Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Protecting your electric circuit and the associated appliances should be among your top priorities. One way of achieving this goal is using a High Rupturing Capacity (HRC) fuse.
HRC fuses are among the unique types of fuses that you will find in the market. They come in different specifications, designs, and even types.
Do you wish to know more about HRC fuses? Read on as we lay down all the truth about them.
What is an HRC fuse?
A high rupturing capacity fuse or HRC fuse is a type of fuse that has the full capacity of accommodating or carrying heavy current for a considerable period. During that time, the faulty electric line will be worked on and the fuse will not blow off
However, if the fault is not removed, then the fuse will eventually blow off.
From the definition, you can tell that HRC is quite different. This is unlike other fuses that blow off immediately they detect an electrical short circuit or fault.
So, I hope that at this point you have some clue why it is referred to by the name “High rupturing capacity”.
Characteristics of HRC Fuse
As we have mentioned above, HRC fuses are different from other types of fuses. This is because they have some distinct characteristics that are not found in other types of fuses. These characteristics include:
– High current carrying capacity: This is one of the main characteristics of HRC fuses. They can carry high currents without blowing off immediately if you detect a fault in your circuit or appliance. However, if you do not remove the fault, then the fuse will blow off eventually.
– Slow blow: Another characteristic associated with HRC fuses is a slow blow. This means that they blow off after an extended period or a delay. They do not blow up immediately as soon as there is a fault in your circuit or appliance.
– High interrupting rating: High rupturing capacity fuses have a high interrupting rating as compared to other types of fuses. They can interrupt or stop a high current for an extended period. This is the reason why they are widely used in industrial applications and circuits that have high currents like the main supply line of your home.
– High-temperature rise: HRC fuses have a high-temperature rise. In fact, they have a temperature rise higher than any other type of fuse. This makes them suitable for use in applications that require high temperatures like motors and welding equipment.
– Low voltage drop: With this feature, it simply means that they do not lose as much energy as other types of fuses when interrupting a current. Thus, they are widely used in applications that require high currents.
– Flameproof: There is no denying the fact that most of these fuses are flameproof and waterproof. This makes them suitable for use in electrical appliances and circuits where there is a risk of fire or water damage. However, you are likely to enjoy this feature from high-end HRC fuses.
– Low impedance: These fuses have a very low impedance. This means that they have very low resistance. This makes them suitable for use in applications that require high currents.
– High current rating: The rupturing fuses have a high current rating. This means that they can carry very large currents before blowing off. They are therefore used in applications where there is a high risk of fire or water damage.
– High voltage rating: This simply means that they can withstand and interrupt voltages higher than normal fuses before blowing off.
Working principle of HRC fuse
Let’s first understand that like other fuses, the HRC fuse is directly connected to the electric circuit. The normally rated current of the circuit won’t have sufficient power to break down the HRC fuse. Isn’t this how most fuses work?
Well, what if there is an overload of current in the circuit? The fuse element of most fuses will melt hence stopping the supply of current to the circuit.
Things are slightly different with the HRC fuse. In case of an overload, the fuse element will not blow off instantly.
The HRC fuse will first heat up. This means that the current will be increased by a factor of 5. This is because the HRC fuse has a high surface temperature.
However, the overload extends for some period and the fault situation is not addressed, the HRC fuse element will melt and the current to the circuit will be interrupted. The HRC fuse element will not melt if there is no overload or lower than 2.5 times its rated current. In case of an overload, it can still withstand 6 times its rated current.
This is a very important property of the HRC fuse. It can handle a large current supply and it can withstand a large current supply for a longer period. This is one of the reasons why HRC fuses are widely used in most sensitive circuits and power transmission applications.
Types of HRC Fuses
As we have mentioned, HRC fuses are not all the same. The main types that you are likely to find in the market include;
-NH type fuse
-DIn type fuse
-Blade type fuse
Let’s have a brief look at these types of high rapture capacity fuses. From there, you will know which one is perfect for your application.
NH type fuse
This type of high rupturing capacity fuse is mainly used on small to medium voltage devices. They are used in applications where high power is not required.
The NH type of HRC fuse is designed to be used with AC current ranging between 200 and 1000 volts. They are also designed to be used with a range of current between 0 and 20 Amps.
Din type fuse
This type of HRC fuse is mainly used on medium voltage devices where there is a higher demand for power.
It is designed to be used with an AC ranging between 400 and 500 volts.
Blade type fuse
This type of HRC fuse is mainly used on high voltage devices where there is a need for a higher power.
