Industrial & Electrical Fuses
Industrial and electrical fuses are used to limit the current in an electrical circuit for protection. They are designed to protect electrical circuits, machines, and people from overloads due to short circuits and ground faults. Industrial and electrical fuses may be either re-settable or non-resettable, depending upon the application. Re-settable fuses are typically used in residential and light commercial applications, while non-resettable fuses are used in industrial and hazardous locations.
Industrial and electrical fuses are made up of a metal element or ribbon that is placed in a circuit. When the current in the circuit exceeds the rated current, the metal element melts and completes an open circuit, protecting the device and cutting off the power. The type of fuse and the rated current must match the application.
Industrial and electrical fuses are designed for use in a wide range of applications, from residential and commercial to hazardous area. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) both have standards for industrial and electrical fuses, and they must be used if the application requires UL or CSA approval.