Resistor rating question

A project i am doing has quite a few resistors. Most are 1/4W unless otherwise specified. I understand the implications of going down a notch on power rating, but can I use a 1/2 watt instead one of the 1/4W's if that is what I have available? Or is that bad in case of a short somewhere and the resistor blows first? Thanks for any help

You can use the 1/2W, the major difference is that the higher power resistors are physically larger. Resistors should not be used as fuses.

Thanks.....I figured that the design wouldn't rely on a resistor failing first in the circuit. Can never be too sure though! Thanks crust!

crust said:

Resistors should not be used as fuses.

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In reality, fusible resistors are designed for just this use. This is a very common failure item in many newer TV's and computer monitors. Here is a spec sheet for the NTE fusibles...