
Protection of circuits and apparatus 3
fuse in the phase conductor. A fuse is a device for protecting a circuit against
damage due to excessive current flowing in it, operating by opening the
circuit on the melting of the fuse element. The two main types of fuse are
known as the semi-enclosed (or rewirable) and cartridge types.
A semi-enclosed fuse has a fuse holder or link of an incombustible material
such as porcelain or moulded resin, and a fine wire between the two contacts,
partly enclosed in the fuse-holder or in an asbestos tube. The capacity of the
fuse is altered by using a fuse wire of different gauge.
A cartridge fuse has a simila ...