Fuseology

Dual-Element, Time-Delay Fuse Operation

There are many advantages to using these fuses. Unlike single-element fuses,
the Cooper Bussmann dual-element, time-delay fuses can be sized closer to
provide both high performance short circuit protection and reliable overload
protection in circuits subject to temporary overloads and surge currents. For
AC motor loads, a single-element fuse may need to be sized at 300% of an
AC motor current in order to hold the starting current. However, dual-element,
time-delay fuses can be sized much closer to motor loads. For instance, it is Before
generally possible to size Fusetron dual-element fuses, FRS-R and FRN-R
and Low-Peak dual-element fuses, LPS-RK_SP and LPN-RK_SP, at 125% Spring
and 130% of motor full load current, respectively. Generally, the Low-Peak
dual-element fuses, LPJ_SP, and CUBEFuse™, TCF, can be sized at 150% of Figure 8. Overload operation: Under sustained
motor full load amps. This closer fuse sizing may provide many advantages overload conditions, the trigger spring fractures the
such as: (1) smaller fuse and block, holder or disconnect amp rating and calibrated fusing alloy and releases the “connector.”
physical size, (2) lower cost due to lower amp rated devices and possibly The insets represent a model of the overload element
smaller required panel space, (3) better short circuit protection – less short- before and after. The calibrated fusing alloy connecting
the short circuit element to the overload element After
circuit current let-through energy, and (4) potential reduction in the arc-flash
fractures at a specific temperature due to a persistent
hazard. overload current. The coiled spring pushes the
When the short-circuit current is in the current-limiting range of a fuse, it is not connector from the short circuit element and the circuit
possible for the full available short-circuit current to flow through the fuse – it’s is interrupted.
a matter of physics. The small restricted portions of the short circuit element
quickly vaporize and the filler material assists in forcing the current to zero.
The fuse is able to “limit” the short-circuit current.
Overcurrent protection must be reliable and sure. Whether it is the first day of
the electrical system or thirty, or more, years later, it is important that
overcurrent protective devices perform under overload or short circuit
conditions as intended. Modern current-limiting fuses operate by very simple,
reliable principles.

Figure 9. Short circuit operation: Modern fuses are designed with minimum metal in
the restricted portions which greatly enhance their ability to have excellent
current-limiting characteristics – minimizing the short circuit let-through current. A
short-circuit current causes the restricted portions of the short circuit element to
vaporize and arcing commences. The arcs burn back the element at the points of the
Insulated end-caps to help prevent
Filler material accidental contact with live parts.
arcing. Longer arcs result, which assist in reducing the current. Also, the special arc
quenching filler material contributes to extinguishing the arcing current. Modern fuses
Figure 6. This is the LPS-RK100SP, a 100A, 600V Low-Peak, Class RK1, dual- have many restricted portions, which results in many small arclets – all working
element fuse that has excellent time-delay, excellent current-limitation and a together to force the current to zero.
300,000A interrupting rating. Artistic liberty is taken to illustrate the internal portion of
this fuse. The real fuse has a non-transparent tube and special small granular, arc-
Filler quenches the arcs
quenching material completely filling the internal space.

Short circuit element Small volume of metal to vaporize

Figure 10. Short circuit operation: The special small granular, arc-quenching material
plays an important part in the interruption process. The filler assists in quenching the
Overload element
arcs; the filler material absorbs the thermal energy of the arcs, fuses together and
creates an insulating barrier. This process helps in forcing the current to zero.
Figure 7. The true dual-element fuse has distinct and separate overload element and Modern current-limiting fuses, under short circuit conditions, can force the current to
short circuit element. zero and complete the interruption within a few thousandths of a second.

