Current limiting devices-Benchmark comparison

The author evaluates performance characteristics such as I/sup 2/t limitation, peak current limitation, and interrupting capacity. He shows that the key indicator of current-limiting fuses provide a much higher degree of thermal energy restriction. Class J fuses provide the highest degree of current-limitation. The current-limiting standard on circuit breakers is a move in the right direction. The lack of formal performance umbrellas and device interchangeability, though, is disconcerting. Until these issues are addressed, current-limiting circuit breakers might not enjoy the universal acceptance of current-limiting fuses. He also reviews the test standards and discusses basic criteria, such as availability, initial cost, and size.<>