Electric fuses

Fuses are produced in large numbers and in a wide variety of types ranging from those capable of protecting 132 kV equipment down to the miniature versions used in electronic circuits. The review starts by tracing the development of fuses before the beginning of the 20th century and then describes the constructions of the basic types now in use. This is followed first by a consideration of the factors which affect the behaviour of fuses, and then details are given of the type-testing and quality-assurance procedures that are employed to establish performance characteristics and ensure consistency in production. The features of the different types of fuse in use today are examined under the accepted classification headings, namely (a) high-voltage fuses, (b) low-voltage fuses (including those for the protection of industrial and domestic circuits and equipment and also semiconductors) and (c) miniature fuses. Finally, possible developments in fuse technology are considered, to indicate how fuses may be adapted to meet changing requirements in the future.