What is fuse rating?

A fuse rating is the current need to blow (break) the fuse. When a fuse has blown it removes electrical power from
an electrical circuit. The fuse rating is usually on the side of the fuse. Thefuse rating is usually defined in 'amps' –
amps are the unit of measurement of electrical current.

What is fusing factor of a fuse?

It is the Ratio of minimum fusing current to the current rating of the fuse.

There are 3 Types of fuse as per their fusing factor.

1. Class K: Having a fusing factor more than 1.75.

2. Class P: Having a fusing factor less than 1.25.
3. Class Q: Having a fusing factor less than 1.75.

Why do fuses have voltage rating?

A fuse has two ends. Those ends are separated depending on its geometry and the distance between those
ends are the reason to specify its voltage rate. The airgap or any other material gap used inside the fuse have
an electrical characteristic known as the “dielectric strength”.

This dielectric strength specified in Voltage/distance specifies the voltage a certain material may withstand
without being crossed by any current.

When for some reason the fuse breaks we intende that the circuit is “breaked” totally. And the voltage spec
of the fuse ensures that if the voltage between the two ends of the fuse, after break, stays below the voltage
specs the fuse wont be crossed by any current that will flow through the material gap, being “material” the
means where the wire was in. Could be air or any other insulation material.

For instance the air has a dielectric strenght of 350V/cm. ( Note: there some factors that will affect the value
of dielectric strength of materials besides the material itself)
UL Fuse Classification Chart
INTERRUPTING AC AVAILABLE LITTELFUSE BUSSMAN EDISON
UL FUSE OVERLOAD
RATING, VOLTAGE AMPERE SERIES SERIES SERIES
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
AMPERES RATING RATINGS NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER

200 - 6000 KLPC KRPC n/a

L TIME-DELAY 200,000 600* 601 - 4000 KLLU KLU LCL
200 - 2000 LDC n/a n/a

250 1 LLNRK LPNRK LENRK

RK1*** TIME-DELAY 200,000 /10  - 600
600 LLSRK LPSRK LLSRK

250 KLNR KTNR NCLR

RK1*** FAST-ACTING 200,000 1 - 600
600 KLSR KTSR SCLR

RK5 TIME-DELAY 200,000 250 35 - 600 FLNR-ID FRNR ECNR

1
RK5 TIME-DELAY 200,000 250 /10 - 600 FLNR FRNR ECNR

FLSR & FLSR-

1
RK5 TIME-DELAY 200,000 600 /10 - 600 ID FRSR ECSR
IDSR

300** 1 - 1200 JLLN** JJN TJN

T FAST-ACTING 200,000
600 1 - 1200 JLLS JJS TJS
8
J TIME-DELAY 200,000 600 /10 - 600 JTD & JTD-ID LPJ JDL

J FAST-ACTING 200,000 600 1 - 600 JLS JKS JFL

KLDR
1
/10 - 30 CCMR FNQR HCTR
CC TIME-DELAY 200,000 600 1
/5 - 30 (formerly LPCC EDCC
KLMR)
1
CC FAST-ACTING 200,000 600 /10-30 KLKR KTKR HCLR

CD TIME-DELAY 200,000 600 35 - 60 CCMR LPCC EDCC

1
G TIME-DELAY 100,000 480* /2 - 60 SLC SC SEC

250 NLN NON KON

K5 FAST-ACTING 50,000 1 - 600
600 NLS NOS KOS

RENEWABLE FUSES 250 RLN REN ERN

H 10,000 1 - 600
FAST-ACTING 600 RLS RES ERS

* LDC rated 600 volts AC/DC

** JLLN Class T is UL Listed at 300 volts
*** RK1 Class fuses are Ultra-Fast Clearing

How Do You Know the Right Fuse for Your Circuit

Protection Needs
Circuit protection has become more complex than it once was. Today's market is filled with such an array of
fuses there needs to be more detail and knowledge then there used to be for proper selection. Thanks to
sophisticated power distribution systems, there now needs to be information providing more knowledge of
fuse types, construction, and operation characteristics. It's important to stay informed on the latest
developments as new types, constructions, characteristics, and classes are established.

The following are standards which are accepted and used as requirements by which manufacturers must
design their fuses. These standards are continuously being updated, it's important to refer to the latest
version when designing or constructing your next project.

 248-2, Standards for Safety – Class C Fuses

 248-3, Standards for Safety – Class CA and CB Fuses
 248-4, Standards for Safety – Class CC Fuses
 248-5, Standards for Safety – Class G Fuses
 248-6, Standards for Safety – Class H Non-Renewable Fuses
 248-7, Standards for Safety – Class H Renewable Fuses
 248-8, Standards for Safety – Class J Fuses
 248-9, Standards for Safety – Class K Fuses
 248-10, Standards for Safety – Class L Fuses
 248-11, Standards for Safety – Plug Fuses
 248-12, Standards for Safety – Class R Fuses
 248-13, Standards for Safety – Semiconductor Fuses
 248-14, Standards for Safety – Supplemental Fuses
 248-15, Standards for Safety – Class T Fuses

The following information is provided to analyze several of these fuse classes, along with pertinent
performance characteristics and ratings.

Class CC fuses.
These non-renewable fuses are current-limiting and intended for the protection of components sensitive to
short-time overloads, non-inductive loads, and short-circuit protection of motor circuits.

Current ratings range from 0A to 30A, and the voltage rating is 600VAC. Class CC fuses are available with
DC ratings. The interrupting rating is 200kA rms symmetrical.

Class CC fuses must be labeled "Current Limiting," and may be labeled "Time Delay." The optional time-
delay test requirements for this class of fuses (a minimum 12-sec opening time at 200% fuse current rating)
is different than that of other larger body fuses.

Class G fuses.
These fuses were specifically created for use in lighting and appliance panel boards that are equipped with a
special fusible-switch unit. These are non-renewable cartridge fuses that are for use only in AC circuits
where interrupting ratings to 100kA rms symmetrical are required. These can also be available with DC
ratings.

G Class fuses conform to standard 248-5, and are rated for 600VAC (0A to 20A) and 480VAC (25A to
60A). They are available in four ferrule sizes: 0A to 15A, 16A to 20A, 1A to 30A, and 31A to 60A. The
innovative design of this class of fuse was selected so as to prevent the interchangeability with any other
fuse class.

