Why should a 5-ampere fuse never be replaced with a 20-ampere fuse?

Why should a 5-ampere fuse never be replaced with a 20-ampere fuse?

• A. It could cause damage to sensitive components
• B. Excessive current could cause a fire
• C. It would overload the circuit
• D. It could cause voltage spikes

Answer: (B)

Substituting a 5-ampere fuse with a 20-ampere fuse compromises the safety and functionality of the electrical circuit. A fuse is designed to protect the circuit by breaking the connection when the current exceeds a specified level—in this case, 5 amperes. If a 20-ampere fuse is used instead, it allows significantly more current to flow, which can lead to overheating of wires and components in the circuit. This excessive current poses a serious risk of fire as it can ignite surrounding materials or damage components beyond tolerance, causing permanent failure or dangerous situations. While other factors like damage to sensitive components and overloading the circuit are valid concerns, they fall into the broader category of the fire hazard posed by allowing excessive current through a system that was not designed to handle it. Therefore, the risk of fire resulting from excessive current is the primary and most pressing reason for maintaining the correct fuse rating.

Substituting a 5-ampere fuse with a 20-ampere fuse compromises the safety and functionality of the electrical circuit. A fuse is designed to protect the circuit by breaking the connection when the current exceeds a specified level—in this case, 5 amperes. If a 20-ampere fuse is used instead, it allows significantly more current to flow, which can lead to overheating of wires and components in the circuit. This excessive current poses a serious risk of fire as it can ignite surrounding materials or damage components beyond tolerance, causing permanent failure or dangerous situations.

While other factors like damage to sensitive components and overloading the circuit are valid concerns, they fall into the broader category of the fire hazard posed by allowing excessive current through a system that was not designed to handle it. Therefore, the risk of fire resulting from excessive current is the primary and most pressing reason for maintaining the correct fuse rating.