23 Advantages and Disadvantages of HRC Fuse

HRC fuses are the fastest & simplest current-limiting devices. With a wide current range, multiple voltage ratings, and high short circuit strength, HRC fuses are perfectly equipped for overcurrent protection in buildings & industries. Except for the advantages, HRC fuses have many drawbacks. Let’s check them one by one.

Advantages of HRC fuse

Some benefits of HRC fuse are:

• It has a high-speed operation.
• It has low let-through energy, low cut-off characteristics, and reduced electromagnetic stress.
• It saves energy through low power losses.
• It has a high breaking capacity.
• There is no emission of gases after a short circuit occurs.
• It has a long lifespan.
• It is a cheap solution. Its initial cost is low compared to a breaker.
• It has a high resistance to aging. It has extreme reliability.
• It has compact dimensions.
• Some models have status indicators on the fuse.
• It is not affected by environmental conditions. It operates safely in high and low temperatures.
• It can be produced up to 1250 Amps.
• It has various types. It can be used in different applications.

Disadvantages of HRC fuse

Some drawbacks of HRC fuse are:

• It has to be replaced after each opening. It cannot be reused once the fuse wire melts in the operation.
• It has an open-type body and this could cause safety problems.
• It has high maintenance and replacement costs.
• Fuses with incorrect ratings can easily be installed in the fuse holders.
• In a three-phase motor circuit, if one fuse blows, the motor works in 2 phases.
• Unlike general industrial fuses, high-speed fuses do not have intentional time-delay features.
• It is old technology.
• It is not possible to add electrical or mechanical accessories to it.
• The heat produced by the arc may affect the associated switches.
• Generally, it must be used with a fuse base. This increases the cost of the total solution.