Why is the fuse always connected in the live wire of a mains circuit rather than in the neutral wire?
Question 1 Report
Why is the fuse always connected in the live wire of a mains circuit rather than in the neutral wire?
Answer Details
The fuse is placed in the live wire because the live wire is at a high alternating voltage (230 V in the UK). When the fuse blows, it breaks the connection between the mains supply and the appliance on the live side, ensuring the appliance is completely disconnected from this dangerous high voltage. No part of the appliance remains at mains potential, so it is safe to touch.
If the fuse were in the neutral wire instead, it could still break the circuit and stop current flowing, but the appliance would remain connected to the live wire. The internal components and any exposed metal would still be at 230 V relative to earth, posing a lethal shock risk. The live and neutral wires carry the same current (they are in series), so the claim that the live wire carries more current is incorrect. The neutral wire does carry current during normal operation, and the colour of the wire has no bearing on how a fuse functions.
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