Different Types Of Electrical Fuses and Its Applications

 

What Is A Fuse?

A fuse is an electrical device used in an electrical circuit to protect electrical equipment against short circuits when the current exceeds its power supply limit.  

A fuse consists of a thin strip of metal wire (fuse wire) that melts and breaks the circuit when too much current flows through it. 

Types Of Fuses 

The two main types are AC type and DC type Fuse. These two are further categorized into various types. 

AC Fuses 

These have a relatively more uncomplicated construction than the DC type and are smaller in size. They have an oscillation of approximately 50 to 60 times in each second from least to highest. 

AC Fuses are further classified into LV and HV fuses. 

LV Fuse

LV indicates a low voltage fuse. These have voltage ratings of less than or equal to 1500V. 

These fuses are divided into:

• Rewirable Fuse

• Cartridge Fuse

• Drop out 

• Striker 

• Switch Fuse

HV Fuse

HV indicates a high voltage fuse. These are used to protect transformers, either small power transformers or instrument transformers, where circuit breakers might not guarantee the protection. 

The voltage rating in this one is above 1500V and up to 138000 V. 

The fuse element is fabricated of either copper or silver for reliable and efficient performance. 

These are further categorized into:

• Cartridge Type HRC Fuse

• Liquid Type HRC Fuse

• Expulsion HV Types of Fuses

DC Fuses 

A DC type fuse is bigger in size than an AC type. The no-zero current flow in a DC type makes it difficult to deactivate the circuit. 

Since DC is a constant value and is always above 0V, there is a chance of an electric arc between the melted wires, which is difficult to avoid and turn off. This is why the DC type electrodes are usually placed at a more significant distance compared to the AC type.

This minimizes the chance of arc and increases the distance between the electrodes. Hence, the size of the DC type is comparatively large.

Application Of Fuses

A fuse is a protective device and is hence critical in most electrical circuits, systems and applications. 

Below are some of its typical applications. 

• Power Transformers

• Power Chargers

• Electrical appliances, like air conditioners, televisions, refrigerator etc. 

• Automobiles

• Gaming consoles

• Laptop

• Mobile phones

• Motor starters

• Photocopy machine

• Printers

• Electrical cabling in-home or industrial spaces

• And many more. 

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