Introduction to Fuses

Fuses are essential components in electrical circuits that protect

against overcurrent and short circuits. Learn about their types,
components, and how they work.
What are Fuses?
1 Overcurrent 2 Basic Operation 3 Simple Design
Protection
A fuse consists of a Most fuses have a
Fuses are safety devices conductive element that cylindrical shape with
that prevent excessive melts when the current two terminals and a
current flow by breaking exceeds the rated value, fusible link made of a
the circuit when a fault interrupting the circuit. metal alloy.
occurs.
Types of Fuses

Blade Fuse Cartridge Fuse Resettable Fuse

Commonly used in automotive Used in industrial and Also known as PTC (Positive
applications and available in residential applications, these Temperature Coefficient)
different current ratings and fuses have a tubular body and fuses, they automatically
sizes. interchangeable elements. reset after a fault clears.
DC Fuse
A DC (Direct Current) fuse is a
protective device used in
electrical circuits to prevent
overcurrent situations. It acts
as a safety barrier, breaking
the circuit when the current
exceeds a specified level,
thereby safeguarding
equipment and preventing
potential electrical hazards.
DC fuses are commonly used
in various applications,
including solar power systems,
automotive electronics, and
industrial machinery.
AC Fuse
An AC (Alternating Current)
fuse is an essential electrical
safety device designed to
safeguard circuits by breaking
the connection when
excessive current flows
through them. This protective
function prevents equipment
damage and mitigates the
risk of electrical hazards. AC
fuses are ubiquitous in
residential, commercial, and
industrial applications,
ensuring the reliability and
safety of electrical systems.
Whether in household
appliances, office electronics,
or manufacturing equipment,
AC fuses play a critical role in
maintaining the integrity of
electrical circuits.
Rewirable Fuse
A rewirable fuse, also known
as a replaceable or cartridge
fuse, is a type of electrical
protection device that can be
manually rewired or replaced
when it blows due to
overcurrent conditions. It
consists of a fuse element or
wire enclosed in a non-
conductive housing. When
excessive current flows
through the circuit, the fuse
element melts or breaks,
interrupting the electrical
connection and preventing
damage to equipment or
wiring. Rewirable fuses are
commonly used in older
electrical systems and specific
industrial applications,
offering a cost-effective and
reusable solution for circuit
protection. They require
careful handling and
replacement to maintain
circuit safety.
D-type Cartridge Fuse
A D-type cartridge fuse is a
type of high-voltage electrical
protection device
characterized by its cylindrical,
double-ended design with a
central contact. These fuses
are primarily used in industrial
and utility applications to
safeguard against
overcurrents in high-voltage
circuits. When excessive
current flows through the
circuit, the fuse element inside
the cartridge melts or breaks,
effectively disconnecting the
circuit and preventing damage
to equipment or components.
D-type cartridge fuses are
known for their robust
construction and high
interrupting capacity, making
them suitable for heavy-duty
applications where reliable
circuit protection is essential.
Link Type Fuse Blade And Bolted Type
Fuse
A link-type fuse is a type of
electrical fuse designed for use A small, plug-in electrical fuse
in low to medium-voltage commonly used in vehicles
circuits. It consists of a and electronics. It has a flat
cylindrical body with metal strip that melts to
removable fuse links or interrupt the circuit during
cartridges that serve as the overcurrent situations,
fuse elements. When the protecting connected devices.
current exceeds safe levels,
A heavy-duty, high-voltage
the fuse link within the fuse
fuse designed for industrial
body melts or breaks,
machinery and power
interrupting the circuit and
distribution. It features
protecting connected
threaded connections and
equipment from damage.
melts or vaporizes its internal
Link-type fuses are commonly
element to break the circuit
used in various applications,
during excessive current,
including industrial machinery,
safeguarding large electrical
power distribution systems,
systems.
and electrical panels. Their
modular design allows for easy
replacement of blown fuse
links, making them a versatile
and cost-effective choice for
circuit protection.
Striker Type Fuse Switch Type Fuse High Voltage Fuses
A striker-type fuse is an A switch-type fuse combines a A high-voltage fuse is an
electrical protection device switch and a fuse in a single electrical protection device for
that relies on a mechanical unit. It allows manual circuit high-voltage systems,
striker mechanism to control like a switch and designed to interrupt
disconnect the circuit when provides overcurrent excessive current flow and
overcurrent conditions occur. protection like a fuse. prevent damage to
When excessive current flows Commonly used in industrial equipment. It ensures safety
through the fuse, it triggers a settings for space-saving and and reliability in industrial and
mechanical striker to efficient circuit management. power distribution
physically break the circuit, applications.
providing protection to
connected equipment and
preventing electrical hazards.
This type of fuse is commonly
used in certain specialized
applications where precise and
rapid disconnection is
required, such as in explosives
handling or sensitive
instrumentation.
Cartridge Type HRC
Fuse
A cartridge-type HRC (High
Rupturing Capacity) fuse is an
advanced electrical protection
device with a cylindrical
cartridge housing, designed to
safely interrupt high fault
currents in industrial and
high-power applications,
protecting equipment and
ensuring safety.
Liquid Type HRC Fuse
A liquid-type HRC (High
Rupturing Capacity) fuse uses
a special liquid inside its
housing to safely interrupt
high fault currents in electrical
circuits, particularly in high-
power applications like
transformers and industrial
machinery.
Expulsion Type HV Fuse
An expulsion-type fuse is a
high-voltage protection device
that uses gas pressure to
extinguish electrical arcs
during overcurrent events. It's
crucial in power distribution
systems for rapid safety.
Fuse Components
Fusible Element
A conductor that melts when exposed to
excessive current, interrupting the circuit.
Body
The outer structure of the fuse that
encloses the element and protects against
external factors.
Terminal Caps
Protective covers that provide electrical
connection and secure the fuse into its
holder.
Label
Indicates the fuse's rated current, voltage,
and other specifications.
How Fuses Work
When the current exceeds the fuse's rating, the fusible element heats up and melts, creating an
open circuit and preventing damage to the circuit and connected devices.

Current Flow Overcurrent Condition Circuit Interruption

The current flows from the If the current exceeds the The open circuit protects
power source through the fuse fuse's rating, the fusible devices by preventing
and the load in a complete element melts and opens the excessive current and
circuit. circuit. potential damage.
Fuse Ratings
Voltage Rating
The highest voltage that the fuse can
withstand without failing.
1 Current Rating
The maximum amount of current the
fuse can safely carry for a specified
2 period.
3 Interrupting Rating
The maximum fault current the fuse
can safely interrupt without causing
damage.
Applications of Fuses
Automotive
Fuses protect vehicle
electrical systems from
overloads and short circuits.
Residential Industrial
Used in homes to protect Fuses safeguard industrial
circuits and electrical equipment, machinery, and
appliances from faults. electrical installations.
Proper Installation
1 Correct Sizing
Select a fuse with the
appropriate current rating
to match the load's
requirements.
2 Secure Connection
Ensure the fuse is properly
inserted and tightly
connected in the fuse
holder or panel.

3 Proper Orientation
Install the fuse in the correct orientation, aligning the terminals
with the corresponding connections.