Whatever the system—whether it is a small household appliance or a huge industrial power network—protection is always of primary importance. One of the oldest but still most dependable is the electrical fuse, and even now that various makegears and electronic relays have been developed for protection and control, fuses are still widely used because, though in some ways primitive, they are stable, predictable, and not expensive.
What Is an Electrical Fuse?
In simple words an electrical fuse is a sacrificial protection device to protect circuits from overcurrent. This element is made from a metal, and is enclosed in a body usually made of ceramic, glass, or some other insulating medium. A fuse operates by melting the metal if the current exceeds the rated limit, thus breaking the circuit. The fuse, in fact, “gives up the ghost” in an attempt to save the rest of the system, and fuse types include: fast-acting (single melts immediately on overload), time delay (for instance motor starting surging), ceramic (where extreme temperature or other conditions are met), lowvoltage (general commercial or home use), and high voltage (for transformers, switchgear, substations, and so on). As different applications require different characteristics in a fuse, it is incumbent upon the operator to choose wisely in order to protect both of himself and the equipment. How an Electrical Fuse Works? In general the working principle is basedHeat is caused when current passes through the element of a fuse. Under ordinary, rated operating current, it becomes sufficiently hot to warm up the element, but not to melt the wire inside it. If there is an overload or a short circuit, the current increases and the heat rises rapidly.
If the element is hot enough to rise above its melting temperature, the metal wire inside melts and releases its connection. This is effective to prevent:
Overheating of the wire
Burning of expensive machinery (!)
Electrical fires
Catastrophic failure of transformers, contactors, motors, power semiconductors.
- Where are Electrical Fuses Used
Simply put, Electrical Fuses are used everywhere. They are found in:·
Industrial Machinery
Power Distribution and Substations
Transformers and Switchgear
Motors and Contactor Protection
Automotive (Cars, Trucks, Cars, and EVs)
Solar PV, Storage-system Power Electronics (Power Electronics such as SiC devices)
A different application requires a different fuse rating and a different physical size, which is why suppliers and manufacturers have to carry a complete range. - Choosing the Right Electrical Fuse
There are several factors you need to take care that determine the SUPERIOR fuse for your application and why the fuse you have in your hand is not suitable for a different application: - Fuses in a given application must be rated for the same voltage
- Must be of the right current rating
- Must have adequate breaking capacity (that relates to the size of the fuse if small)
- Needs to have certain type of time delay; if applicable.·
- The ambient conditions are relevant; the temperature, vibration, humidity etc., in which the fuse is to be used is also a factor
- The size and mounting method of the fuse also is to be considered.
A fuse that is too big will fail to provide the protection you want and a fuse that is too small will open relatively frequently. Correct selection is important to proper protection of the device and efficiency of the whole system.6. Why Global Customers Buy Fuses from China
China is one of the world’s major suppliers of:
Low voltage electrical fuses
High voltage fuse links and cutouts
Automotive fuses
Industrial ceramic fuses
OEM contactors and protection devices
Chinese manufacturers provide stable quality, competitive pricing, and flexible OEM/ODM service to help the distributor, wholesaler and brand owner grow their own local business.
