Edison Fuses
Edison fuses have a reputation for reliable and efficient circuit protection in diverse electrical applications. They safeguard electrical systems against conditions of overcurrent and short-circuit by opening the circuit when current levels get too high. Edison fuses come in an assortment of types and ratings, such as fast-acting and time-delay fuses, with each type and rating serving a different need. They are quite prevalent in residential, commercial, and industrial installations and safeguard many a piece of electrical equipment and/or wiring from potential damage.
Edison fuses are constructed from top-quality materials, and, as a result, they provide outstanding performance that you can rely on. Their appearance is distinctive and assures you that you are working with premium fuses. Identifying what may have blown can suddenly become clear, since the label on the top is larger and brighter than ever before. Material improvements over the last few years have provided increased safety through the use of base blends that stay together even if they are suddenly heated up. This helps reduce the potential for fires within the space occupied by the fuse.
More Information about Edison Fuses
Cooper Industries, now part of Eaton, is famous for its Edison fuse line. This company in the heartland of America has formed a line of specialty products to meet their customer's needs.
Edison Class RK1 duel-element time delay fuses are recommended for AC power distribution mains, feeders and branch circuits for transformers and motors, as well as non-inductive loads such as heating and lighting. They offer ratings up to 600 A with superior current limitation, cycling and overload capabilities.
Edison Class RK1 fast-acting fuses are recommended for general power distribution system use for main, feeder and branch circuits having a high percentage of non-inductive loads such as lighting and heating. They are physically interchangeable with other R class fuses and will replace Class K or Class H fuses in standard fuse clips.
Edison Class RK5 duel-element time delay fuses are recommended for AC power distribution mains, feeders and branch circuits for transformers and motors, as well as non-inductive loads such as heating and lighting, where the available short-circuit current does not exceed 200,000 RMS symmetrical amperes.
Edison Class L time-delay or LCU fast-acting fuses are recommended for high-capacity main, feeder or branch circuits in power distribution systems for special applications such as system upgrading and install ahead of network protectors.
Breakers vs Fuses
Fuses
Fuses are safety devices that are intended to provide protection to both equipment and people in the event of a power surge or an overcurrent situation. A fuse can provide this protection by using a small piece of wire that is sacrificial, and is intended to burn up when too much current is passed through it. When this happens, the fuse eliminates the flow of electricity in that circuit until it is replaced. The size and type of wire that is used in the fuse will dictate how much current can pass through that individual fuse. So the main thing to remember is, when a fuse blows, it must be replaced and cannot be reused.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are intended to be reused after they are “tripped” during a power surge or an overcurrent situation. Much like fuses, circuit breakers are designed to trip at a certain current level. This is intended to protect both equipment and anyone in the area of that particular circuit. Circuit breakers can be found in just about any variation from single phase, low current applications to three phase, and high current applications.
As a general rule: fuses are more simplistic and reliable. They cost less initially and are better suited for individual circuit protection. However, they can create more cost over time with each use and may create hazards due to the exposed connection points. Whereas circuit breakers offer better branch circuit protection and do not need to be replaced after each use. They are more expensive initially and, because of their complexity, are more prone to failure over time.