It is designed to be used with AC current ranging between 600 and 1000 volts. It can also be used with an AC current ranging between 400-600 volts. They are available in various sizes depending on the application that you have in mind.
Construction and Components of HRC fuse
A high rupturing capacity fuse is a simple fuse that comprises these parts;
-Brass end cap
-Fuse element
-Filling powder
These components work together to achieve the ultimate goal of a fully-functioning HRC fuse.
Brass end cap
It is a metallic cap that is placed at the end of the HRC fuse element. It provides good electrical contact between the HRC fuse element and the body of the HRC fuse. This ensures the proper performance of the HRC fuse while it is in operation.
Fuse element
The HRC fuse element is made of high-quality, low-resistance grade tantalum and niobium alloy. The HRC fuse element has excellent mechanical and thermal properties that enable it to withstand a large current supply for long periods of time without melting.
The HRC fuse element has a very high melting point that makes it resistant to melting during an overload situation. This makes it an ideal choice as a protection device for sensitive applications such as power transmission systems, PLCs, computerized equipment, and other similar circuits where high current supply from any source could cause damage due to voltage overshoot or overvoltage conditions.
Filling powder
The filling powder used in most HRC fuses is a blend of powdered tantalum, niobium, tin, and aluminum. The HRC fuse is filled with the powder mixture by means of a special machine that is operated manually or automatically. The HRC fuse is sealed with epoxy resin to protect it from moisture and other contaminants.
Fuse element holder
The HRC fuse element has a special holder that fits into the HRC fuse element to provide mechanical support for the HRC fuse element. The holder also helps in protecting the HRC fuse element from mechanical damage due to repeated insertion and removal of the HRC fuse element in and out of the mounting position.
This provides excellent protection for your HRC fuses from mechanical damage during shipment or storage as well as during installation practices on site.
Housing
The housing is an aluminum alloy component that covers all sides except for the top side of the HRC fuse elements, which are left exposed.
It provides mechanical support for all other components of the HRC fuse while also protecting them against external physical damage.
The construction of the HRC fuse is done in a way to make all the above components work together smoothly. The manufacturers carefully select the materials that will make up each component of the fuse.
The regulations for the fuse state that the components must be manufactured and assembled to comply with all these standards. The components are made of only the best materials and are tested for quality.
Safety is another aspect that manufacturers consider during the construction of an HRC fuse. The HRC fuse must meet high safety standards as they are used in critical applications.
The components of the HRC are designed to operate reliably and safely. The components must also be able to withstand the external physical conditions they may encounter during their lifetime.
Another vital aspect that manufacturers consider is the design. The components of the high rupturing capacity fuse are designed in a way that they can be assembled easily. It should also be easy to install the element to the circuit.
The HRC fuse is manufactured in different sizes depending on its application. The HRC fuse with a large capacity is designed to be used in applications such as power plants and petrochemical plants where there is high demand for power.
The HRC fuse with smaller capacities is used in smaller applications such as motor vehicle engines where there is a low demand for power but high demand for protection against component failure.
Advantages of HRC fuse
The top benefits of this fuse variant include;
-Cost-effective: HRC fuses are cheaper than most of its alternatives in the market.
-Reliability: These fuses are known to be very reliable and can withstand external conditions.
-Safety: Are you worried about the safety of your device or even the electric circuit? Here is a perfect alternative for you.
-High-breaking capability: Given its working principle, the fuse won’t just break off instantly due to overload. It will support the circuit for a considerable period.
-Compatibility: Would you like to incorporate this fuse into your electric device? You don’t have to worry as these fuses are compatible with most of the components used in power generation.
-High durability: HRC fuse is known to be durable and is resistant to external conditions such as moisture, dust, and temperature. The fuse is likely to serve you for long.
Disadvantages of HRC Fuse
-Cannot be reused: Once your fuse has blown off, it will not be possible to use it again.
-The fuse can cause overheating of the components near it. This is because it relies on its heating property to manage current overload.
-You will have to change the fuse after every action so as to maintain its efficiency and reliability.
Where can I buy HRC Fuse?
HRC fuse is widely available in different electrical hardware stores, electrical hardware suppliers, and online stores.
The best alternative is to buy directly from HRC fuse manufacturers in China. You will be sure of getting a quality high rupturing fuse and associated after-sales support.
At ICRFQ, we can connect you to reputable manufacturers and suppliers of HRC fuse. We are a sourcing agent that you can trust when it comes to electric components in China. All you need is to contact us and send brief information about the fuse that you want. We will work tirelessly to deliver what you want.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
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Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
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