>Will a 500mA fuse after the 12-to-5V linear voltage regulator make the design safe against electric shock since the buck converter is non-isolated? No. A fuse does not protect against electric shock. Fuses are for limiting current in a fault condition to protect equipment, wiring and prevent fire. What you are proposing is potentially lethal. Just for reference, RCD / GFCI earth leakage protection devices generally trip at 30 mA as this is considered a safe limit for protection of humans against electric shock. Put safety first. Then worry about size and cost. An isolated SMPS (switched mode power supply) with 5 V output won't be any bigger than what you are proposing.