ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE (EIM) 5
INSTALL ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES FOR
DISTRIBUTION, POWER, LIGHTING, AUXILIARY,
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND GROUNDING
SYSTEMS
OBJECTIVES
Explain the characteristics, principles
and operations of fuse
Differentiate the types of fuses
Justify the importance of fuse as a
protective device
FUSE
A fuse is the simplest circuit protection device. Its name is
derived from the Latin word "fusus," meaning "to melt."
Fuses have been used almost from the beginning of the use
of electricity.
The earliest type of fuse was simply a bare wire between
two connections.
The wire was smaller than the conductor it was protecting.
Therefore, it would melt before the conductor it was
protecting was harmed.
PRINCIPLES AND OPERATION OF FUSES
It is basically a short length of metal ribbon made of alloy with a low melting point of a size
that will carry a specified current indefinitely, but which will melt when a larger current flow
due to either overload or short circuit.
When the ribbon inside the fuse melts, the fuse may BLOW.
When it blows, the circuit is open just as if a wire had been cut or a switch opened at the fuse
location.
It is a one-time protective device to be replaced after the fault is cleared.
It is the simplest and most common type of circuit protective device.
It is used in most house wiring installations.
It is available in hundred design ratings and shapes but basically, the same in functions.
FUSE CONSIST OF A FUSIBLE LINK OR WIRE
THAT EASILY MELT AT LOW TEMPERATURE
CLASSIFIED INTO TWO TYPES
1. The Cartridge type which is enclosed in
an insulating fiber tube and ·
2. The Plug Fuse type enclosed in a
porcelain cap.
TYPES OF FUSES ACCORDING TO
CONSTRUCTION:
ACCORDING TO THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL
CODE (PEC), ALL FUSES MUST BE MARKED TO
SHOW:
1. Ampere rating
2. Voltage rating
3. Interrupting rating when over 10,000 amperes
4. Current-limiting type
5. Trade name or name of manufacturer
IMPORTANT RATINGS WHEN CHOOSING
REPLACEMENT FUSES:
1. Voltage rating. The rating must match or exceed
the voltage rating of the circuit.
2. Ampere rating. The rating of fuse should match
the full load current rating of the equipment or
ampacity of conductor as closely as possible.
3. Interrupting capacity. The total current in which
the fuse can interrupt without being damaged.
FUSE CHARACTERISTICS
Fuses have different time-current characteristics.
The term time-current refers to how long it will take a
fuse or circuit breaker to open under different current
values.
Non-time-delay
Time-delay, loaded link
Time-delay, dual-element
FUSE CHARACTERISTICS
Non-time-delay: This type of fuse has one link (fusible
element).
One part of the link is “necked down” so when excessive
current flows, it will open in the weakest part of the link—
the necked down portion.
Non-time-delay fuses are not the best choice for motor
circuits because of the high starting inrush current of
motors.
FUSE CHARACTERISTICS
Time-delay, loaded link: This type of fuse has
one link (fusible element) that is “loaded” with a
heat sink next to the “necked down” portion of
the link.
This “load” acts as a heat sink that absorbs a
considerable amount of heat before the “necked
down” portion of the link melts open.
This heat sink provides the fuse with time delay.
FUSE CHARACTERISTICS
Time-delay, dual-element: One fuse element opens
quickly when a short circuit, heavy overload, or ground
fault occurs.
The other element in series with the first element opens
slowly on overload conditions.
Dual-element, time-delay fuses are an excellent choice
for motor circuits because they will not open needlessly
on momentary overloads.
EDISON-BASE PLUG FUSES
• Plug fuses may be used (1) in circuits that do not exceed 125 volts
between conductors, and (2) in circuits having a grounded neutral where
no conductor operates at over 150 volts to ground.
In a residential 120/240-volt electrical system, the voltage between the
two “hot” conductors is 240 volts, and the voltage from either “hot”
conductor to ground is 120 volts.
• The fuses shall have ampere ratings of 0 through 30 amperes.
• Plug fuses shall have a hexagonal configuration somewhere on the fuse
when rated at 15 amperes or less.
EDISON-BASE PLUG FUSES
The screw shell of the fuse holder must be connected to the load
side of the circuit.
• Edison-base plug fuses may be used only to replace fuses in
existing installations where there is no sign of over fusing or
tampering.
• Typical applications for plug fuses are using box-cover units
where you need to provide close overcurrent protection, such as
for an attic fan, a gas furnace, an appliance, and similar loads.
TYPE S FUSES
All new plug fuse installations shall be Type S fuses. That is because the ampere
ratings of conventional Edison-base plug fuses are all interchangeable—any ampere
rating up to and including 30 amperes.
Type S fuses are classified at 0 through 15 amperes, 16 through 20 amperes, and 21
through 30 amperes. The reason for this classification is given in the following
paragraph. When the electrician installs fusible equipment, the ampere rating of the
circuit(s) must be determined. After determining the ampere rating of the Type S
fuse to be used, an adapter of the proper size is inserted into the Edison-base fuse
holder.
The proper Type S fuse is then screwed into the adapter. Because of the adapter, the
fuse holder is non-tamperable and non-interchangeable.
CARTRIDGE FUSES
Cartridge fuses are available with the same three basic types of time-current characteristics as plug
fuses.
They are available in 250-volt and 600-volt sizes with ratings from 0 through 600 amperes.
Large ampere rating cartridge fuses may have more than one fuse element.
Time-delay, dual-element fuses provide a time delay of about 10 seconds at a current of 500% of
the fuse rating before it opens. This provides accurate protection for prolonged overloads.