©2005 Cooper Bussmann 11

 Fuseology
Dual-Element Fuse Benefits

provides ground fault and short-circuit protection, requiring separate overload

protection per the NEC®. In contrast, the 40A dual-element fuse provides
ground fault, short circuit and overload protection. The motor would be
protected against overloads due to stalling, overloading, worn bearings,
improper voltage, single-phasing, etc.
In normal installations, Cooper Bussmann dual-element fuses of motor-
running, overload protection size, provide better short circuit protection plus a
high degree of back up protection against motor burnout from overload or
single-phasing should other overload protective devices fail. If thermal
overloads, relays, or contacts should fail to operate, the dual-element fuses
will act independently and thus provide “back-up” protection for the motor.
When secondary single-phasing occurs, the current in the remaining phases
increases to a value of 173% to 200% of rated full-load current. When primary
single-phasing occurs, unbalanced voltages that occur in the motor circuit also
cause excessive current. Dual-element fuses sized for motor overload
protection can help protect motors against the overload damage caused by
single-phasing. See the section “Motor Protection–Voltage Unbalance/Single-
Advantages of Cooper Bussmann Phasing” for discussion of motor operation during single-phasing.
Dual-Element, Time-Delay Fuses
Cooper Bussmann dual-element, time-delay fuses have four distinct
advantages over single-element, non-time-delay fuses:
1. Provide motor overload, ground fault and short circuit protection.
2. Permit the use of smaller and less costly switches.
3. Give a higher degree of short circuit protection (greater current limitation) in circuits
in which surge currents or temporary overloads occur.
4. Simplify and improve blackout prevention (selective coordination).

Motor Overload and Short Circuit Protection

Permit the Use of Smaller and Less Costly Switches

Aside from only providing short-circuit protection, the single-element fuse also
makes it necessary to use larger size switches since a switch rating must be
equal to or larger than the amp rating of the fuse. As a result, the larger switch
When used in circuits with surge currents such as those caused by motors, may cost two or three times more than would be necessary were a dual-
transformers, and other inductive components, the Cooper Bussmann Low- element Low-Peak or Fusetron fuse used. The larger, single-element fuse
Peak and Fusetron dual-element, time-delay fuses can be sized close to full- itself could generate an additional cost. Again, the smaller size switch that can
load amps to give maximum overcurrent protection. Sized properly, they will be used with a dual-element fuse saves space and money. (Note: where
hold until surges and normal, temporary overloads subside. Take, for example, larger switches already are installed, fuse reducers can be used so that fuses
a 10 HP, 200 volt, three-phase motor with a full-load current rating of 32.2A. can be sized for motor overload or back-up protection.)

Better Short Circuit Component Protection

(Current-Limitation)
The non-time-delay, fast-acting fuse must be oversized in circuits in which
surge or temporary overload currents occur. Response of the oversized fuse
to short-circuit currents is slower. Current builds up to a higher level before the
fuse opens…the current-limiting action of the oversized fuse is thus less than
a fuse whose amp rating is closer to the normal full-load current of the circuit.
Therefore, oversizing sacrifices some component protection.

The preceding table shows that a 40A, dual-element fuse will protect the
32.2A motor, compared to the much larger, 100A, single-element fuse that
would be necessary. It is apparent that if a sustained, harmful overload of
200% occurred in the motor circuit, the 100A, single-element fuse would never
open and the motor could be damaged. The non-time-delay fuse, thus, only

12 ©2005 Cooper Bussmann

 Fuseology
Dual-Element Fuse Benefits

Better Motor Protection in Elevated Ambients

The derating of dual-element fuses based on increased ambient temperatures
closely parallels the derating curve of motors in an elevated ambient. This
unique feature allows for optimum protection of motors, even in high
temperatures.

In the table above, it can be seen that the 40A Low-Peak dual-element fuse
used to protect a 10Hp (32.2 FLA) motor keeps short-circuit currents to
approximately half the value of the non-time-delay fuse.

Better Selective Coordination (Blackout Prevention)

The larger an upstream fuse is relative to a downstream fuse (for example,
feeder to branch), the less possibility there is of an overcurrent in the
downstream circuit causing both fuses to open (lack of selective coordination).
Fast-acting, non-time-delay fuses require at least a 3:1 ratio between the amp
rating of a large upstream, line-side Low-Peak time-delay fuse and that of the
downstream, loadside Limitron fuse in order to be selectively coordinated. In
contrast, the minimum selective coordination ratio necessary for Low-Peak
dual-element fuses is only 2:1 when used with Low-Peak loadside fuses. Affect of ambient temperature on operating characteristics of Fusetron® and Low-
Peak dual-element fuses.
Below is a rerating chart for single element fuses or non dual element fuses.