Class G fuses are current-limiting and are able to be so labeled per UL 248-5, which prescribes the
maximum peak let-through and I2t let-through values permitted for this class of fuse.
The time delay test feature is optional. It is important to realize that the test calls for a minimum opening
time of 12 sec at 200% of the fuse ampere rating which differs Class H, K, and R fuses.

Class H fuses.
This is a cartridge fuse and is intended for general purpose branch circuit, lighting circuit,
and the protection of non-inductive equipment like electric ovens and resistance heaters.
You can select from renewable and non-renewable Class H fuses. The renewable fuses
allow the user to replace the internal fusible link after the fuse operates.

All Class H units are tested for short-circuit requirements and are available with DC
ratings. The short-circuit power factors are relatively high: 0.45 to 0.50 for fuses rated
110A to 600A, and 0.85 to 0.90 for fuses rated 100A and less. The actual short-circuit
power factors encountered in typical installations are on the order of the above test values,
when the available short-circuit current is 10kA rms symmetrical or less.

With respect to the time delay feature of fuses, the renewable types cannot perform the time delay but the
non-renewable can.

Class H fuses, both non-renewable and renewable, are often misapplied in the electrical industry for a couple
reasons. First, their minimal 10kA interrupting rating is easy to exceed in an industrial plant or commercial
building. Second, workers unfamiliar with the differences between devices might be tempted to install more
than one link in a renewable fuse.

Class J fuses.
These non-renewable fuses are current-limiting and conform to 248-8. Current ratings of UL Class J fuses
range from 0A to 600A, and the voltage rating is 600VAC. Class J fuses are available with DC ratings. The
interrupting rating is 200kA rms symmetrical. Fuses with 300kA interrupting ratings are available. Time-
delay labeling is available if the fuse meets the UL optional time-delay test requirements of a minimum 10-
sec opening time at 500% of fuse current rating.

Class K fuses.
These non-renewable fuses are available in 250VAC and 600VAC ratings, with current ratings from 0A to
600A. Class K fuses are available with DC ratings.

The interrupting ratings may be 50kA, 100kA, or 200kA rms symmetrical. Class K-1 fuses provide the best
degree of current limitation. On the other hand, Class K-5 fuses provide a lesser degree of current limitation.

The standards requirements for Class K fuses prescribe maximum peak let-through current and maximum
I2t let-through energy for each class and all are current-limiting fuses. Interestingly, these fuses cannot be
labeled as current limiting because they are interchangeable with Class H fuses, which are noncurrent
limiting.

Class L fuses
These non-renewable fuses are current-limiting and conform to 248-10. They're designed for the
protection of feeders and service entrance equipment.

Current ratings for UL Class L fuses range from 601A to 6000A, and the voltage rating is 600VAC. Class L
fuses are available with DC ratings. Available case sizes are 800A, 1,200A, 1,600A, 2,000A, 2,500A,
3,000A, 4,000A, 5,000A, and 6,000A. The interrupting rating is 200kA rms symmetrical. (300kA fuses are
available.)

As with the other classes of fuses conforming to 248 (G, J, R, and T), Class L fuses must be labeled "Current
Limiting." They may be labeled "Time Delay," although the standard doesn't have a requirement for their
time-delay characteristics.
Class R fuses
These non-renewable fuses are made in 250VAC and 600VAC ratings, with current ratings from 0A to
600A. Class R fuses are available with DC ratings. They have an interrupting rating of 200kA rms
symmetrical and are separated into two separate classes, RK1 and RK5. RK1 fuses are available with
interrupting ratings of 300kA.

Both RK1 and RK5 fuses are current-limiting and meet standard-prescribed maximum peak instantaneous
let-through current and maximum I2t let-through energy requirements.

Class R fuses must be labeled "Current Limiting" and may be labeled "Time Delay," which means that they
meet the optional time-delay test by not opening in less than 10 seconds at 500% of fuse ampere rating.

CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION

A cylindrical fiber tube fuse with threaded ends and ventilation slots
Fuse type 11 Type
designed for the telecom industry.
A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 5/8" in
Fuse type 1AG
length.
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
A ceramic body axial leaded subminiature fuse that is 2.3mm in diameter
Fuse type 2.3 x 8mm
and 8mm in length.
Fuse type 24 Type A 60 volt DC fuse designed for the telecom industry.
A Litttelfuse brand name for a glass body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in
Fuse type 2AG
diameter and 15mm in length.
A ceramic body axial leaded subminiature fuse that is 3.6mm in diameter
Fuse type 3.6 x 10mm
and 10mm in length.
A ceramic body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1-1/4" in
Fuse type 3AB
length (6.3x32mm).
A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1-1/4" in
Fuse type 3AG
length (6.3x32mm).
Fuse type 5 x 15mm A glass body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in diameter and 15mm in length .
A glass or ceramic body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in diameter and 20mm
Fuse type 5 x 20mm
in length.
A cartridge fuse that is 13/32" in diameter and 1-1/2" in length
Fuse type 5AG
(10x38mm).
A cylindrical fiber tube fuse with threaded ends designed for the telecom
Fuse type 7 Type
industry.
A cylindrical cartridge fuse with an indicator pin designed for the telecom
Fuse type 70 Type
industry.
A fast acting, 60 volt DC cylindrical body fuse designed for the telecom
Fuse type 74 Type
industry.
Fuse type 75 Type A radial leaded, cylindrical fuse designed for the telecom industry.
Fuse type 76 Type A radial leaded, cylindrical fuse designed for the telecom industry.
Fuse type 7AG A glass body cartridge fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 7/8" in length.
A fast acting, cylindrical body fuse designed for the telecom industry. It is
Fuse type 80 Type
visually indicating with remote electrical alarm capability.
A fast acting, cylindrical body, non-indicating fuse designed for the
Fuse type 81 Type
telecom industry.
Fuse type 8AG A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1" in length.
A fast-acting telecom fuse designed to provide visual blown fuse
Fuse type Alarm Indicating
indication by triggering an LED or an audio alarm.
Fuse type Barrier Network A fuse designed to operate in potentially explosive environments. They are
built in accordance with the Barrier Network Standards (EN50020) for
hazardous applications.
A fuse which is intended to be bolted directly to bus bars, contact pads or
Fuse type Bolt-in
fuse blocks.
A fuse that has a minimum interrrupting rating of 10,000 amps, a
minimum voltge rating of 125 volts and a they must be size rejecting so
Fuse type Branch Circuit that a fuse with a higher voltage rating cannot be installed in the circuit.
They must also be size rejecting so that a fuse with a current rating higher
than the current rating of the fuse holder rating caanot be installed.
A fuse with a cylindrical body, a current responsive element and two
Fuse type Cartridge
cylindrical end caps or ferrules.
A branch circuit fuse having 600V, a 200kA interrupting rating and
overall dimensions of 13/32” x 11/2”. Their design incorporates a rejection
Fuse type Class CC feature that allows them to be inserted into rejection fuse holders and fuse
blocks that reject all lower voltage, lower interrupting rating 13/32” x
11/2” fuses. They are available from 1/10A through 30A.
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
A branch circuit fuse having 480V, a 100kA interrupting rating and is size
rejecting to eliminate overfusing. The fuse diameter is 13/32” while the
Fuse type Class G
length varies from 15/16” to 2-1/4”. These are available in ratings from 1A
through 60A.
Class H A branch circuit fuse having either 250V or 600V, a 10kA interrupting
Fuse type rating that may be renewable or non-renewable. These are available in
amp ratings of 1A through 600A.
A 600VAC fuse rated to interrupt a minimum of 200kA. They are labeled
Fuse type Class J
as “Current-Limiting” and are not interchangeable with other classes.
A branch circuit fuse having either 250V or 600V, and a 50kA interrupting
rating. These are dimensionally the same as Class H fuses. These fuses are
Fuse type Class K5
current-limiting. However, they are not marked “current-limiting” on their
label since they do not have a rejection feature.
These fuses are rated for 601 through 6000A, and are rated to interrupt a
minimum of 200kA. They are labeled “Current-Limiting” and are rated for
Fuse type Class L 600Vac. They are intended to be bolted into their mountings and are not
normally used in clips. Some Class L fuses have designed in time-delay
features for all purpose use.
These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V
ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a
minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. They have identical outline
Fuse type Class-R dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection feature which
prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities (lower
interrupting capacity) when used with special Class-R Clips. Class-R fuses
will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips.
A fast acting or dual element time delay fuse. These are high performance
fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current
Limiting” on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting
rating. Class RK1 fuses are more current limiting than Class RK5 fuses.
Fuse type Class RK1
They have identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a
rejection feature which prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser
capabilities (lower interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R
Clips. Class R fuses will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips.
A dual element time delay fuse. These are high performance fuses rated
1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting”
on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. Class
RK5 fuses are less current limiting than Class RK1 fuses. They have
Fuse type Class RK5
identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection
feature which prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities
(lower interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R Clips. Class
R fuses will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips.
An industry class of fuses in 300V and 600V ratings from 1A through
1200A. They are physically very small and can be applied where space is
Fuse type Class T
at a premium. They are fast acting fuses with an interrupting rating of
200kA RMS.
A 58 volt DC ceramic automotive fuses that is designed to mount directly
Fuse type CF8 Battery
on the battery terminal with an associated hex nut.
Fuse type Current Limiting A fuse which will limit both the magnitude and duration of current flow
under short circuit conditions. Current-limiting fuses must have the
following characteristics: 1. Limit peak currents to values less than those
which would occur if the fuses were replaced with solid conductors of the
same impedance. This reduced peak current is referred to as a fuse’s “Peak
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
Let-through Current.” 2. When the fault current exceeds the fuse threshold
current, the fuse must open the circuit in less than 180 electrical degrees
(1/2 cycle) after the start of the fault. 3. Matching fuse holders and/or fuse
blocks must reject non-current limiting fuses and accept only current-
limiting fuses of the stated UL Class.
A fuse with a special design that utilizes two individual elements in series
inside the fuse tube. One element, the spring actuated trigger assembly,
Fuse type Dual Element operates on overloads up to 5-6 times the fuse current rating. The other
element, the short circuit section, operates on short circuits up to their
interrupting rating.
A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuses that is designed to screw in to a
Fuse type Edison Base Plug
socket. The Edison Base style has brass threads and a ceramic body
An overcurrent protective device with a fusible link which melts and
permanently opens the circuit under an overcurrent condition. An
Fuse type Electronic fuse electronic fuse is typically used in circuit board applications where circuit
voltage are at below 300 Volts. It includes cartridge fuses, axial leaded
fuses, radial leaded fuses and surface mount fuses.
A fuse which opens on overload and short circuits very quickly. This type
of fuse is not designed to withstand temporary overload currents
associated with some electrical loads. UL listed or recognized fast acting
fuses would typically open within 5 seconds maximum when subjected to
Fuse type Fast Acting
200% to 250% of its rated current. IEC has two categories of fast acting
fuses: · F = quick acting, opens 10x rated current within 0.001 seconds to
0.01 seconds. · FF = very quickly acting, opens 10x rated current in less
than 0.001 seconds.
A DC rated fuse designed for battery operated lift trucks and other low
Fuse type Fork Lift
voltage battery operated equipment.
An overcurrent protective device with a fusible link which melts and
Fuse type Fuse~ permanently opens the circuit under an overcurrent condition. Designed as
an intentional weak link in an electrical circuit.
The industry has developed basic physical specifications and electrical
performance requirements for fuses with voltage ratings of 600V or less.
Fuse type Fuse Class These are known as standards. If a type of fuse meets the requirements of
a standard, it can fall into that class. Typical classes are K, RK1, RK5, G,
L, H, T, CC, and J.
A special category of electronic fuses designed for use in aircraft, space
High Reliabilty and military application where reliability is critical. High-Rel fuses are
Fuse type
(Hi Rel) subjected to a series or endurance and environmental tests during
production.
Also known as a Semiconductor Fuse or a Rectifier Fuse. An extemely
fast acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional
Fuse type High Speed
time-delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as
possible in the short-circuit range.
A very fast acting, current limiting Class J fuse the offers the low I²t
Fuse type High Speed J
values of a semiconductor fuse.
A glass body, 300 volt AC rated fuse that is designed to protect
Fuse type In Line
flourescent lighting fixtures.
A fuse with a visual or trigger feature that allows for easy identification of
Fuse type Indicating
a blown fuse.
A special purpose fuse which is intended to provide short circuit
Fuse type Limiter
protection only.
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
A special purpose fuse that provides short circuit protection only. Also
Fuse type Limiter Fuse
known as a Back-Up Fuse.
A fuse rated at 600v or less. Many types of low voltage fuses are classified
Low Voltage
Fuse type and identified for use in 125, 250, 300, 480, or 600V circuits.
Fuse
UC/CSA/NOM standards are followed.
Current limiting power fuses having voltage ratings from 0.6kV to
34.38kV. Continuous current ratings range from 0.5 to 1,200 amps. E-
rated medium voltage fuses are general purpose fuses that are primarily
used to protect transformers and provide both current overload and short
circuit protection. R-Rated fuses are back-up fuses primarily used to
