Introduction

HRC fuse link is a very common, simple and effective

electrical protection device against over load and short circuit
current.
It consists of fuse wire which is designed according to the
customer's requirement and the rest of the design depends
upon it. Whenever high inrush of current takes place, the
fuse wire gets heated mush and melts thereby cutting the
supply and preventing any damage to the equipments.
A cutaway of the construction of the HRC is shown below.

The fusing element is enclosed in a porcelain body
surrounded by silica sand. The end caps have securing lugs.
The element has constrictions and a tin alloy section.

Operation

Under normal operating conditions the current flowing through the fuse element
does not provide enough energy to melt the element. The heat produced is
absorbed by the surrounding silica sand.

If a large current flows the energy produced melts and vapourises the element.
Overload Condition

Modern HRC fuse elements incorporate a tin alloy section. This is
known as a eutectic material. It is used to give the fuse specific
operating characteristics. Under overload conditions the material heats
up and if the overload is prolonged, it will melt and break the fuse
element.



Short Circuit Condition

Under high current short circuit conditions the smaller area constricted
parts of the element will melt rapidly and vaporise. These will break
before the eutectic material.

Types of Fuse(Picture)
Low Voltage Fuse

In this category all fuses up to 1.5 kV can be included. But the most
typical voltage levels for low voltage fuses are 500 V, 690 V and 750 V.
LV HRC fuses are used for installation systems in non-residential,
commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in the switchboards of
power supply companies.

Other application are :
cable and line protection
short-circuit protection of switching devices in motor circuits
protection of power semiconductors
operational class combines cable and line protection with
semiconductor protection.

LV Fuses
High Voltage Fuses
All fuses used on power systems from 1.5 kV up to 138 kV are
categorized as high voltage fuses. High voltage fuses are used to :
Protect instrument transformers
Electricity metering
small power transformers where the expense of a circuit breaker is
not warranted. For example, in distribution systems, a power fuse
may be used to protect a transformer serving 13 houses
HV Fuses
APPLICATIONS

The HRC (high rupturing capacity) fuselinks are used to protect
transformers, capacitor banks, cable and overhead lines against
shortcircuits. They protect switchgears from thermal and
electromagnetic effects of heavy shortcircuit currents by limiting the
peak current values (cutoff characteristic) and interrupting the
currents in several milliseconds.
A cutout consists of three major
components:
The cutout body : an open "C"-shaped frame that supports the fuse holder and a ribbed porcelain
or polymer insulator that electrically isolates the conductive portions of the assembly from the
support to which the insulator is fastened.

The fuse holder also called the "fuse tube" or "door", an insulating tube which contains the
replaceable fuse element. When the contained fuse operates ("blows"), the fuse holder drops out
of the upper contact, breaking the circuit, and hangs from a hinge on its lower end. This hanging
fuse holder provides a visible indication that the fuse has operated and assurance that the circuit
is open. The circuit can also be opened manually by pulling out the fuse holder using a hot stick.

The fuse element, or "fuse link", is the replaceable portion of the assembly that operates when
the electrical current is great enough.

-The fuse elements used in most distribution cutouts are tin or silver alloy wires that melt when
subjected to high enough current. Ampere ratings of fuse elements vary from 1 ampere to 200
amperes.
Operation
Spring in Fused Position
Fuse link operation inside barrel
Expulsion fuse mounting arrangement
Spring in Blown Fuse (Indicating) Position
Advantages of the HRC Fuse
The ability to safely interrupt short circuit currents of much higher values
(higher rupturing capacity). They are specifically designed to operate under
these short circuit conditions.
The elimination of arcing because the fuse element is sealed
It is obtainable in a range of fusing factors
The current rating is clearly marked
It has a reliable operation
It can be used to provide good discrimination because it provides close
protection and operates at a known value.
It has constant fusing characteristics
It operates fast
Doesnt deteriorate over time