With even the most basic vehicles having more than 10 modules connected to hundreds of circuits, there is always a possibility that wires can get crossed. Engineers want to prevent damage to wiring, circuit boards and sensors if something goes wrong that causes a short or open. To avoid damage and possible fires, engineers have devised two strategies that can be called the "immune system" for the electrical system. The most basic protection is a fuse. A fuse is an electrical safety device that provides over-current protection of an electrical circuit. Inside a fuse is a strip of metal that melts when too much current flows through it. The melted metal stops the flow of current and creates an open circuit. All fuses are sacrificial components. Over-current situations can occur if there is too much resistance in the circuit, or the power is shorted to ground or even power.
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