Fuse

In electronics and electrical engineering, a fuse is a type of low resistance resistor

that acts as a overcurrent protection, of either the load or source circuit. Its
essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current
flows, which interrupts the circuit in which it is connected.
A fuse interrupts excessive current (blows) so that further damage by overheating
or fire is prevented. Wiring regulations often define a maximum fuse current rating
for particular circuits. Overcurrent protection devices are essential in electrical
systems to limit threats to human life and property damage. Fuses are selected to
allow passage of normal current plus a marginal percentage and to allow excessive
current only for short periods.

A fuse consists of a metal strip or wire fuse element, of small cross-section

compared to the circuit conductors, mounted between a pair of electrical terminals,
and (usually) enclosed by a non-combustible housing.
The fuse element is made of zinc, copper, silver, aluminum, or alloys to provide
stable and predictable characteristics. The fuse ideally would carry its rated current
indefinitely, and melt quickly on a small excess. The element must not be damaged
by minor harmless surges of current, and must not oxidize or change its behavior
after possibly years of service.

The speed at which a fuse blows depends on how much current flows through it
and the material of which the fuse is made..
Fusing factor is the ratio of a fuse's minimum fusing current (the smallest
current that will cause the fuse to melt) and the nominal rated current
(usually the number in Amps marked on the fuse body).
Fuses compared with circuit breakers
Fuses have the advantages of often being less costly and simpler than a circuit
breaker for similar ratings.
The blown fuse must be replaced with a new device which is less convenient than
simply resetting a breaker On the other hand, replacing a fuse without isolating the
circuit first (most building wiring designs do not provide individual isolation
switches for each fuse) can be dangerous in itself, particularly if the fault is a short
circuit.

Choosing a relay
You need to consider several features when choosing a relay:
1. Physical size and pin arrangement
If you are choosing a relay for an existing PCB you will need
to ensure that its dimensions and pin arrangement are
suitable. You should find this information in the supplier's
catalogue.
2. Coil voltage
The relay's coil voltage rating and resistance must suit the
circuit powering the relay coil. Many relays have a coil rated
for a 12V supply but 5V and 24V relays are also readily
available. Some relays operate perfectly well with a supply
voltage which is a little lower than their rated value.
3. Coil resistance
The circuit must be able to supply the current required by

the relay coil. You can use Ohm's law to calculate the
current:
Relay coil current =

supply voltage
coil resistance

4. Switch ratings (voltage and current)

The relay's switch contacts must be suitable for the circuit
they are to control. You will need to check the voltage and
current ratings. Note that the voltage rating is usually higher
for AC, for example: "5A at 24V DC or 125V AC".
5. Switch contact arrangement (SPDT, DPDT etc)
Most relays are SPDT or DPDT which are often described as
"single pole changeover" (SPCO) or "double pole
changeover" (DPCO).
6.

Advantages of relays:
Relays can switch AC and DC
Relays can switch higher voltages than standard
transistors.
Relays are often a better choice for switching large
currents (> 5A).
Relays can switch many contacts at once.
Ideal for general purpose switching
Good consistent contact resistance
Many variations available
Allow switching of high power
Allows for RF/microwave switching

Disadvantages of relays:
Relays are bulkier than transistors for switching small
currents.
Relays cannot switch rapidly (except reed relays),
transistors can switch many times per second.
Relays use more power due to the current flowing through
their coil.
Relays require more current than many ICs can
provide, so a low power transistor may be needed to switch
the current for the relay's coil.
Not ideal for low thermal, very low voltage switching.

An electromechanical relay uses an armature to bring two electrical contacts (i.e.,

gold over silver) together. This method provides consistent contact resistances.
There are many different types of armature controlled electro-mechanical relays
such as contactor for high power, bifurcated contacts for better general purpose
switching, coaxial switches for microwave applications.