What is an Electrical Fuse?

What is an Electrical Fuse?

Electrical Fuse Definition

An electrical fuse is a protective device that breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined value to prevent damage.

Fuse Wire Function

The fuse wire carries normal current without excessive heating but melts and breaks the circuit when excess current flows through.

Major Parameter

• Minimum Fusing Current

• Current Rating of Fuse

• Fusing Factor

• Prospective Current in Fuse

• Melting Time of Fuse

• Operating Time of Fuse

Fuse Law

Materials for Fuse Wires

Common fuse wire materials include tin, lead, zinc, silver, antimony, copper, and aluminum, each with specific melting points and resistances.

HRC Fuse

An HRC fuse, or High Rupturing Capacity fuse, can handle heavy short-circuit currents for a set period before blowing, providing reliable circuit protection.

Operating Time of Fuse

The operating time of a fuse is the sum of its melting time and arcing time, defining how long it takes to interrupt the current flow during a fault.