Types of Fuses and Applications

Many types of fuses interrupt an overcurrent and break the circuit by melting the fuse element. They are mainly divided into two types: AC fuses and DC fuses. Furthermore, fuses are classified into different types depending on voltage and construction. They are:

1. DC Fuses
DC fuses produce an arc that are difficult to stop than AC arcs because there are no zero current flows in the circuit. For reducing the DC fuse arcing, the electrodes are placed at a greater distance, due to which the size of the fuse increases as compared to an AC fuse.

2. AC Fuses
In AC circuits, the arc extinguishes easily when compared to DC circuits. Because the frequency of the AC fuses changes its amplitude from 0º to 60º every second. An AC fuse is further divided into two categories. They are low-voltage fuses and high-voltage fuses.

2.1 Low Voltage Fuse
Low-voltage fuses are very common in electrical systems, and they come in different shapes and designs. Low-voltage fuses have a voltage rating of less than or equal to 1,500V.

2.1.1 Cartridge Type Fuse (Totally Enclosed Type)
A cartridge fuse consists of the heat-resistant ceramic body enclosed by a metal cap at both ends. The filling material, such as chalk, plaster of Paris, quartz, or marble dust, surrounds the body space, which acts as an arc quenching and cooling medium. Often, they are widely used in industries, agricultural areas, and residential purposes, such as fuse panels, air conditioning, pumps, and home appliances

These types of fuses are classified into D-type and Link-type fuses.

D-type fuse consists of an adapter ring, cartridge, base, and cap. The fuse base is connected to the fuse cap, and the cartridge is kept inside the fuse cap through the adapter ring. The circuit gets completed when the tip of the cartridge makes contact with the conductor.

Link-type cartridge fuses are also known as High Rupturing Capacity fuses (HRC). The HRC fuse has a high breaking capacity. It has two metal ends on both sides. The Filling of the fuse with powdered pure quartz acts as an arc extinguishing agent. The fuse element uses silver or copper for its construction.
Bolted fuse

The Blade fuses are also known as spade or plug-in fuses. Automotive OEMs use this fuse for vehicle circuit protection and to withstand high temperatures. Whereas, Bolt down fuse are special-purpose ones suitable for diesel vehicles and not appropriate for automotive trucks.