Why are fuse's important?

A fuse(s) or circuit breaker(s) is needed in any electrical system (AC or DC). These protection devices react to the amount of heat being produced by electricity passing through wires and/or components. They are used so as to protect wires and components from the extreme heat produced should there be an electrical overload or short circuit. When a short or overload occurs, the amps being drawn spike and this increases the heat produced in the wiring and components. When this occurs, a fuse or circuit breaker reacts almost instantly to stop the flow of electricity in the circuit and thereby stopping heat production. Without PROPERLY-SIZED FUSES OR CIRCUIT BREAKERS, this quick break in the circuit would not be possible, and damage to components and even FIRE could result. If you are having a problem with fuses "blowing" or breakers "tripping," please know that these devices are doing their job! It is important that you NOT replace a fuse or breaker with a higher-rated one. Check the circuit for shorts or overloads. Bare wires touching each other, as well as having too many appliances on a circuit is dangerous and will cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip. The wiring in your home or business is sized for a specific amperage. Increasing the size of protection devices will cause your elecrical system to not be protected adequately. Branch circuits feeding lights and 120 volt recepticles should have only a 15 amp or 20 amp protection device, depending on the wire size. If you cannot locate the overload or short, keep the power to the circuit OFF and contact a qualified electrican.