Inklingo

How to Say "fuse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

plomo

PLOH-mohˈplomo

nounB2general
Use 'plomo' when referring to the safety device in an electrical circuit that melts and breaks the connection to prevent damage from overcurrent.
A small electrical fuse with a glass body and metal ends.

Examples

Se saltaron los plomos porque encendí el microondas y la estufa.

The fuses blew because I turned on the microwave and the heater.

Plomo vs. Fusible

Mistake: “Using 'fusible' in everyday conversation to mean the power went out.”

Correction: While 'fusible' is correct, most people say 'saltar los plomos' when the electricity trips at home.

detonador

deh-toh-nah-DOHRdetonaˈðoɾ

nounB2technical
Use 'detonador' when referring to the device that initiates an explosion, such as the fuse or trigger mechanism for dynamite.
A small metal blasting cap with wires attached, lying on a wooden crate.

Examples

El experto conectó el detonador a la carga de dinamita.

The expert connected the detonator to the dynamite charge.

Encontraron un detonador remoto en la zona de construcción.

They found a remote detonator in the construction zone.

Nunca toques un detonador si lo encuentras en el suelo.

Never touch a detonator if you find one on the ground.

Gender and Endings

Words ending in -dor that refer to objects are almost always masculine, like 'el detonador' or 'el ordenador'.

Detonador vs. Gatillo

Mistake: “Using 'detonador' for a gun's trigger.”

Correction: Use 'gatillo' for a physical gun trigger. 'Detonador' is for the explosive device itself.

Electrical vs. Explosive

The most common mistake is using 'detonador' for electrical fuses. Remember that 'plomo' is specifically for electrical safety devices, while 'detonador' refers to the component that sets off an explosion.

Related Translations

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