Medium Voltage
Fuse type protect motors and motor controllers. They only provide short circuit
Fuse
protection. Other medium voltage fuses are designed to protect potential
transformers, capacitors and distribution transformers. Medium Voltage
fuses are designed in accordance with the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI). Back-up fuses designed in accordance with IEC
Standards are also available.
A radial leaded subminature electronic fuse offered in either a cylindrical
Fuse type Micro
or rectangular body.
A fuse with a voltage rating between 250 and 600 volts and overall
Fuse type Midget fuse
dimensions of 13/32” x 1-1/2”. Also known as a 5AG fuse.
A cartridge electronic fuse commonly available in the 3AG/3AG or 5 x
Fuse type Miniature Fuse
20mm dimensions.
A 1,000 volt AC/DC midget size fuse designed to protect both analog and
Fuse type Multi-Meter
digital multi-meters.
A generic term used to describe a Class H non-renewable cartridge fuse
Fuse type One Time Fuse
with a single element.
Fuse type Pico Fuse An axial leaded subminature electronic fuse.
A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuse that interrupts a minimum of
Fuse type Plug
10,000 amps. Plug fuses are designed to screw into a socket.
A fuse with a voltage rating between 250 and 600 volts and overall
Fuse type Power Fuse
dimensions larger than 13/32” x 1-1/2”.
Fuse type Quick Acting A fast acting fuse under the IEC 60127 Standard.
Also known as a High Speed Fuse or a Semiconductor Fuse. An extemely
fast acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional
Fuse type Rectifier
time-delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as
possible in the short-circuit range.
Rejection Base A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuses that is designed to screw in to a
Fuse type
Plug socket. The Rejection Base style has a ceramic base with rejection threads.
A current-limiting fuse with high interrupting rating and with unique
Fuse type Rejection Fuse
dimensions or mounting provisions.
Fuse type Renewable Fuse A fuse rated at 600V or below in which the element may be replaced after
the fuse has opened and then reused. Renewable fuses are made to Class H
standards.
Littelfuse brand name for a hermetically sealed, encapsulated fuse
Fuse type Safe-T-Plus
designed to operate in potentially explosive environments.
Semiconductor Also known as a High Speed Fuse or a Rectifier Fuse. An extemely fast
Fuse acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional time-
Fuse type
delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as possible
in the short-circuit range.
Fuse type SFE A fast-acting low voltage glass body cartridge fuse. The SFE fuse has a
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
1/4" diameter. The length varies by amperage rating from 5/8' to 1-7/16".
Small Dimension Typically a fuse with a voltage rating of 300V or below designed for
Fuse type
Fuse circuit board applications.
Solar J A 600 volt AC, 1,000 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection
Fuse type of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar J fuse is offerred in the blade
style Class J case sizes.
A fuse designed specifically for the protection of photovoltaic (PV)
Fuse type Solar Fuse
systems.
Solar Midget A 1,000 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection of
Fuse type photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar Midget fuse is offerred in 10 x
38mm case sizes.
Solar R A 600 volt AC, 600 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection
Fuse type of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar R fuse is offerred in Class R case
sizes.
Fuses having dimensions that are smaller than the miniature (3AG/3AB or
Subminiature
Fuse type 5 x 20mm) fuses. Subminature fuses include the 3.6x10mm, 2.3x8mm,
Fuse
Micro, Pico and Surface Mount type fuses.
Supplemental Fuses that can have many voltages and interrupting ratings within the
Fuses same case size. Supplemental fuses can have sizes of 13/32" x1-1/2", 1/4"
Fuse type
x 1-1/4" and 5 x 20mm. Interrupting ratings range from 35 to 100,000
amps.
A fuse constructed in a way that alows it to be soldered directly to the
surface of a printed circuit board. This eliminates the through hole device
Surface Mount
Fuse type requitement to drill holes in the board to solder the leads. It also saves
Fuse
considerable space by utilizing only one side of the board. Surface mount
fuses can be made smaller than their throughhole counterpart.
Fuse type Telepower A DC rated power fuse designed for the telecom industry.
Fuse type Telpower Bussmann brand name for a broad range of telcom industry specific fuses.
A type of surface mount fuse construction where a microscopically thin
layer of conductive metal is deposited on a ceramic or glass substrate
Fuse type Thin Film between the fuse terminals. This metal layer serves as the fuse's melting
element. This construction method allows extremely small fuses (ie. 0.04"
x 0.02") to be manufactured.
Through Hole A fuse constructed with leads that are soldered to the back side of the
Mount Fuse printed circuit board. Installation of a through hole fuse requites drilling
Fuse type
holes in the printed circuit board, inserting the leads in the holes and
soldering the leads on the back side of the board.
Fuse type Time Delay A built-in delay that allows temporary and harmless inrush currents to pass
the fuse or circuit breaker without operating, but is so designed to open on
sustained overloads and short circuits.
Fuse type Time Lag A time delay fuse under the IEC 60127 Standard.
Fuse type Torpedo A torpedo fuse consists of a heat resistant body with the fuse element
stretched over the exterior body of the fuse. This type of fuse was used in
older model cars made in Europe.
Very fast-acting fuses are designed for very fast response to overloads and
short-circuits. They are very current-limiting. The primary use is to protect
solid state electronic components.Their special characteristics, including
Fuse type Very Fast-Acting
quick overload response, very low I²t, Ipeak and peak transient voltages,
provide protection for components that cannot withstand line surges, low
value overloads, or short-circuit currents.
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
Fuse type WER Type A 32 volt DC fuse designed for the telecom industry.
Current limiting medium voltage power fuses that provide overload and
short circuit protection. They are designed to withstand the large
magnetizing inrush that occurs during transformer start-up. Voltage ratings
range from 2.75kV to 38kV and continuous current ratings from 5E to
Fuse type E-Rated Fuse 450E amps. Interrupting ratings range from 50 to 65 kA. E-Rated fuse are
UL Listed and operated per ANSI C37.46-2000. Current ratings of 100E
amps or less must melt in 300 seconds at 200 to 240% of the E (ampere)
rating. Fuses with current ratings over 100E amps must melt in 600
seconds at 220 to 264% of the E (ampere) rating.
R-Rated fuses are current limiting back-up fuses which are designed to
provide short circuit protection only for medium voltage starters and
motors. They are not designed to protect against long term current
overloads. R-rated fuses must be applied in series with other devices such
Fuse type R-Rated Fuse
as motor overload relays to provide the overload protection for the circuit.
An R-rated fuse will safely interrupt any current between its minimum
interrupting rating and its maximum interrupting rating. R-Rated fuses
follow ANSI and UL Standards.
A Potential Transformer (PT) fuse is a special purpose fuse designed to
protect Potential Transformers. Potential Transformers require current
limiting fuses on the primary connection side. Voltage ratings range from
Fuse type PT Fuse
2.4kV to 36 kV. Since the power requirements are low for relays, meters,
etc., PT fuses have current ratings ranging from 1/2 to 5 amps. Physical
sizes may vary among manufacturers.
Capacitor fuses are current limiting with high interrupting ratings and
provide both short circuit and overload protection. A capacitor fuse is
designed to isolate a shorted capacitor before the capacitor can damage
surrounding equipment or personnel. They are designed to protect against
Fuse type Capacitor Fuse capacitor case rupture or dielectric failure within the capacitor. They can
be used indoors in a general purpose enclosure or outdoors in a
weatherproof enclosure. Capacitor fuses are non-disconnecting and require
the use of a disconnect switch. They are designed in accordance with
ANSI C37-41.
Distribution Transformer Fuses are back-up current limiting fuses
designed to protect distribution transformers. A back-up current limiting
Distribution fuse is a fuse that can interrupt any current between its rated minimum
Fuse type
Transformer Fuse interrupting current and its maximum interrupting current. Back-up fuses
are not designed to open under overload conditions. They are used in
series with another protective devise such as an expulsion fuse.
IEC Standard Fuses are medium voltage back-up fuse links made in
accordance with IEC Standards. Back-up fuse links have a rated minimum
breaking capacity (below I3). Their operating range is between their
IEC Standard minimum interrupting rating (I3) and their maximum interrupting rating
Fuse type
Back-Up Fuse (I1). If protection is required below I3, additional protection is required.
These fuses conform to IEC 60-28201 which is identical to German
standard VDE 0670T4. Fuses that conform to DIN 43 625 are also
available.
A current limiting medium voltage fuse capable of interrupting all currents
from the maximum rated interrupting current down to the current that
General Purpose
Fuse type causes melting of the fusible element in one hour. Not all currents fall
Fuse
within this range. It is possible to receive an overcurrent lower than the
value given by this one hour criterion.
CATEGORY TERM DEFINITION
A current limiting medium voltage fuse capable of interrupting all currents
from the maximum rated interrupting current down to the minimum
continuous current that causes melting of the fusible element(s) when the
Fuse type Full Range Fuse
fuse is applied at the maximum ambient temperature specified by the
manufacturer. This type of fuse is able to interrupt any normal 60 cycle
current that will melt its element.
A special purpose current limiting fuse that provides short circuit
protection only. They are used in conjunction with high voltage motor
starters to provide short circuit protection for individual motors. An
example would be R-rated fuses that are designed to withstand frequent
Fuse type Back Up Fuse
severe heating and cooling cycles associated with motor starting duties
without fatigue failures and are always used in a series with another
interrupting device capable of interrupting currents below the fuse’s
minimum interrupting current. Also known as a Limiter Fuse.
These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V
ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a
minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. They have identical outline
Fuse type Class R dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection feature which
prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities (lower
interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R Clips. Class R fuses
will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips.

