What is Fuses

Abstract

A fuse is a device that protects a circuit from an over current condition only. It has a fusible link directly heated and destroyed by the current passing through it. A fuse contains a current-carrying element sized so that the heat generated by the flow of normal current through it does not cause it to melt the element; however, when an over current or short-circuit current flows through the fuse, the fusible link will melt and open the circuit. • A device that protects a circuit by fusing opens its current-responsive element when an over-current passes through it. An over-current is either due to an overload or a short circuit condition. • The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) classifies fuses by letters e.g. class CC, T, K, G, J, L, R, and so forth. The class letter may designate interrupting rating, physical dimensions, and degree of current limitation. • As per NEC and ANSI/IEEE standard 242 [2]-A current limiting fuse is a fuse that will interrupt all available currents above its threshold current and below its maximum interrupting rating, limit the clearing time at rated voltage to an interval equal to or less than the first major or symmetrical loop duration, and limit peak let-through current to a value less than the peak that would be possible with the fuse replaced by a solid conductor of the same impedance. Fuse Construction: • The typical fuse consists of an element which is surrounded by filler and enclosed by the fuse body. The element is welded or soldered to the fuse contacts (blades or ferrules). • The element is a calibrated conductor. Its configuration, mass and the materials employed are selected to achieve the desired electrical and thermal characteristics. • The element provides the current path through the fuse. It generates heat at a rate dependent on its resistance and the load current. • The heat generated by the element is absorbed by the filler and passed through the fuse body to the surrounding air. The filler material, such as quartz sand, provides effective heat transfer and allows for the small element cross-section typical in modern fuses. • The effective heat transfer allows the fuse to carry harmless overloads .The small element cross section melts quickly under short-circuit conditions. The filler also aids fuse performance by absorbing arc energy when the fuse clears an overload or short circuit. • When a sustained overload occurs, the element will generate heat at a faster rate than the heat can be passed to the filler. If the overload persists, the element will reach its melting point and open. Increasing the applied current will heat the element faster and cause the fuse to open sooner. Thus, fuses have an inverse time current characteristic: that is, the greater the over current, the less time required for the fuse to open the circuit. • This characteristic is desirable because it parallels the characteristics of conductors, motors, transformers, and other electrical apparatus. These components can carry low-level overloads for relatively long periods without damage. However, under high-current conditions, damage can occur quickly. Because of its inverse time current characteristic, a properly applied fuse can provide effective protection over a broad current range, from low-level overloads to high-level short circuits. Commonly used terms for Fuse • I2t (Ampere Square second): A measure of the thermal energy associated with current flow.I2t is equal to (I RMS) 2 X t, where is the duration of current flow in seconds. A measure of thermal energy associated with current flow. It can be expressed as melting I2t, arcing I2t or the sum of them as Clearing I2t. Clearing I2t is the total I2t passed by a fuse as the fuse clears a fault, with t being equal to the time elapsed from the initiation of the fault to the instant the fault has been cleared. Melting I2t is the minimum I2t required to melt the fuse element • Interrupting Rating (Abbreviated I.R.)Same as breaking capacity or short circuit rating. The maximum current a fuse can safely interrupt at rated voltage. Some special purpose fuses may also have a "Minimum Interrupting Rating". This defines the minimum current that a fuse can safely interrupt. Safe operation requires that the fuse remain intact. Interrupting ratings may vary with fuse design and range from 35 amperes AC for some 250V metric size (5 x 20mm) fuses up to 200,000 amperes AC for the 600V industrial fuses (for example, ATDR series).