What is an electric fuse ? What is its role in the electric circuits ? Should it be placed on the neutral wire or on the live wire ? Justify your answer .

Explanation

A fuse is safety device consisting of a thin wire made of an alloy of tin and lead having a low melting point. If high current flows through it due to short circuit or overloading, fuse wire melts and breaks the circuit off the supply of electricity. Thus, the fuse protects the appliances from getting damaged, protects the user from electric shock, and prevents the possibility of fire.
Since the live wire carries electricity, a fuse should be placed in the live wire to function properly. Neutral wire is at zero potential and does not carry electricity. If the fuse is connected to the neutral wire and if a short circuit or an overloading occurs, high current continues to flow through the live wire and the fuse does not blow off.