What is a fuse?
A component designed to protect electronic circuits by safely opening
the circuit under abnormally high electric loads. Whilst most fuses
respond to over-current, some respond to heat. Blowing a fuse can save the
problems and costs associated with blowing the entire circuit.
How many different fuses are there?
We currently stock approximately 8000 different fuses, but estimate
the entire range of fuses available in the world is many times this
figure. Note that many manufacturers produce equivalent
products which are labeled with different part numbers. Swe-Check offers
an extensive cross reference service to ensure you get the best product
for the best price in the fastest time possible. The majority of orders
can be supplied directly from stocks held in our Australian warehouse.
What are the most important properties of a fuse?
- Manufacturer & Part Number (eg. Bussmann FNQ-3)
- Current rating (eg. 15A)
- Voltage rating in terms of voltage AC or DC (eg. 250VAC)
- Body style (eg. cartridge or Ferrule, bottle, blade etc.)
- Body composition (eg. glass, ceramic, plastic etc.)
- Dimensions (eg. 5 x 20mm)
- Element speed (eg. Fast, slow, motor rated)
- Interrupting rating (also known as breaking capacity or rupturing
capacity)
- Approvals (eg. UL, UR, CSA)
- Special Features (eg. Indicator (visual/trip), reject feature)
How do I decide which fuse I need?
When replacing original fuses, we can either provide the exact same part
or a direct equivalent produced by a different manufacturer. When designing
fuses into a new circuit, we can provide data sheets and other information
in order to help you choose the most suitable fuse and holder combination.
Who are the major fuse manufacturers (brands)?
- Cooper Bussmann (Buss)
- Littelfuse
- Ferraz Shawmut (Ferraz Shawmut)
- Belfuse
- Eska
- Efen
- Elcut
- Lawson
- Siba
- Jean Muller
- Fuzetec
- Elektroelement
- Cellolite
- Daito (Fanuc)
What are the main fuse categories?
- Electronic Fuses (generally used in smaller consumer & household
goods)
- Automotive
Fuses & Breakers (fuses designed for car, truck & marine applications)
- Semiconductor Fuses (very fast acting fuses designed to protect sensitive
components)
- Industrial Fuses (commonly used in commercial equipment & installations)
- High Voltage Fuses (fuses with a voltage rating of 1000V or higher)
What are the main fuse element speeds?
- Very fast acting fuse (fuses designed to protect semiconductor devices)
- Fast acting fuse or general purpose fuse
- Medium acting fuse (not common - often substituted depending upon
application)
- Slow acting fuse (motor rated fuse designed to withstand in-rush
currents)
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