If after going through a series of operating and stil havel some problem occur on your system, it’s time to check the design of the fuse links being used. Improperly designed fuse links’ Time-Current Characteristic (TCC) characteristics may change over time, causing the fuse links to operate when they’re not supposed to, thereby causing a nuisance operation. The operation and maintenance expense can rise quickly when having to replace the fuse links to address these nuisance operations.
In order to aviod the unnecessary nuisance operation expense, we can use a fuse link that does not change its TCC characteristics at the same time. Three major design aspects play an important role in making the fuse links not change their TCC characteristics over time. They relate to the fuse element’s material, shape and the way the fuse element is attached to the rest of the fuse link components. Let’s review each below:
First is the element material. The best performing fuse link elements are made of high-content silver. Silver doesn’t change its physical characteristics until reaching 90% of its heating capacity. In addition, silver melts at a higher temperature. This enables the fuse link element to stay intact, even when carrying load currents close to its melting time.
If you use other metal other than sliver, such as copper or tin, the fuse link element’s physical characteristics are susceptible to easy to change when the fuse link is carrying currents close to its melting time. A change in the physical characteristics of the fuse link element may cause a change in the fuse link’s TCC curve,the fuse link will causing unnecessary operate .
second is to make sure there is a strong connection between the various components of the fuse link.Welding is a common electrical connection process.The weak point is that solder melts at a low temperature and can be applied unevenly. Heat created by normal load currents carried by the fuse link may compromise a soldered electrical connection. This may cause the element to come apart, prompting a nuisance operation.