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CAIE IGCSE Physics: Fuses, Breakers & Trip Switches Question Bank

Practise explaining how fuses and trip switches respond to excess current and selecting suitable protection for mains appliances.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • choose a fuse rating just above the appliance's normal current, not equal to or far above it
  • explain that excess current melts a fuse or opens a trip switch to break the circuit
  • interpret a circuit-breaker graph to decide whether a current trips immediately or not

4.4.3—Use and operation of trip switches and question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Fig. 4.1 shows a heater used to warm the air in a room.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

The power of the heater is 2.0 kW when it is connected to the mains supply with an e.m.f. of 230 V .

The plug connecting the heater to the mains supply is fitted with a fuse.

Fuse ratings of 3 A,5 A,10 A3 \mathrm{~A}, 5 \mathrm{~A}, 10 \mathrm{~A} and 13 A are available.

State which fuse is used. Explain your answer.
fuse
explanation

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