The use of time-delay, dual-element fuses affords easy selective

coordination–coordination hardly requires anything more than a routine check
of a tabulation of required selectivity ratios. As shown in the preceding
illustration, close sizing of Cooper Bussmann dual-element fuses in the branch
circuit for motor overload protection provides a large difference (ratio) in the Ambient affect chart for non-dual-element fuses.
amp ratings between the feeder fuse and the branch fuse, compared to the
single-element, non-time-delay Limitron fuse.

©2005 Cooper Bussmann 13

 Fuseology
Cooper Bussmann Branch Circuit, Power Distribution Fuses

Low-Peak® Fuses* Now Offer Low-Peak (Dual-Element, Time-

Indication That's As Clear As Black Delay)
LPS-RK_SP (600Vac), LPN-RK_SP (250Vac), 1⁄10 to 600A,
And White Current-Limiting, STD 248-12 Class RK1
Low-Peak current-limiting fuses offer optional permanent LPN-RK_SP 0-60A (125Vdc, 50,000AIR), 65-600A (250Vdc,
replacement fuse indication. The indicator is either 50,000AIR), LPS-RK_SP 0-600A (300Vdc, 50,000AIR)
black or white; no in between coloring so no second-
UL Guide #JFHR, UL File #E56412, 300,000AIR ac, CSA
guessing whether to replace the fuse or not.
Good Class #1422-02, CSA File #53787, 200,000AIR ac
High performance, all-purpose fuses. Provide the very high
Proven Technology degree of short circuit limitation of Limitron fuses plus the
overload protection of Fusetron fuses in all types of circuits
Low-Peak fuses offer the same replacement fuse indication
and loads. Can be closely sized to full-load motor currents
technology that ’s proven itself on the Cooper Bussmann
for reliable motor overload protection, as well as backup
CUBEFuse™ fuse and fuse holder system. It’s the most
protection. Close sizing permits the use of smaller and
reliable technology on the market today.
more economical switches (and fuses); better selective
coordination against blackouts; and a greater degree of
* Indication available on Cooper Bussmann LPJ_SPI, LPN-RK_SPI
current-limitation (component protection), Low-Peak fuses
(250V) and LPS-RK_SPI (600V). are rejection type but also fit non-rejection type fuse
Replace holders. Thus, can be used to replace Class H, K1, K5,
RK5 or other RK1 fuses.
Low-Peak (Time-Delay) Data Sheet No. 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004
KRP-C_SP (600Vac), 601 to 6000A, Current-Limiting
STD 248-10 Class L
UL Guide #JFHR, UL File #E56412, 300,000AIR ac, 601- CUBEFuse™ (Dual-Element,
2000A (300Vdc 100,000AIR), CSA Class #1422-02, CSA Time-Delay)
File #53787, 200,000AIR ac
TCF (600Vac), 1 to 100A,
The all-purpose fuse for both overload and short circuit
Current-Limiting, UL Listed
protection of high capacity systems (mains and large
Special Purpose Fuse, STD
feeders). Time-delay (minimum of four seconds at five
248-8 Class J Performance
times amp rating) for close sizing. Unlike fast-acting fuses,
time-delay fuses pass harmless surge currents of motors, UL Guide # JFHR, UL File #
transformers, etc., without overfusing or any sacrifice of E56412, 300,000AIR ac,
short-circuit current limitation (component protection). (300Vdc – 100,000AIR), CSA
The combination use of 1⁄10 to 600A Low-Peak dual- Class #1422-02, CSA File
element time-delay fuses and 601 to 6000A KRP-C Low- #53787, 200,000AIR ac,
Peak fuses is recommended as a total system specification. (300VDC – 100,000AIR)
Easily selectively coordinated for blackout protection. Size TCF fuses meet UL Class J
of upstream fuse need only be twice that of downstream Time-Delay electrical performance
Low-Peak fuses (2:1 ratio). Low-Peak fuses can reduce requirements. It is the world’s first
bus bracing; protect circuit breakers with low interrupting finger-safe fuse with the smallest installed
rating as well as provide excellent overall protection of footprint of any power class fuse including Class J, CC, T
circuits and loads. and R fuses. Satisfies requirements of IEC 60529 for
IP-20 finger safe rating and provides TYPE 2 “no damage”
Data Sheet No. 1008, 1009
protection for motor starters when sized properly. The
TCF provides open fuse indication and is 35mm DIN rail
and panel mountable.
Low-Peak (Dual-Element, Time- Data Sheet No. 9000
Delay)
LPJ_SP (600Vac), 1 to 600A, Current-Limiting,
STD 248-8 Class J Fusetron® (Dual-Element, Time-
UL Guide #JFHR, UL File #E56412, 300,000AIR ac, 1 to Delay)
600A (300Vdc 100,000AIR), CSA Class #1422-02, CSA FRS-R (600Vac), FRN-R (250Vac), 1⁄10 to 600A, 200,000AIR
File #53787, 200,000AIR ac ac, FRN-R 0-600A (125Vdc, 20,000AIR), FRS-R 0-600A
Space saving LPJ fuses have the advantage of time- delay, (300Vdc, 20,000AIR), Current-Limiting
permitting them to pass temporary overloads, offering overload, STD 248-12 Class RK5
back-up overload, and short circuit protection. Ideal for IEC UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class #1422-02,
starter protection. CSA File #53787
Data Sheet No. 1006, 1007 Time-delay affords the same excellent overload protection
as Low-Peak fuses of motors and other type loads and
circuits having temporary inrush currents such as those
Low-Peak (Time-Delay) caused by transformers and solenoids. (In such circuits,
Limitron fuses can only provide short circuit protection).
LP-CC (600Vac), 1⁄2 to 30A Current-Limiting 200,000AIR
Fusetron fuses are not as fast-acting on short circuits as
ac,
Low-Peak fuses and therefore cannot give as high a
STD 248-4 Class CC
degree of component short circuit protection. Like the
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, 1⁄2 -2.25A (300Vdc Low-Peak fuse, Fusetron fuses permit the use of smaller
20,000AIR), 3-15A (150Vdc 20,000AIR), 20-30A (300Vdc size and less costly switches. Fusetron fuses fit rejection
20,000AIR), CSA Class #1422-02, CSA File #53787 type fuse holders and can also be installed in holders for
The Cooper Bussmann Low-Peak Class CC fuse (LP-CC) was Class H fuses. They can physically and electrically
developed specifically for a growing need in the industry - a replace Class H, K5, and other Class RK5 fuses.
compact, space saving branch circuit fuse for motor circuits.
Data Sheet No. 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020
Data Sheet No. 1023
For Data Sheets: www.cooperbussmann.com

