Introduction
In almost every electrical circuit, there is a risk of unforeseen and damaging overcurrent events. To safely handle such situations, overcurrent circuit protection is essential. The most common method of overcurrent protection is through fuses. However, due to their shape and size, many standard electronic fuses cannot be directly integrated into conductive paths. To tackle this challenge, fuse accessories come into play, serving several critical functions: securely integrating fuses into electrical circuits, guaranteeing a stable current path (without voltage intruding into other components), and facilitating easy fuse replacement after successfully managing overcurrent situations as originally intended..
Here, we provide valuable insights into selecting various fuse accessories and highlight scenarios one might encounter during the selection process. Moreover, we discuss key differentiating factors between product types offered by fuse holder suppliers, their potential to enhance electrical safety for individuals, and why considering these aspects is vital.
What is a fuse holder?
Fuse holders are devices designed to securely contain, protect, and mount fuses. They are available in two primary types: open and fully enclosed. The open fuse holder types include fuse clips, fuse blocks, and socket and plug-on cap varieties. On the other hand, the fully enclosed variety may utilize a fuse carrier inserted into the holder or employ other methods to enclose the fuse completely.
Types of Fuse holders: There are four main types of electric fuse holders:
Printed circuit board (PCB) fuse clips
Printed circuit board fuse holders
Panel mount fuse holders
In-line fuse holders
1. PCB Fuse Clips:
These are the most economical fuse holders, offering the lowest buying price but with limited features. PCB fuse clips have a wide range of applications but require protection from the external environment through insulation and isolation.
2. PCB Fuse Holders:
Like PCB fuse clips, these holders offered by fuse holder suppliers are also cost-effective with fewer features. They find use in various applications but need insulation to safeguard against external elements.
3. Panel Mount Fuse Holders:
These fuse holders are typically wire-in, wire-out/line, and load types and are mounted on an enclosure or its backplane. Panel mount fuse holders provide safety to individuals by shielding them from electrical hazards.
4. In-Line Fuse Holders:
These fuse holders come in self-contained wire harnesses with wire-in, wire-out/line, and load variations. In-line fuse holders offer a wide range of application possibilities. Depending on the designer’s objective and placement, they can make fuses more challenging to access or facilitate easy fuse replacement.
Industry Standards
Fuse holders can receive various approvals and ratings, including:
UL (Underwriters Laboratories): A UL Listing indicates that a fuse has been manufactured in complete accordance with the UL 248-14 standard. However, other UL recognitions, such as c-UL Listing, c-UL Recognition, c-UL-us Listing, and c-UL-us Recognition, do not guarantee full compliance with UL-248-14.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association): CSA approval ensures that a fuse or fuse holder offered by a fuse holder supplier has been manufactured in full compliance with either CSA C22.2 No. 248.14 or CSA C22.2 No. 39 standards, respectively.
BSI (British Standards Institution): BSI approval guarantees that a fuse has been manufactured in complete accordance with the relevant section of the IEC 60127 (BS 4265) standard.
VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik): VDE approval ensures that a fuse or fuse holder has been produced in total compliance with the appropriate section of the IEC 60127 standard.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): IEC approval specifically applies to Universal Modular Fuses (UMF) compliant with IEC 60127-4.
SEMKO: SEMKO Swedish approval guarantees that a fuse or fuse holder offered by a fuse holder supplier has been designed in compliance with the appropriate section of the IEC 60127 standard.
Dentori: Dentori Japanese approval guarantees that a fuse has been manufactured in total compliance with the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry standard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fuse holders are essential devices used to mount, confine, and protect fuses securely. There are two major types of fuse holders: open and fully enclosed. Open fuse holder types include fuse clips, fuse blocks, sockets, and plug-on caps. On the other hand, the fully enclosed type may utilize other means, such as a fuse carrier inserted into a holder, to ensure complete enclosure of the fuse. For further information about fuse holders, feel free to get in touch with Elcom.
ELCOM is a leading company in India that produces fuse holders with the best quality with CE approval, ensuring the safety of countless households.