Understanding fuse ratings

Selecting a fuse is more than just about trip current. Proper fuse performance depends on many aspects of a fuse's design. Selecting the correct fuse requires determining the types of faults for which the fuse will provide protection. Selecting the correct trip current is only the start of the process of finding the correct fuse. Different applications will need consideration for the trip time delay, temperature rating, AC voltage rating, DC voltage rating and interrupt capacity. Fuse selection may also depend on the circuit into which a product is connected. Differences between North American and European classifications for fuses may further complicate the selection. Attention to all of the details of a design will help ensure that the fuse provides the proper protection for circuitry.