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POWR SPEED TecAppGuide 2 Sizing Guidelines 2021 Final 1

The document provides sizing guidelines for POWR-SPEED® fuses, focusing on key specifications such as rated voltage, rated current, interrupting rating, and total clearing I2t value. It details factors affecting fuse selection, including operating frequency, time constant, regenerative loads, and compliance with standards. For comprehensive insights, readers are encouraged to download the full POWR-SPEED Fuses Application Guide from Littelfuse's website.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
27 views18 pages

POWR SPEED TecAppGuide 2 Sizing Guidelines 2021 Final 1

The document provides sizing guidelines for POWR-SPEED® fuses, focusing on key specifications such as rated voltage, rated current, interrupting rating, and total clearing I2t value. It details factors affecting fuse selection, including operating frequency, time constant, regenerative loads, and compliance with standards. For comprehensive insights, readers are encouraged to download the full POWR-SPEED Fuses Application Guide from Littelfuse's website.

Uploaded by

simon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 18

Sizing Guidelines

An excerpt from the POWR-SPEED ® Fuses Application Guide

SECTION 4.0
POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 2
4.1 Rated Voltage............................................................................................................................................. 2
4.1.1 Effect of Operating Frequency (Ef )...................................................................................................... 2
4.1.2 Effect of Time Constant (Efc)............................................................................................................. .3
4.1.3 Effect of Regenerative Loads (Ereg)..................................................................................................... 3
4.1.4 Effect of Complying Fuse Standard.................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Rated Current............................................................................................................................................. 4
4.2.1 Sizing of the High-Speed Fuse Rated Current..................................................................................... 4
4.3 Interrupting Rating.................................................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Total Clearing I2 t Value (Withstand Energy)............................................................................................... 16
4.5 Peak Arc-Voltage...................................................................................................................................... 16

For more insights, download the full


POWR-SPEED Fuses Application Guide at
Littelfuse.com/powr-speed-application-guide

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 1 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

The proper selection of high-speed fuses involves greater understanding and consideration of its product
specifications such as rated voltage, rated current, interrupting rating, and melting and total clearing l2t ratings,
and then sizing them appropriately to various application conditions.
This document, which is excerpted from the POWR-SPEED Fuses Application Guide, discusses the general
industrial guidelines for sizing high-speed fuse specifications based on these influencing application conditions.
Download complete, 52-page POWR-SPEED Fuses Application Guide at Littelfuse.com/powr-speed-application-
guide for an in-depth look at high-speed fuse protection.

4.1 Rated Voltage


Rated voltage of a fuse is the maximum ac or dc voltage at which the fuse is designed to operate. Fuses may be
rated for ac only, dc only, or both ac and dc. A fuse’s voltage rating must equal or exceed the application voltage
where the fuse will be installed.
The ac voltage rating on the fuse label is the maximum open circuit rms voltage for which the fuse can be safely
applied. But it’s also important to note that fuses used in dc circuits must be specifically rated for dc applications.
The dc voltage rating on the fuse label is the maximum dc voltage where the fuse can be safely applied.
In some instances, and with certain limitations, an ac only rated fuse could be used on dc circuits. Please
consult Littelfuse Technical Services to understand the safe dc voltage rating for applying such fuses. Most
common application conditions that affect the rated voltage sizing of high-speed fuses are operating frequency,
regenerative loads and adopted agency standards.

4.1.1 Effect of Operating Frequency (Ef)


The ac voltage rating of a fuse is determined by testing at a frequency between 45 Hz and 62 Hz per UL and IEC
standards. Typically, application frequencies (up to 1 kHz) do not affect the performance of a fuse. However, at
lower frequencies (below 45 Hz), the circuit tends to perform more like a dc circuit which can significantly affect
the fuse’s ability to safely clear a fault current. In such an application, a fuse with a rated ac voltage higher than
the application ac voltage would be recommended.
To determine the minimum rated ac voltage of a fuse at low frequency applications, the appropriate frequency
correction factor (Ef) (see Figure 24 below) should be factored to the application ac voltage to determine the
proper fuse voltage rating.
The minimum rated ac voltage of a fuse can be determined by:

En ≥ E
Ef

Figure 24. Frequency correction factor curve

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 2 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Example:
Application Voltage Rating (E) = 480 V ac
Application Frequency = 30 Hz
Frequency Correction Factor (Ef) = 0.9
En ≥ E ≥
480 V ac
Minimum Fuse AC Voltage ≥ 533 V ac
Ef 0.9
And thus, the recommendation would be to use a 550 V ac or 600 V ac rated fuse.

