HRC fuses stand for high rupturing capacity fuses. They are special fuses designed to trigger in case, a surplus current flows through a circuit. The HRC fuses are highly popular in sectors demanding a huge power supply such as power plants and petrochemical plants.
When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds its normal or optimal limit, a fault occurs. This fault causes severe damage to the circuit owing to the thermal effect. An HRC fuse is built with a conductor that melts on being exposed to faults. They dissolve to disconnect and save the circuit from any mechanical damage.
The following discusses the vital components, safety features and limitations of HRC fuses.
Parts of HRC fuses:
An HRC fuse is comprised of four significant components as follows:
- Brass end cap:
The end of the HRC fuse element is mounted by a brass end cap. the brass contact ensures a good flow of electricity between the HRC fuse element and the fuse body. The brass end cap thus maintains the HRC fuse in its perfect operational mode.
- Fuse element:
The HRC fuse element is made of a high-quality material known as tantalum and niobium alloy. The alloy has a low electrical resistance. This property enables the HRC fuse to have excellent mechanical and thermal strength to withstand a large current supply without melting.
The high melting point of HRC fuses allows them to withstand an overload situation. It also enables them to bypass any mechanical damage due to voltage overshoots or short circuits. In this way, HRC fuses act as a protection device for sensitive applications such as power transmission systems, electronic gadgets, and other similar circuits.
- Filling powder:
The filling powder of an HRC fuse is a mixture of powdered tantalum, niobium, tin, and aluminium. The fuse is filled with this powder by means of a special machine and sealed with epoxy resin to avoid any moisture and contamination.
- Fuse element holder:
The HRC fuse element sits in a special holder known as the fuse element holder. The holder is designed to provide mechanical support for the HRC fuse element. It also protects the HRC fuse element from any damage due to repetitive changes in its mounting position. The holder is also efficient in protecting the fuse element from mechanical damage during shipment and installation as well.
Safety of HRC fuses:
Safety is an important aspect that is deeply connected with the construction of HRC fuses. The fuses are able to meet high standards of safety and reliability due to their constituent components. The components of the fuse are designed to be assembled in a hassle-free way.
Limitations of HRC fuses:
Despite its superior efficiency, an HRC fuse has the following limitations:
- An HRC fuse cannot be used again after being blown off. The fuse needs to be changed each time after being used for maintaining its efficiency and reliability.
- The fuse element manages the passage of current within a safe limit. This may sometimes lead to overheating of the nearby circuit elements, thus causing mechanical damage to them.
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