Name the device used to protect the electric circuits from over loading and short circuit. On what effect of current does it work?

An electric fuse is a safety device, which is used to limit the current in an electric circuit. The use of the fuse safeguards the circuit and appliances connected in that circuit from being damaged. An alloy of lead and tin is used as a material of fuse because it has low melting point and high resistivity.

The fuse works on the heating effect of current. Whenever the current exceeds a rated value in the circuit, it causes the heating of the fuse wire. As a result, it melts and breaks the circuit.