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What is a fuse holder?
A fuse holder is a type of fuse accessory that is required to integrate fuses that cannot be dropped directly into conductive paths due to their shape and size. The function of a fuse holder is to integrate fuses safely in electrical circuits, ensure a robust current path (voltage does not creep to other components) and provide a method to replace fuses once they manage overcurrent events as intended.
How does a fuse holder work?
At a high level, fuse holders (a type of fuse accessory) can be considered to be devices that accept incoming power and assist in carrying it through the fuse as efficiently as possible. In doing so, the possibility exists that added features are built into the product to provide additional functionality that is beneficial for the OEM or to the end user of the assembly. A few common components of fuse accessories can be defined as follows:
• Terminals are responsible for both accepting current from the circuit into the fuse accessory and delivering it back to the circuit.
• Contacts are responsible for engaging with the fuse to deliver current to and from the fuse, often in the form of a clip or an eyelet.
• Additional components can be found in various fuse holders, but they depend on the product type.
What is an inline fuse holder?
Inline fuse holders are wire-in, wire-out/line and load fuse holders. They are basically a self-enclosed wire harness providing broad application flexibility. This type of fuse holder can both allow for easy fuse replacement and make it more difficult to access fuses, depending on the goal of the designer and where they are installed.
What is a fuse clip?
Fuse clips are a type of fuse accessory design to directly mount fuses to PCBs. They are the most economical fuse accessory and enable easy installation, but the fewest number of features. Typically they need to be isolated and insulated from the environment yet have a wide application base.
What is a panel-mount fuse holder?
A panel-mount fuse holder is a type of fuse holder that is mounted through an enclosure or on a back plane of an enclosure. They are generally wire-in, wire-out/line and load, and can provide protection for people from electrical hazards when installed properly.
What is a PCB fuse holder?
A printed circuit board (PCB) fuse holder is a type of fuse accessory that has a fixed footprint and can provide isolation from external contact. If planned accordingly in the design process, this type of fuse accessory can allow for easier fuse replacement.
How do I select a fuse holder?
There are many factors that affect the selection of a fuseholder. This includes the fuse selected, current and voltage rating, desired circuit integration, any third-party certification required and environmental protection desired just to name a few. Please visit Eaton’s fuse technology web page for assistance with fuse holder selection.
What type of fuse holders are available for my fuse?
Eaton’s fuse holders are categorised into four groups which depend on the circuit integration method and how they hold the fuse. These categories are as follows:
Visit the fuse accessory guide to help select available fuseholders based on the type of fuse selected. Eaton also offers a fuse accessory kit which contains a wide variety of fuseholders in order to provide a suite of different options of mounting fuses during the prototype or design phase. Download the fuse accessory kit data sheet.
Fuses have interrupting ratings, what about fuse holders?
While fuses have interrupting ratings, fuse holders do not actually interrupt current, so they would not have short-circuit current ratings. Generally speaking, fuse holder standards for electronic, miniature or supplemental fuses have default ratings. For example, fuseholders achieving UL recognition to UL4248 would achieve a 10kA rating. Fuse holders for supplemental fuses can be evaluated to UL 4248 for higher short circuit current ratings, even up to 100 kA.
Do fuse holders require derating?
Generally speaking, yes. For UL ratings, a derating factor is in line with a fuse derating of 80% but could be more, depending on additional environmental or operating factors such as temperature and/or current cycling.
What are the standards that govern fuse holders?
UL 4248 and IEC 60127-5 are the two primary standards that govern fuse holders. For electronic fuse holders, UL only offers UL Recognition to UL 4248. Third-party governing bodies, such as VDE or SEMKO can certify fuse holders to the IEC standard. Depending on if the end assembly is pursuing third-party certification, such as UL or VDE, a fuse holder evaluated and certified to either one of these standards can help support the end assembly certification; however third-party certification may not required.
How are the fuse holder standards different?
The two most common fuse holder standards are UL 4248 and IEC60127-6. Each generally govern the same type of products, electronic fuseholders, but have different testing methods and set-ups. For example, IEC60127-6 uses allowable power dissipation to determine the amperage rating of the fuse holder, whereas UL 4248 uses heat rise limits. This is among other items that are considered for fuse holder design. Therefore certain fuse holders with dual listings/certification can have different maximum current ratings. As with all standards, they are intended to standardise measuring so design engineers using these products know how to make comparisons. This is in addition to carrying ratings greater than or equal to the rating for the fuses it accepts.
I’ve selected the fuse to protect my circuit; what are the options to mount it?
Eaton offers a variety of fuse holders to optimally integrate fuses in electronic circuits. Mounting options include wired applications or printed circuit boards. Eaton’s fuse accessory selection guide will illustrate options based on the type of fuse selected.
Is the voltage rating both a Vac and Vdc rating?
While the Vac and Vdc are specified separately, for fuseholders, the voltage rating applies to Vac and Vdc.
Do fuse accessories need to be derated at higher or lower temperatures?
In general, fuse holders require minimal derating in addition to the fuse derating at higher or lower temperatures. Still, testing and evaluation should occur at high temperatures at steady-state current to ensure any heat is properly managed, particularly for fully enclosed fuse holders
What is the terminal finish or terminal material?
Fuse holder terminals are made of conductive materials, such as copper alloys, and generally have traditional electrical or solderable plating finishes, such as tin or silver. Please consult the respective data sheets for details on specific fuse holder terminal materials or contact technical support for further questions.
Can I solder fuse accessories with wire connections in my circuit?
Eaton offers fuse holders a variety of wire connection types; these include screw clamp, wire crimp, quick-connect and solder connections. Availability of the different wire connections will depend on the individual fuse holder. Please consult the individual data sheet for full details.
What soldering procedure is recommended for PCB fuse holders or fuse clips?
Eaton recommends soldering as per the industry standard. For additional information, please contact technical support.
Is my Bussmann series fuse holder RoHS compliant?
As Eaton conducts business around the world, we are committed to enhancing our products to meet global governmental environmental mandates now in effect. Eaton has pledged to eliminate hazardous materials in our products, regardless of application or market. We have initiated a comprehensive review of Bussmann® series products to substitute non-hazardous materials in their construction wherever possible.
Most of Eaton’s electronic fuse holders are RoHS compliant. Eaton offers a tool for RoHS compliance status and certification. Some legacy fuseholders may not be listed as RoHS compliant within the tool and because of this, you are encouraged to contact the product stewardship team who can offer support if the product you search for is not listed. Contact us for further questions.
Are 3D models available for fuse accessories?
Eaton can provide .step files for many of the core fuse holders that are available on request. Please contact us with your request.