4.1.2 Effect of Time Constant (Efc)


The ability of a dc rated high-speed fuse to safely interrupt dc overcurrents is influenced by the dc time constant
(also known as the L/R ratio) of the circuit. In dc circuits, the inductance to resistance (L/R) ratio defines the rate
of rise of fault current (di/dt). The dc circuit time constant is generally expressed in milliseconds (ms) and is the
time it takes for the dc circuit to reach 63% of its final value.
The longer the time constant of the circuit, the more the burden on the fuse to safely interrupt the fault current.
Littelfuse high-speed fuses are tested in circuits with time constant (L/R) no less than 10ms per the UL and IEC
standards. When used in circuits with a time constant exceeding 10ms, high-speed fuses require additional rated
voltage de-rating. Contact Littelfuse Technical Services for such applications.

4.1.3 Effect of Regenerative Loads (Ereg)


When fuses are used in a regenerative power converter application where the mechanical energy of the motor
and/or connected load is returned to the ac power source during braking, there is a chance of commutation fault.
This is the worst-case fault in this circuit. During this fault, the application source ac voltage is superimposed
upon the converter output dc voltage causing a sudden increase in system voltage. This affects the fuse’s ability
to safely clear the fault.
For a high-speed fuse to safely clear a commutation fault in a regenerative load application, a safety factor (Ereg)
of 1.8 is applied to the application voltage rating (E) to determine the minimum rated voltage of the high-speed
fuse (En).
En = E x Ereg or En = E x 1.8
For non-regenerative loads, the safety factor Ereg = 1.0

4.1.4 Effect of Complying Fuse Standard


High-speed fuses offered by Littelfuse are compliant to either UL, IEC, or in many cases, both standards
depending on the fuse style. North American round body style fuses are compliant to the UL 248-13 standard
and rated voltage testing is performed at 100 % of the ac voltage of the fuse.
In comparison, square body style fuses are tested to both IEC 60269-4 and UL 248-13 standards. Per the IEC
standard, rated voltage testing is performed at 110 % of the ac voltage of the fuse, to factor in any application
overload conditions.
When applying North American round body style fuses in an IEC application, an additional safety factor of 0.9
should be factored to the application voltage to determine the rated voltage of the fuse.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 3 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

E
Minimum high-speed fuse rated voltage: En =
0.9
So in summary, the rated voltage of a fuse is determined using the formula:
E x Ereg
En =
Ef

For North American style fuses used in IEC applications, the rated ac voltage of a fuse is determined by:
E x Ereg
En =
0.9 xEf

Where:
E = Application voltage rating
Ereg = Regenerative load safety factor
Ef = Frequency correction factor

4.2 Rated Current


The rated current of a high-speed fuse is defined as the continuous ac rms current (and the dc steady-state
current, when rated for ac and dc) that the fuse is designed to carry under specified conditions defined by the
complying standard (UL and IEC).
The rated current printed on the fuse label is determined based on testing performed at standard test conditions.
§ Ac Circuit Conditions: Frequency range from 45 Hz to 62 Hz with an ambient temperature 20 °C ± 5 °C.
§ Dc Circuit Conditions: A time constant (L/R) of 10ms or less with an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C.
Typically, fuses are not always applied at standard test conditions. As a result, the sizing (or selecting) of the
fuse’s rated current is dependent on various application factors and conditions.

4.2.1 Sizing of the High-Speed Fuse Rated Current


The following steps explain how to size a high-speed fuse for various applications.
Step 1: Determine the Normal Full-Load Current of the Fuses
Depending on the location of the fuse in the power conversion circuitry (ac side or dc side), the load current
through the fuse varies. In most cases this normal load current is generally available from the application design
engineer.
For applications where normal full load current is not readily available, the value can be determined by calculating
the rms current (ac side fusing) or the steady-state current (dc side fusing).
In power conversion applications, the challenge is determining this ac rms current and dc steady-state current
(often stated as dc average current) due to the pulsating nature of the rectifier output current.
Figure 25 shows the relationship between ac rms current and dc average current for a single-phase unfiltered
full-wave rectifier circuit.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 4 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Single-Phase Ac Sine Wave Rectified Single-Phase Ac Sine Wave



◄ ◄
One Cycle (360˚)
◄ One Cycle (360˚)




PEAK
RMS
AVERAGE




Figure 25. Relationship between ac rms current and dc average current for a single-phase unfiltered full-wave rectifier circuit.

Where,
IPEAK = Peak Current
IAVG = Dc Average (Output) Current
IRMS = Ac RMS Current

IAVG = 0.636 x IPEAK


Or
IPEAK = IAVG / 0.636
IRMS = 0.707 x IPEAK
By substituting IPEAK in the above equation,
IRMS = (0.707 / 0.636) x IAVG
Ac Side Normal Full-load Current (IAL): I RMS = 1.11 x IAVG
Or
Dc Side Normal Full-load Current (IAL): IAVG = 0.9 x I RMS
The average dc current through the fuse is 90 % of the ac rms current (see Figure 25). Fuses located in the ac
side of the circuit will see an rms current 1.11 times that of the dc average output current.
When multiple semiconductors (such as full-wave, parallel, three-phase, or similar circuits) along with multiple
fuses are used in a circuit, current through each fuse depends on the location of the fuse in the circuit.
The examples below represent a few common rectifier circuit options with possible fuse placement locations
shown along with the ac rms current running through the fuse (as calculated at 100 % dc steady-state load current).