Fuse Classes. How to Choose Correctly?

Choosing the right size, right type fuse with the correct voltage and current ratings is one of the most
important aspects of system sizing. This short article is a summary of fuse types, ratings, and characteristics.

One of the most important aspects of electrical wiring of photovoltaic systems is fusing.  Fuses provide
integral protection against overcurrents that could otherwise damage your valuable PV equipment.
Furthermore, using an incorrect fuse can be extremely hazardous! 

When sizing the fuse, the most common calculation method is to multiply the continous load/feed current of
a branch by 1.25, and using the closest rated fuse that is greater than your result. However, there are
exceptions to this calculation method.

We have observed that a very common mistake is to use a fuse that is rated for 600 VAC on a DC
disconnect that is rated for 600 VDC. At first sight, the cable size, the current rating may seem correct,
however, the voltage rating (a small description on the fuse) is even more important than the current rating
in some circumstances. AC rated fuses SHOULD NOT be used in DC voltage circuits unless DC application
ratings are provided by the fuse manufacturer.

The characteristics and certification of the fuses are usually defined on the fuse label. UL and CSA are the
most common fuse certifications used in North America. The fuse label may provide information on the
applicable AC or DC voltage, the maximum current rating and other information such as “interrupting
rating”, “current limiting”, “time-delay” and “fast-acting”. The definitions of these specifications are
explained below. 

Please refer to NEC code Article 240 Overcurrent Protection when sizing the fuses for your application.

 Interrupting rating: Interrupting rating is the current that a fuse, circuit breaker, or other electrical apparatus
is able to interrupt without being destroyed or causing an electric arc with unacceptable duration.
 Current limiting: A current-limiting device is one that reduces the peak let-thru current to a value
substantially less than the potential peak current that would occur if the current-limiting device were not
used.
 Time-delay: A fuse in which the burnout action depends on the time it takes for the overcurrent heat to build
up in the fuse and melt the fuse element.
 Fast-acting: A fuse that opens on overload and short-circuits very quickly. Fast-acting fuse is not designed to
withstand temporary overload currents associated with some electrical loads.

