Current Limiting - Mains Power

Mains Power

The simplest form of current limiting for mains is a fuse. As the current exceeds the fuse's limits it blows thereby disconnecting the load from the source. This method is most commonly used for protecting the house-hold mains. A circuit breaker is another device for mains current limiting.

Compared to circuit breakers, fuses attain faster current limitation by means of arc quenching. Since fuses are passive elements, they are inherently secure. Their drawback is that once blown, they need to be replaced or reset.