Can a 60W 120V Appliance Surpass the Max Household Current and Blow a Fuse?

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A 60W 120V appliance cannot draw 120A as calculated from a 1-ohm resistance; this is a misinterpretation of the power formula. The correct current draw for a 60W appliance is 0.5A, calculated using P=IV. If a 1-ohm resistor is connected to a 120V supply, the household fuse rated at 13A will blow due to the excessive current that briefly exceeds the fuse's limit. The discussion highlights that while the fuse can withstand a temporary surge above 13A, it will ultimately melt if the current remains high. Understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is crucial in analyzing household electrical systems.
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If an appliance is rated 60W 120V, R=1 ohm. Then I = V/R= 120/1 = 120A. But the household current is 13 A (max). Will the fuse blow?
 
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The power rating is P=VI=V2/R = I2R.

If P=60 W, V = 120 V, R=V2/P=240 Ω. It can not be 1 Ω.
If you connect an 1 Ω resistor to 120 V, the 13 A fuse will blow.

ehild
 
If a 1 ohm resistor is connected, the 13A fuse blows. Why? The max. current supplied to the house is 13A. Where does the extra current comes from to blow the fuse?
 
Something is wrong in those figures... From P=IV then I = P/V = 60/120 = 0.5 A. Using V = IR then I = V/R = 120/1 = 120 A. So something isn't right there...

J
 
labview1958 said:
If a 1 ohm resistor is connected, the 13A fuse blows. Why? The max. current supplied to the house is 13A. Where does the extra current comes from to blow the fuse?
In reality, more than 13A would flow for a brief time, until the fuse wire is heated up to it's melting point.
 
labview1958 said:
If a 1 ohm resistor is connected, the 13A fuse blows. Why? The max. current supplied to the house is 13A. Where does the extra current comes from to blow the fuse?


The voltage is supplied, and you can use more current if you have a higher-amps fuse.

ehild
 
Redbelly98 said:
In reality, more than 13A would flow for a brief time, until the fuse wire is heated up to it's melting point.

Where does the extra Amps come from?
 
It is supplied by the electric company, just like all of the electricity that is used.
 
How can the home pull in more than 13A from outside. The 13A fuse will melt.
 
  • #10
You must have missed Post #5. It takes time, a very short time, for the fuse to heat up to its melting point. This does not happen instantaneously. Current can be more than 13A during that brief time.
 
  • #11
Why are transmission cables have high voltage but low current. Should not V=IR, high voltage, high current?
 
  • #12
The fixed quantity in designing a transmission system would be power, not resistance. So use the equation that relates power to voltage and current ... that provides the relation between V and I that is relevant here.
 
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