Max.
ACVoltage UL
Fuse Type Current Classification General Use
Rating Notes
Rating

-Non- Service switches, Switchboard mains and feeders, Bolted

renewable, pressure contact switches, Motor control center mains,
600 VAC UL
601- -Current- Large motor branch circuits, UL Listed series-rated
Class L DC 248-
6000A limiting, protection for molded case circuit breaker, panelboards
Optional 10
-Bolt-in and loadcenters, Primary and secondary protection for
-Time-delay transformers, Protection of power circuit breakers

All general purpose circuits, Motors, Transformers,

Class RK1 600A Solenoids, Fluorescent lighting, All system components
250/600 -Non-
UL
VAC, renewable with high in-rush currents
-Current 248-
DC DC circuits, All general purpose circuits, Motors, 12
Optional limiting
Class RK5 600A -Time-delay Transformers, Solenoids, Fluorescent lighting, All system
components with high in-rush currents
 600 VAC,
-Non- UL
Class C 1200A DC renewable   248-2
Optional -Time-delay
CCMR series fuses are specifically designed to withstand
-Non-
600 VAC, sustained starting currents of small motors, Provide
Class CC renewable UL
30A DC -Current short-circuit protection for motor branch circuits, Use
(Midget) 248-4
Optional limiting with IEC- and NEMA-rated motor controllers and
-Fast-acting contactors, General purpose circuits up to 60 amp

Class T fuses can be used in applications that require

fastacting protection, such as equipment containing
-Non- variable speed drives, rectifiers, and other surge-
300/600
renewable sensitive components. Main switches containing Class T UL
VAC,
Class T 1200A -Current fuses may be used to provide protection to individual 248-
DC
limiting electric services and meter stacks. Molded case circuit 15
Optional
-Fast-acting breaker load centers and Panelboards also will have
increased interrupting ratings when “series rated” with
Class T fuses.

-Non-
480/600
renewable
21A / VAC, UL
Class G -Current  
60A DC 248-5
limiting
Optional
-Time-delay

-Non-
renewable
Class H UL
-Current
(Renewable) 248-7
limiting Circuits having relatively low levels of available short
250/600 -Fast acting circuit current, Industrial and commercial applications
600A VAC,
DC having frequent outages where a renewable type fuse is
-Non-
Optional desired
renewable
Class H (Non- UL
-Current
Renewable) 248-6
limiting
-Time-delay

Fused combination motor controllers to provide IEC

-Non- Type 2 (“No Damage”) motor branch circuit short-circuit
600VAC, renewable and ground fault protection, Motor control centers,
UL
Class J 600A DC -Current Transformer protection, Protection for UL Listed series
248-8
Optional limiting rated molded case circuit breaker panels, General
-Fast acting purpose circuits — mains, feeders and branch circuits —
especially when space is limited

-Non-
250/600
renewable
VAC, UL
Class K 600A -Current  
DC 249-9
limiting
Optional
-Fast acting
Electric Fuse Types

In 1847 French physicist and watch maker Louis François Clément Breguet recommended a reduced strip conductor to
protect telegraph station from lightning strikes. He thought by melting smaller wires would protect the apparatus and wiring
inside the building. By 1864 a variety of wires and foil fusible apparatus were used for the purpose of protection
of telegraph cables and lighting systems. In 1890 Thomas Alva Edison patented a fuse as a part of his electrical distribution
system. Electrical fuses are sacrificial elements in an electrical circuit which protect the system from over current. Fuses are
designated to open circuit during an occurrence of excessive current due to the presence of an overload or fault and prevent
the further damage of the system.
Various components of a fuse are: melt fuse element, set of contacts and supporting body. Fuse element are generally made
of materials with low melting point, high conductivity and less deterioration due to oxidation. They are inserted in series
with the circuit to be protected. Under normal operating conditions the fuse element in kept at a temperature below its
melting point so that it carries normal current without overheating. During the occurrence of short circuit or overload, the
current in the fuse element increases beyond the rated value. This raises the temperature leading to melting of fuse element
thus disconnecting the circuit protected by it.  The magnitude of the over current decides the time required for the blow out
of the fuse. Greater the current, smaller the time required for the fuse to blow out or it can be said that fuse has an inverse
time-current characteristics.

Figure1: Time-Current Characteristics of Different Fuses

Desirable Characters of Fuse Elements

The function of the fuse is to carry normal current without interruption and during an over current situation it rapidly heats
up to melting point and isolates the circuit protected by it. For the satisfactory performance of the fuse, the following
desired characters of the fuse element is necessary.

 Low melting point, eg. Tin, Lead

 High conductivity, eg. copper, Silver
 Free from deterioration due to oxidation, eg. Silver
 Low cost, eg. Tin, Lead, Copper

No material has all the desired characters in common so compromise must be made in the selection of fuse elements. 

Materials for Fuse Elements

The commonly used materials for fuse elements are Tin, Lead, Copper, Zinc and Silver etc. For currents up to 10A Tin or
and alloy of Tin and Lead (63% Tin and 37% Lead) is used. For higher voltages copper or silver is used. Copper is usually
tinned to prevent it from oxidation. Zinc strips are used when a considerable time-lag is required as it does not melt quickly
for small overloads.

Nowadays despite of its high cost silver is used for the following reasons.

 High conductivity. So for a given rating of the fuse element, the mass of silver metal required is much less than
other elements.
 Free from oxidation
 Silver does not deteriorate when used in dry air.
  The coefficient of expansion of copper is very low so it can carry the rated current continuously for a long time
without interruption.
 Silver vaporises at a temperature much lower than the one at which its vapour will rapidly ionise. So when an arc
is formed through the vaporised portion of the element, the arc path has high resistance so that the short circuit
current is quickly interrupted.
 The resistance of silver increases abruptly as the melting temperature is reached, making the transition from
melting to vaporisation occurs instantaneously.

Important Terms

Current rating of fuse element

It is the current which the fuse element can carry without overheating or melting. It depends on the temperature rise in the
contacts of the fuse holder, fuse material and the surrounding of the fuse.

Fuse Current

It is the minimum current at which the fuse element melts. Its value will be higher than the current rating of the fuse
element.

For a round wire the approximate relationship between the fuse current I and the diameter d of the wire is given by

I = kd3/2

k is a constant called the fuse contact. The value of k depends on the material used for making fuse element.

The value of k for various elements as found by Sir William Henry Preece is given below 

Value of k
Sl. No. Material
d in cm  d in mm

1 Copper 2530 80

2 Aluminium 1873 59

3 Tin 405.5 12.8

4 Lead 340.6 10.8

Table1: Value of k for different elements

 The fusing current depends on various factors such as:

 Material of the fuse element

 Length: smaller the length greater the current because a short fuse can conduct away all the heat
 Diameter
 Size and location of the terminals
 Previous history
 Type of enclosure used

Fusing factor 

It is the ration of fusing current to the current rating of the fuse element.