©2005 Cooper Bussmann 15

 Fuseology
Cooper Bussmann Branch Circuit, Power Distribution Fuses

T-Tron® (Fast-Acting) Limitron (Fast-Acting)

JJS (600Vac) 1-800A, JJN (300Vac) 1-1200A, 200,000AIR JKS (600Vac), 1 to 600A, 200,000AIR ac Current-
ac Current-Limiting STD 248-15 Class T Limiting STD 248-8 Class J
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, JJN 15-600A (160Vdc, UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class
20,000AIR), JJN 601-1200A (170Vdc 100,000AIR) #1422-02, CSA File #53787
CSA Class #1422-02, CSA File #53787 JKS Limitron fuses are basically the same as RK1
The space-savers. Counter-part of the KTN-R/KTS-R Limitron fuses but smaller in physical size. JKS
Limitron fuses, but only one-third the size; thus, fuses are single-element units with no intentional
particularly suited for critically restricted space. A single- time-delay and are thus best applied in circuits free
element fuse; extremely fast-acting. Provides a high of the temporary overloads of motor and
degree of current limitation on short circuits for excellent transformer surges. The smaller dimensions of
component protection. Must be oversized in circuits with Class J fuses prevent their replacement with
inrush currents common to motors, transformers, and conventional fuses.
other inductive components (will give only short circuit
protection). Data Sheet No. 1026, 1027

Data Sheet No. 1029, 1025 Limitron (Fast-Acting)