Dual-element fuses are used on motor and appliance circuits where the long time-delay
characteristic is required.
Single-element fuses are more suitable for circuits that are not expected to have high inrush
currents.
Cartridge fuses are available in Class H and Class R types.
CARTRIDGE FUSES
Cartridge-type dual-element fuse (A) is a 250-volt, 100-ampere fuse. The cutaway
view
in (B) shows the internal parts of the fuse. When this type of fuse has a rejection
slot in the blades of 70–600-ampere sizes, or a rejection ring in the end ferrules of
the 0–60-ampere sizes, it is a UL Class RK1 or RK5 fuse. (Courtesy of Cooper
Bussmann)
GENERAL-PURPOSE CARTRIDGE FUSES
These are single-element cartridge fuses that have no intentional time-delay designed into
them, as are dual-element, time-delay fuses. These are the type of fuses used in conventional
disconnect switches.
They are available in ampere ratings from 1/8 through 600 amperes, in both 250-volt and 600-
volt ratings.
Those rated through 60 amperes are classified as K5 and have an interrupting rating of 50,000
amperes. Sizes 0 through 60 have a brass ferrule on each end.
Those rated 65–600 are classified as class H and have an interrupting rating of 10,000 amperes.
These sizes have a blade coming out of each end and are therefore referred to as “knife blade”
fuses.
GENERAL-PURPOSE CARTRIDGE FUSES
A 60-ampere and a 100-
ampere general purpose,
one-time fuse.
(Courtesy of Cooper Bussmann)
TYPES OF FUSES ACCORDING TO THE
MANNER OF OPERATION
Dual-Element, Time-Delay Fuse
The dual-element, time-delay fuse,
provides a time delay in the low-overload
range to eliminate unnecessary opening of
the circuit because of harmless overloads.
However, this type of fuse is extremely
responsive in opening in short circuits.
This fuse has two fusible elements
connected in series.
TYPES OF FUSES ACCORDING TO THE
MANNER OF OPERATION
Dual-Element, Time-Delay, Current-Limiting Fuse
The dual-element, time-delay, current limiting fuse, operates in the
same manner as the standard dual-element, time-delay fuse. The only
difference between the fuses is that, this fuse has a faster response to
the short-circuit range and thus more current limiting. The short-
circuit element in the current-limiting fuse can be silver or copper
surrounded by quartz sand arc-quenching filler. Silver-link fuses are
more current-limiting than copper-link fuses.
TYPES OF FUSES ACCORDING TO THE
MANNER OF OPERATION
Current-Limiting Fuse (Non-time delay)
The straight current-limiting fuse, has an extremely fast response in both the low-overload and
short-circuit ranges. When compared to other type of fuses, this type of fuse has the lowest energy
let-through values.
Current limiting fuses are used to provide better protection to mains, feeders, and sub-feeders,
circuit breakers, bus duct, switchboards, and other circuit components that lack an adequate
interrupting rating, bracing, or withstand rating.
Current-limiting fuse elements can be made of silver or copper surrounded by quartz sand arc-
quenching filler. Silver-link fuses are more current limiting than copper-link fuses.
OTHER CLASSES OF FUSES
Class CC, Class G, and Class T fuses are special purpose fuses that are
found in original equipment, or in commercial and industrial panel
boards, multi-metering equipment, and motor controllers.
They are used in original equipment because of their small physical
size.
If you need more information about these types of fuses, consult the
manufacturer’s technical literature and/or Web sites.
These fuses are rarely used in residential applications but are
mentioned here to make you aware of them.
ADVANTAGES OF FUSE OVER A CIRCUIT
BREAKER:
1. It is reliable. (It can stay in position for
a long period and can act when needed.)
2. The cost is cheaper.
3. It does not require periodic
maintenance since it has no moving
parts
Questions?
Clarifications?
In your own words, what
makes a fuse a protective
device?
SUMMARY/GENERALIZATION
Give a brief summary
and generalization of
the lesson.
SELF-CHECK
1. Which is not true about fuse?
a. A fuse is the simplest circuit protection device.
b. A fuse is basically a short length of metal ribbon made
of alloy with a low melting point
c. A fuse is a one-time protective device to be replaced
after the fault is cleared
d. Fuses have been used recently as protective device
SELF-CHECK
2. According to the Philippine Electrical Code,
which one is not an important rating when
choosing fuse replacement?
a. power rating c. voltage rating
b. ampere rating d. interrupting rating
SELF-CHECK
3. This type of fuse has one link (fusible element) that is
“loaded” with a heat sink next to the “necked down”
portion of the link.
a. non-time delay
b. time-delay, dual element
c. time-delay, loaded link
d. time-delay, single element
SELF-CHECK
4. These fuses are available with the same three
basic types of time-current characteristics as plug
fuses.
a. Edison base plug fuses
b. Cartridge fuses
c. type S fuses
d. general purpose cartridge fuse
SELF-CHECK
5. Which is not an advantage of fuse over circuit
breaker?
a. It is reliable
b. The cost is cheaper.
c. It does not require periodic maintenance.
d. It has moving parts
SELF-CHECK
6. Aside from the name or trademark of the manufacturer,
fuses shall be plainly marked, either by printing on the fuse
barrel or by a label attached to the barrel showing the
following except
a. Ampere rating and Voltage rating
b. Interrupting rating where other than 10,000 amperes
c. Current limiting where applicable
d. Resistance Rating and Power Rating
SELF-CHECK
7. A fuse or an overcurrent trip unit of a circuit breaker
shall be connected in __________ with each
_______________ conductor.
a. series, ungrounded
b. parallel, ungrounded
c. series, grounded
d. parallel, grounded
8. 9.
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