Littelfuse Fuses
Littelfuse manufactures fuses and power distribution blocks which are at the center of electrical system protection and management. They perform an important function in many applications and across a broad range of sectors, such as automotive, industrial, electronics, and the energy space. Precise, and meticulously designed, Littelfuse fuses offer that all-important protection from overcurrent and short circuits. As a result, sensitive electrical components and systems are shielded from damage.
You find a wide variety of fuse types in use today, and this partly reflects the incredible diversity of voltage, current, and speed requisites to which these systems are being tailored. Littelfuse makes blade fuses for automotive use; it makes cartridge fuses for industrial use, etc., and not to be left out, it makes semiconductor fuses. And each of these types, when appropriately chosen, allows the user to meet the precise needs of nearly every possible application.
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More Information about Littelfuse Fuses
Littelfuse's power distribution blocks serve as effective central points for spreading electric power from one source to multiple outlets. This overall structure simplifies wiring in a variety of installations, in many cases from simple home setups to complex industrial installations. Littelfuse's power distribution blocks are engineered to provide both high conductivity and a low resistance path that ensures reliable power. They are designed in multiple forms to accommodate different wire sizes and numbers of connections, all with the aim of offering flexible electrical systems.
Littelfuse manufactures the broadest and most innovative selection of fuses to serve nearly every possible application. Renewable type fuses and automotive fuses appeared in 1914, and in 1927 Littelfuse started making very low amperage fuses for the budding electronics industry. They always recommends application testing to determine the suitability of fuses for your specific needs.
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.