Fuse Protection in Industrial Automation Systems

Fuse Protection In Industrial Automation
Automation of industrial control making demands of the electrical circuit so as to work reliably and safely. One of the simplest and safest means of achieving that protection is fuse protection.
Fuse Protection For The Purpose Of Over Current Protection In Industrial Auttomatic Applications
Fuses are not big, yolk thing, but they are very pertinent things which are designed to stop the other devices, and circuits from carrying too big a current, and save economic loss from the effects on shorts and overloads. This article covers the outstanding features about fuse protection, and creates a guide to the subject of most importance ie regarding the choosing fuses, and using a proper fuse. Here is what you should know regarding fuse protection.Fuse Protection
In Industrial Automation
The machines concerned in industrial automation include some rather complicated ones, plus powerful electrical devices, and drives for machines. Such potent systems face faults of a certain sort shorts, or perhaps, component overload failure, and such lead not only to danger to personnel, but to economic loss due to destruction of expensive equipment, and the problem of down time.The fuse is intended as a logic barrier to permit ofBy blowing away wire, and carrying off the hot spot thus produced, leaving you free from overloads or shorts, which if allowed to persist, might not only ruin the component, but which could carry the fault throughout to the system. Programmable logic controllers, sensors and actuators, drives, and similar paraphernalia alike are systems and devices which might all too easily be permitted to enter into a permanent condition by overcurrent, and all of our industrial automation hardware must be well protected or disastrous consequence would follow.
HINTS
Types of fuses used in industrial applications. There are a number of generic kinds of fuses; in fact there are literally dozens of different fuses available, and arrangements made with them in order to protect any given application.
Cartridge fuses. Because the high interrupting ratings thus available and the general compactness, the cartridge fuse should be employed on distribution systems where the fault current may be of a high order. Also by virtue of the dimensions, general location in power distribution panels, etc., etc. This type of fuse is extensively used in motor protection circuits. Many sizes and ratings available.
Blade fuses. Used in general low voltage circuits such as control panels and in machinery, if the current capacity is small enough to permit this type of use. Convenient to install.
High voltage fuses. Those of indisputably special construction for the application of high voltage industrial protection. Transformers, capacitors, etc.under excessively rough conditions. Fusing is really a separate art in itself, and a special profession has grown up to cater for the needs of fusing in these cases.
For Murphy’s Law, short time or overcurrent, we know that there are cases where this condition can prevail without any damage or hazard; that is, motors in starting are for a short time (generally) subject to higher currents than normal, immediately upon closing the starting switch. The surge resulting from starting the action of the motor is allowable for a short period before it acts on the fuse-link and causes it to blow. If there is mere overcurrent, however, it is for too long a time limit, and the fuse is still effective and blows.
Fuse Links. These, quite generally, are concerned with compactness of design and also for quick response times.
Industrial Equipment and in particular certain electronic.
How Do You Select the Right Fuse for Industrial Automation Systems?
It is crucial to get a fuse that is “just right” for the application. Underrated, and it may blow for inrush currents in a drive; over rated, and it will not give adequate protection.
“Hatch” this Fuse? Ducks might need to lay some eggs first!
Use these characteristics to select your fuse:
Current rating—select one that’s rated for the circuit’s load current. Voltage rating—this has to be selected for at least the maximum voltage.Interrupting rating—the maximum fault current that the fuse can interrupt without itself being destroyed.
Speed of operation–is that fuse inserted in a circuit with transients? If sensitive electronics are in use a fuse that’s too slow in operating in case of a short circuit might be disastrous.
Environment — how corrosion resistant is the fuse? Harsh environments, humid conditions, extreme temperatures and so forth.
Physical size of the fuse should be considered.
Best Practices for Fuse Protection in Industrial Automation
How do you maximize fuse protection so that it provides optimum usability? Here are a few suggestions:
Regular Maintenance and Testing
Fuses must be checked periodically for the condition of the fuse. “Once in a while”” Maintenance checks to ensure that they’re functioning correctly, looking for signs of wear, and checking ratings against the current requirements. Periodic testing is wise and worthwhile to get ahead of any problems.
Be Sure to Install Correctly
Also, be sure to always install fuses coming correctly rated for the application (be sure to always check), and the correct voltage rating and current rating and avoid incorrect installation. This alone has be known to bring about failure! And leave the system unprotected!
Avoid Overloading
This is probably the best known item with regard to this sort of thing. It is beneficial to know the load characteristics of that part of the system, and make fuse selection remembering those characteristics.
Use of Dual Protection
In some ‘heavy duty’ applications, you may see that using both fuses and circuitbreakers called for use, provides best of both worlds, dual protection. Fuses are of the one-time, throw-away type of protection. Somewhere² 2 breakers would be more appropriate, especially for circuits that are sometimes troubled with temporary overloads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fuse protection is obviously important as it protects industrial automation systems. By matching the fuses to current, voltage, and interrupting rating, not to mention environmental fit, costly damage to equipment can be avoided, and also providing with as long and happy use of the circuits, as possible. Motors, control circuits, power supplies, fuseage is a must! By properly selecting your fuse protection you can be assured! Of optimum up-time, and safe, and saving big bucks!