
Optifuse Fuses

A fuse’s primary role in a circuit is to protect equipment from overcurrent situations. An overcurrent occurs when the normal load current is exceeded in an electrical circuit. The two basic types of an overcurrent are short-circuits and overloads. A short-circuit occurs when an abnormal, low-resistance circuit path is introduced into a circuit. This low-resistance path bypasses the normal load and can create extremely high currents. An overload occurs when the current exceeds the normal full load capacity of a circuit, but no short-circuit is present. A momentary overload (in-rush current) may occur when a circuit is first initialized due to motor startup or capacitor charging. Fuses used for short-circuit protection must interrupt the fault immediately (usually less than 4 milliseconds). Fuses used for overload protection can have a slower reaction time (seconds or even minutes compared to milliseconds).
Optifuse FSC fast-acting fuses are glass tubes with metal caps at both ends and a thin metal strip inside. When an overcurrent flows through it, the wire strip melts, automatically interrupting the power supply. The fuse must be replaced once it is blown. The fuses are amp-rated, indicating the limit of the current volume that can pass through the circuit without blowing the fuse. Fast-acting fuses are commonly used in consumer electronics and appliances that are very sensitive to any overcurrent situation.
Products
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 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.