Fusing Factor = Fuse current/Current rating of fuse

The value of fusing factor is always greater than 1. The small the value of fusing factor, greater is the chance of
deterioration of fusing element due to overheating and oxidation. For a semi enclosed or rewirable fuse which employ
copper as the fuse element, the value of fuse factor is usually 2. Lower values of fusing factor can be employed for enclosed
type cartridge fuse which uses silver or bimetallic elements.

Figure 2. AC Current Cut-off by Fuse

Prospective Current 

From Figure 2 the fault current would normally have a large first loop but it generate sufficient energy to melt the fuse
element before the peak value of the first loop is reached. The rms value of the first loop of fault current is known as
prospective current. Prospective current is defined as the rms value of first loop of fault current is the fuse is replaced by an
ordinary conductor of negligible resistance.

Cut-Off Current

It is the maximum value of fault current reached when the fuse melts. The current corresponding to the point ‘a’ is called
cut-off current. The cut-off value depends on

 Current rating of the fuse

 Value of prospective current
 Asymmetry of the fault current

Pre-arcing Time

It is the time between commencement of the fault current and the instant when cut-off occurs. When a fault occurs, the fault
current rises rapidly and as the fault current reaches a cut-off value the fuse melts and an arc is initiated. The time between
the occurrence of the fault and the instant the arc is initiated is called the pre-arcing time. The value of pre-arcing time is
generally small and a typical value is 0.001 second.

Arcing Time

The time between the pre-arcing time and the instant at which the arc is extinguished.
Total Operating Time 

The sum of pre-arcing and arcing times. It may be noted that the operating time of a fuse (0.002seonds) is much lower than
that of a circuit breaker (0.2 seconds). A fuse in series with a circuit breaker of low breaking capacity is useful and
economical way of providing adequate short circuit protection. In that case the fuse will blow fast even before the circuit
breaker begins to operate.

Breaking Capacity 

It is the rms value of the AC component of maximum prospective current that a fuse can deal with at a rated service voltage.

Types of Fuses

Since its invention, a lot of improvements have been made and now a variety of fuses are available. Some fuses even have
arrangements to extinguish the arc that appears when the fuel element melts. Fuses are generally classified into two:

 Low voltage fuses

 High voltage fuses

Low Voltage Fuses

Low Voltage Fuses are of two types

 Semi Enclosed Rewirable Fuse

 High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) Cartridge Fuses

Semi Enclosed Rewirable Fuse

Rewirable fuses also known as kit-kat type fuses are used to interrupt fault currents of lower magnitude. It consists of two
parts: a base and a fuse carrier. The base is made of porcelain and carrier the fixed contacts to which the incoming and
outgoing phase wires are connected. The fuse carrier is also made of porcelain and fuse elements between the terminals. The
fuse carrier can be inserted or removed at any time.

Figure 3: Semi Enclosed Rewirable Fuses

When a fault occurs the fuse element is blown out and the circuit is interrupted. The fuse carrier can be taken out and the
blown out fuse element can be replaced by a new one. It is then inserted to the base to restore the supply.
Advantages:

 Detachable fuse carrier permits the replacement of fuse element without coming in contact with live parts.
 Cost of replacement is negligible.

Disadvantages:

 Possibility of renewal with fuse wire of wrong size and improper material.
 Low breaking capacity, so cannot be used in circuits with higher fault current levels.
 The fuse element is subjected to deterioration by oxidation through the continuous heating up of the element.
This reduces the current rating of the fuse.  Thus the fuse operates at a current lower than the rated value.
 Uncertainty in the protective capacity of the fuse since it is affected by ambient conditions.
 Accurate calibration of the fuse is not possible as the fusing current depends on the length of the fusing element.

Semi enclosed rewirable fuses have capacity up to 500A but their breaking capacity is much lower so their use is limited to
domestic and lighting applications only.

High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) Cartridge Fuse

The shortcomings of uncertain and low breaking capacity of semi enclosed rewirable fuse are overcome in HRC cartridge
fuse. It consist of a heat resisting ceramic body with metal end caps to which is welded silver current carrying element. The
space surrounding the element is completely packed with a filling powder. The filling powder can be of chalk, plaster of
paris, quartz or marble dust and act as an arc quenching and cooling medium.

Figue 4: Parts of a typical HRC Fuse

 
 Figure 5: HRC Fuses

The HRC cartridge fuse carried the normal current without overheating. During the occurrence of a fault, the current
increases and the fuse element melts before the fault current reaches its first peak. The heat produced in the process
vaporises the melted silver element. The chemical reaction between the silver vapours and the filling powder results in a
high resistance substance that helps in quenching the arc.

Advantages

 Capable of clearing high as well as low fault currents

 Does not deteriorate with age
 High speed of operation
 Provide reliable discrimination
 Require no maintenance
 Cheaper than other circuit interrupting devices of equal breaking capacity

Disadvantages

 Must be replaced after operation

 Heat produced by the arc may affect the associated switches

High Rupturing Capacity Fuse with Tripping device

In some case, the HRC fuse is provided with a tripping device.  During the occurrence of a fault the fuse is blown out and
the tripping device causes the circuit breaker to operate. The body of the fuse is made of a ceramic material with a metal cap
attached rigidly to both ends. The caps are connected by a number of silver fuse elements. At one end of the fuse there is a
plunger.  Under fault condition it hits the tripping mechanism of the circuit breaker and causes it to operate. The plunger is
electrically connected by means of a fusible link, chemical charge and a tungsten wire to the other end of the cap.

Figure 6: HRC Fuse with Trigger Mechanism

When fault occurs, the silver fuse elements are the first to be blown out and the current is then transferred to the tungsten
wire. The weak link in series with the tungsten wire gets fused and causes the chemical charge to be detonated. This forces
the plunger to move outward to operate the circuit breaker. The travel of the plunger is so set that it is not ejected from the
fuse body under the fault conditions.
Advantages over the fuse without triggering device

 In case of a single phase fault on a three phase system, the plunger operates the tripping mechanism of circuit
breaker to open all the three phase and thus prevents ‘single phasing’
 The effect of full short circuiting need not be considered in the choice of circuit breaker. This prevents from the
use of expensive circuit breakers
 The fuse tripped circuit breaker is generally capable of dealing with fairly small fault current itself. This avoids the
necessity for replacing the fuse except after highest currents fir which it is intended

High Voltage fuses

Due to the fact that the low voltage fuses has low current rating and breaking capacity they cannot be used for modern high
voltage systems. With the advancement in technology researches found a way to protect the high voltage circuits; the high
voltage fuses.

