Fuses: Protection When It Matters Most
Fuses play a central role in electrical systems: They protect cables, connected loads, and equipment from damage caused by overloads or short circuits. Especially in control cabinets, distribution panels, or machines, it is crucial that this protection trips reliably before major consequential damage occurs. Electrical fuses provide precisely this overcurrent protection; circuit breakers primarily protect cables and wires as well as connected loads.
Fuses cover a wide range of applications, from traditional fuse links to resettable protective devices for electrical installations. Depending on the application, various designs and protection concepts are available, such as circuit breakers for protecting individual circuits or micro fuses for sensitive electronic components and low-current applications.
What types of fuses are available?
In everyday use, two main types of overcurrent protection dominate: fuses and circuit breakers. In addition, residual-current devices (RCDs) are used, although they are not fuses in the traditional sense. While fuses and circuit breakers protect against overcurrent, RCDs are designed to protect against residual currents.
What is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
A fuse must be replaced after tripping because its fuse element burns out. A circuit breaker can usually be reset after tripping and is therefore frequently used in distribution panels and fuse boxes.
What are circuit breakers used for?
Circuit breakers protect individual circuits and primarily safeguard wiring and connected loads against overloads and short circuits. They are primarily used in low-voltage networks, control panels, and residential distribution systems. To meet a variety of circuit protection needs, Bürklin offers a versatile selection of fuses and protective components from renowned manufacturers such as ABB. Bürklin helps you select the right solution with helpful filter options for the wide range of products in the online store, as well as in-depth technical expertise in the online magazine.