What is the difference between thermal fuse and current fuse

In modern electronic equipment and electrical systems, fuses, as important safety protection components, play a key role in preventing equipment damage or even fire caused by overload and short circuit. Common fuse types include thermal fuses and current fuses. Although both are protective devices, there are significant differences in their working principles, application scenarios and performance characteristics. This article will analyze the differences between thermal fuses and current fuses in detail to help readers better understand and choose the appropriate fuse type.

Thermal Fuse is a protection element based on temperature sensing. When the temperature reaches a set threshold, the sensitive material inside the fuse will melt, thus cutting off the circuit and preventing equipment damage due to overheating.

Current fuses work based on the size of the current. When the current flowing through the fuse exceeds its rating, the conductor inside the fuse will melt due to overheating, thus achieving the purpose of protecting the circuit.

The triggering condition of the thermal fuse is that the temperature reaches the set temperature, and is usually used to monitor temperature abnormalities inside the equipment.

The triggering condition of the current fuse is that the current exceeds the rated current, mainly to prevent current overload or short circuit.

Thermal fuses mainly protect the temperature safety of equipment and prevent electrical components from causing fire or damage due to overheating.

Current fuses focus on the protection of circuit current to prevent damage to the circuit due to overload or short circuit.

Thermal fuses are often used in electric heating appliances, chargers, motors and other equipment that are prone to overheating.

Current fuses are widely used in various electronic equipment, power systems and household appliances as standard components for overcurrent protection.

The thermal fuse has a slower response because it relies on a rise in temperature and is generally suitable for protection that is sensitive to temperature changes.

Current fuses respond quickly and can cut off excessive current in time to prevent circuit damage.

Most thermal fuses are single-use and need to be replaced after they blow.

Some current fuses (such as self-restoring fuses) have a resettable function and can automatically recover after the fault is resolved.

Thermal fuses contain heat-sensitive materials, such as wax or alloys, that expand or melt when heated, causing them to break.

Current fuses are mainly composed of metal wires that melt the conductor due to the heat generated by excessive current.

Thermal fuses are generally small in size, flexible in installation, and suitable for embedding inside equipment.

Current fuses come in a variety of sizes, from tiny electronic fuses to large high voltage fuses, and can be installed in a variety of ways.

温度保险丝和电流保险丝在保护机制、触发条件、应用领域及性能特点上存在明显差异。温度保险丝通过感应温度变化来保护设备，适合防止过热引发的故障；而电流保险丝则通过监测电流大小来防止电路过载和短路。选择合适的保险丝类型需根据具体应用需求和保护目标来确定，以确保设备的安全稳定运行。了解两者的区别不仅有助于提升设备的安全性，也有助于延长设备寿命，降低维护成本。