Figure 7: High Voltage Fuses

Some of the high voltage fuses are:

Cartridge type fuses

The construction of high voltage cartridge fuse is similar to that of a low voltage cartridge fuse except that special features
are incorporated in the former. On some design the fuse element is wound in the form of a helix so as to avoid the effects
due to corona at high voltages. In another design, there are two fuse elements in parallel, one low resistance (silver wire)
and one high resistance (tungsten wire). Under normal operating conditions the low resistance element carries the normal
current. During the occurrence of a fault the low resistance element is blown out and the high resistance element reduces the
short circuit current and finally breaks the circuit. High voltage cartridge fuses are used up to 33kv with breaking capacity
of about 8700A. Ratings in the order of 200A at 6.6kv and 11kV and 50A at 33kV are also available.

Liquid type fuses

These fuses are filled with carbon tetrachloride and they have wide range of application in high voltage systems. They may
be used in circuits with 100A rated current in 132kV system. The breaking capacity is of the order of 6100A. It consists of a
glass tube filled with carbon tetrachloride solution with both ends sealed with brass caps. The fuse wire is sealed at one end
of the tube and the other end is held strongly by a phosphor bronze spiral spring fixed at one end of the glass tube.
 

                                            

Figure 8: Parts of High Voltage Liquid fuse Fuse

   

                Figure 9: High Voltage Liquid Fuse                

Fig 8 shows the essential parts of a liquid fuse. When the current exceeds the predetermined limit the fuse wire is blown out.
As the fuse wire melts the spring retracts the part of the wire through liquid director and draws it completely into the liquid.
The small quantity of gas generated at the point of fusion forces part of the liquid into the passage through liquid director
and it effectively extinguish the arc.

Metal clad fuses

Metal clad oil immersed fuses were developed as a substitute for oil circuit breakers. They operate satisfactorily under fault
conditions in high voltage circuits.

Other Types of Fuses

Resettable Fuses

Self-resetting fuses are Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient(PPTC) thermistor which uses thermoplastic conductive
element. It breaks the circuit as it increases device resistance during an over current condition. When the fault current is
cleared the device then cools and return to lower resistance or in other words PPTC thermistor is self resetting. They are
ofthen used in nuclear or aerospace applications where the replacement of the fuse is difficult. They are also used in
computer mother boards so that any short circuit in keyboard or mouse does not damage the mother board. 
Figure 10: Resettable Fuses
 Thermal Fuses

They are single operation devices that work mainly as temperature sensitive protective device. Their reduced size and cost
effectiveness make them useful as a protective device in systems where thermal variations are experienced during ordinary
working conditions. The thermal fuse consists of a contact spring which is enclosed into a wax pellet. The pellet is
constructed to melt at a set temperature. When the wax get heated it melts and the spring get stretched till it open the circuit.
Another type of thermal fuse uses a specially composed solder that melts at a predetermined temperature. Thermal fuses are
also called thermal links or thermal cutouts. A thermal fuse can be found in consumer equipment such as water heaters, hair
dryers or small transformer poweredelectronics equipments.

Figure 11: Thermal Fuses

Surface Mount fuses

Fast Acting Chip Fuses

They are mainly used in DC power applications where quick clear is required during an over current condition. Reduce
in fuse aging, improve reliability and resilience and enhance high temperature performance are the main highlights.

High Current Rated Fuses

They are used when high current is required and space is critical. Due to their high reliability and strong arc suppression
property they are used for over current protection in power supplies servers, communication equipment etc.
 Figure 12: High Current Rated Fuses

Slow Blow Chip Fuses

They are used to protect from damages caused by over current on systems that experience large and frequent surges as part
of their normal operation.

Telecom Fuses

Telecom fuse offers low temperature rise performance under sneak current fault to prevent damages to circuit trace or
multilayer board. The low profile and small footprint make them suitable for high density and space constraint applications.
 Figure 13: Telecom Fuses

Pulse Tolerant Chip Fuses

They provide over current protection to systems using DC power up to 63V. The monolithic, multilayer design provides the
highest hold current in the smallest foot print, reduces diffusion related aging, improve product reliability and resilience and
high temperature performance in a wide range of circuit design.

Very Fast Acting Chip Fuses

Very fact acting at 200% and 300% overloads. Provides Over current protection to systems using DC power up to 63V

Automotive Fuses

They are used to protect the wiring and equipment in vehicles. Automotive fuses can be mounted in fuse block, inline fuse
holders or fuse chips. Some automotive fuses are also used in non-automotive applications. Standards for automotive fuses
are published by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. Automotive fuses are classified into Blade fuses,
Class tube or Bosch type, Fusible links and Fuse limiters. Most automotive fuses rated 32V are used on circuits rated 24V
DC and below. Certain vehicles use dual 12/24V DC electrical system will require fuse rated at 58V DC.

Figure 14: Automotive Fuses

Coordination of Fuses in Series

Several fuses are connected in series at various levels of a power distribution system so that only the fuse electrically closest
to the fault is blown out. This process is called coordination or discrimination and may require the time current
characteristics of two fuses plotted on a common current basis. Fuses are selected so that the minor branch fuse disconnects
its circuit before the supplying major branch fuse starts to melt.  So only the fault circuit is interrupted with minimum
disturbance to other circuit fed by a common supplying fuse.

Fuse Law

The current carrying capacity of a fuse depends on the material used, the cross sectional area, length of the
element, the state of the surface and the surrounding of the fuse.

Heat produced per second = Heat lost due to conduction, convection and radiation
Where d is the diameter, l is the length and a is the area of cross section of the fuse element

This is the fuse law.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fuse

Advantages

 Cheapest form of protective device

 No maintenance required
 Operation is automatic unlike circuit breakers which require various other devices. to initiating automatic action
 Breaks heavy short circuit current without noise or smoke
 Smaller size of fuse element can limit large short circuit currents
 Minimum time of operation can be made much smaller than the circuit breaker

Disadvantages

 Time loss in rewiring or replacing fuse

 During heavy short circuits, discrimination between fuses in series cannot be obtained unless there is a size
difference between the fuses
 The time-current characteristics of the fuse cannot always be co-related to that of the protected apparatus.