What is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

• A. Fuse contains metal wires which melt if overloaded. Circuit breaker is a reusable device that breaks the flow of current when an overload occurs.
• B. Fuse is reusable; circuit breaker melts.
• C. Fuse shuts off automatically on overload; circuit breaker is single-use.
• D. Fuse is only for household appliances; circuit breaker for industrial.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how each device interrupts current and whether it can be reused. A fuse contains a thin metal link that melts when the current is too high. Once it melts, the circuit is open and the fuse must be replaced. A circuit breaker uses a switch that trips open when there’s an overload or short, and it can be reset after the fault is fixed. So, fuses provide protection by sacrificing themselves and requiring replacement, while circuit breakers provide protection by tripping and can be reused.

That matches the description where the fuse melts on overload and the circuit breaker is a reusable device that breaks the current flow when overloaded. The statement claiming fuses are only for household appliances and breakers are only for industrial isn’t accurate, because both devices are used in a wide range of settings—from homes to commercial and industrial applications.