) packages are available in standard outlines
beginning as small as 0603 (0.063" x 0.031"). See
Fuse vendor listing.
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