Conditions of Maximum Arc Energy in Operation of Current-Limiting Fuses

The importance of reproducing the conditions of maximum energy released within the interrupting arc is fundamental in proving the short-circuit breaking capacity of fuses in the full range of operating currents. This paper illustrates the conditions for maximum energy release in low-voltage current-limiting fuses for industrial applications in the range of overcurrents from those implying prearcing times of the order of one half-cycle or less and up to the maximum breaking capacity assigned by the manufacturer. This paper also refers to some experimental results.