A fuse is a thin metal wire that protects a device from too much current.

Here's how it works.

When electrons flow through a circuit, they create heat in the metal wires.

The thinner the wire, the harder it is for the electrons to move, so more heat is generated.

When there's too much current, the fuse acts like the weakest link in a chain by heating up more quickly than the other components, and it melts.

That breaks the current flow and protects the more expensive components from damage by heat or fire.

If a motor draws too much current too quickly, the fuse will blow.