KTS-R (600Vac), KTN-R (250Vac), 1 to 600A,
Limitron® (Fast-Acting) 200,000AIR ac Current-Limiting
KTU (600Vac), 601 to 6000A, 200,000AIR ac, Current- STD 248-12 Class RK1
Limiting STD 248-10 Class L UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class #1422-02, #1422-02, CSA File #53787
CSA File #53787 Single-element, fast-acting fuses with no intentional
Single-element fuses with no intentional time-delay. Very time-delay. The same basic performance of the
fast-acting with a high degree of current limitation; provide 601-6000A KTU fast-acting Limitron fuses. Provide
excellent component protection. Can be used for short a high degree of short-circuit current limitation
circuit protection in circuits with inrush currents. Must be (component protection). Particularly suited for
oversized to prevent opening by the temporary harmless circuits and loads with no heavy surge currents of
overloads with some sacrifice of current limitation. In motors, transformers, solenoids, and welders.
motor circuits, is sized at approximately 300% of motor Limitron fuses are commonly used to protect circuit
full-load current. breakers with lower interrupting ratings. If used in
circuits with surge currents (motors, etc.), must be
Data Sheet No. 1010 oversized to prevent opening and, thus, only
provide short circuit protection. Incorporate Class R
Limitron (Time-Delay) rejection feature. Can be inserted in non-rejection
type fuse holders. Thus, can physically and
KLU (600Vac), 601 to 4000A, 200,000AIR ac, Current-
electrically replace fast-acting Class H, K1, K5, RK5,
Limiting STD 248-10 Class L
and other RK1 fuses.
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class #1422-02,
CSA File #53787 Data Sheet No. 1044, 1043
5 second delay (minimum) at 500% of rated current. Not
as current-limiting as KRP-C_SP or KTU fuses. Type SC (1⁄2-6A Fast-Acting,
8-60A Time-Delay)
Data Sheet No. 1013 SC 100,000AIR ac, 1⁄2 -20A (600Vac), 25-60A
(480Vac) STD 248-5 Class G
Limitron (Fast-Acting) UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273 0-20A (170Vdc
KTK-R (600Vac), 1⁄10 to 30A, 200,000AIR ac, Current- 10,000AIR), 25-30A (300Vdc 10,000AIR), 35-60A
Limiting STD 248-4 Class CC (300Vdc 10,000AIR)
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class #1422-02 CSA Class #1422-01, CSA File #53787
CSA File #53787, A high performance general-purpose branch circuit
fuse for lighting, appliance, and motor branch
A very small, high performance, fast-acting, single- circuits. Fuse diameter is 13⁄32; lengths vary with amp
element fuse for protection of branch circuits, motor con- rating from 1 5⁄16 to 2 1⁄4 inches (serves as rejection
trol circuits, lighting ballasts, street lighting fixtures. A feature and, thus, prevents oversizing).
diameter of only 13⁄32 and a length of 1 1⁄2 inch give cost and
space savings. A grooved ferrule permits mounting in Data Sheet No. 1024
“rejection” type fuse holders as well as standard non-
rejection type holders.
Dura-Lag® (Time-Delay)
Data Sheet No. 1015 Construction Grade Fuses, DLS-R (600Vac)
DLN-R (250Vac) 1 to 600A, 200,000AIR ac,
CC-Tron® (Time-Delay) Current-Limiting STD 248-12 Class RK5
FNQ-R (600Vac), 1⁄4 to 30A, 200,000AIR ac Current- UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File # E4273, CSA Class
Limiting STD 248-4 Class CC #1422-02
UL Guide #JDDZ, UL File #E4273, CSA Class #1422-01, CSA File #53787
CSA File #53787 Designed for contractor needs. Protects industrial
Ideal for control transformer protection. Can be sized to equipment and large motors. Recommended for ac
meet requirements of NEC® 430.72 and UL 508. Its power distribution system mains, feeders and
miniature design and branch circuit rating allow it to be branch circuits. Industry standard time delay of 10
used for motor branch circuit and short circuit protection seconds at 5 times the fuse rating.
required by NEC® 430.52.
Data Sheet No. 1021, 1022
Data Sheet No. 1014 For Data Sheets: www.cooperbussmann.com

16 ©2005 Cooper Bussmann