ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the ARRL Technician Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations to boost your understanding and ensure success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?

To increase voltage in the circuit
To interrupt power in case of overload
To provide a steady current
To convert AC to DC power

The correct answer is: To interrupt power in case of overload

A fuse serves a critical function in an electrical circuit by interrupting power in case of overload. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds a safe level, which could potentially cause overheating or damage to components, the fuse will "blow" or melt. This action disconnects the power supply, thus protecting the circuit and its devices from possible damage due to excessive current. This safety mechanism is vital in ensuring that the overall system remains intact and reduces the risk of fire or failure. In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of a fuse: increasing voltage is the function of transformers, providing a steady current is more related to regulators, and converting AC to DC power involves rectifiers. Thus, these functions differ fundamentally from the protective role that a fuse plays in an electrical circuit.