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 5 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Single Phase – Half Wave Rectifier Single Phase – Full Wave Rectifier (Bridge)
A ▶


A I1

◄ I1
◄ A
I2
LOAD
LOAD

◄ A
I3


I1 = 1.57A I1 = 1.11A I 2 = 0.79A I 3 = 1.11A

Three Phase – Half Wave Rectifier Three Phase – Full Wave Rectifier
A ▶ A


I1
I2

I3
▶ A A A
I2
I1 LOAD

▶ LOAD



I1 = 1.02A I 2 = 0.59A I1 = 1.00A I 2 = 0.58A I 3 = 0.82A

Single Phase – Full Waver Rectifier (Center Tap) Six Phase – Single Wave Rectifier

◄ A ▶
A A
I2 I2
▶ I1

LOAD

◄ A
I1

LOAD

I1 = 1.11A I 2 = 0.79A I1 = 1.00A I 2 = 0.41A

Figure 26. Typical rectifier circuits and locations of high-speed fuses in the circuitry

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 6 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

When the current through the fuse is constant and continues for one hour or more, then the calculated normal
load current is similar to the ac rms current or the dc steady state current per the illustrations above.
However, for applications involving varying load current, especially when subjected to inrush current or cyclic
current (regular-repeating identical current cycles), the normal load current through the fuse is obtained by
calculating the rms current of one duty cycle, known as adjusted normal load current.
Figure 27 is a representation of a typical varying load cycle. The adjusted normal load current for this varying load
cycles is provided by the formula,



l1
l2

◄ ◄
◄ t1 ◄ t2

◄ T
Figure 27. Varying load current (cyclic current)

Where,
I1, I 2...In: Varying RMS load currents (amperes)
t1, t2...tn: Corresponding current cycle duration (seconds)
T: Total duration of one varying load current cycle
(Including any OFF period)

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 7 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Example:
Determine the adjusted normal load current for the cyclic current shown in Figure 28.
80
75
70

60

50

◄ ◄
6 26
◄ 13

40


AMPERES

30

End of Cycle
20 38

10



0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Figure 28. A cyclic current.
Where,
I1: 75A
t1: 6 Seconds
I 2: 38A
t2: 26 Seconds
I3: 0A
t3: 13 Seconds
Total Time (T): 45 Seconds

40A
For irregular current cycles, the adjusted load current must be calculated for a period of one hour, during which
the largest effective surge current would occur.
Depending on the magnitude and duration of the surge current, the calculated adjusted normal load current (IAL)
may be substantially less than the surges in the system.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 8 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Other common scenarios observed in power semiconductor applications would involve having multiple power
semiconductor devices connected in parallel (as shown in Figure 29). In this scenario called a multi-parallel connection,
each device is protected by an individual high-speed fuse in each arm/leg of the power conversion circuit.











▲▲▲▲ ▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲ ▲▲▲

LOAD
b
c










▲ ▲▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲▲ ▲ ▲▲▲

Figure 29. Multi-parallel connection in a rectifier circuit

In such situations, the load current through each arm/leg is shared between all parallel paths. Though load current
sharing is typically not equal, as up to 20% of uneven sharing is allowed. Continuous operation of this multi-
parallel circuitry with one less parallel path (due to fuse operation on an internal fault) is also possible. Thus, when
determining the load current through the fuse in such multi-parallel circuits, both these conditions should be
considered.
The normal load current (IAL) through each fuse in a multi-parallel connection circuitry is determined by:

Where,
IAL(Leg) = Total rms current in each arm/leg
N = Total number of parallel path in each arm/leg
S = Load current sharing factor (0 %-20 %)
The rated current of the high-speed fuse being selected can be determined by applying re-rating factors
(computed in Step 2 below) to the normal load current (IAL) determined from this section.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 9 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Step 2: How to determine the appropriate current rating of a high-speed fuse


As thermally sensitive devices, there are various application parameters that affect a fuse’s operation (melting).
This, in turn, affects the overall current carrying capacity (rated current) of a fuse. The following are the
application parameters and their corresponding correction factors that need to be considered while sizing a high-
speed fuse.
The rated current of a high-speed fuse can be determined using the following formula:
IAL
IN =
FAT * FFC * FWR * FHZ * FSS * FAL

Where,
IAL = Adjusted normal full-load current
IN = Rated current of high-speed fuse for the application
FAT = Ambient temperature correction factor
FFC = Forced cooling correction factor
F WR = Wiring connection factor
FSS = Switching correction factor
FAL = Altitude correction factor

2a: Ambient Temperature Fuses are affected by the air temperature immediately surrounding it (ambient
temperature) during its operation. Typically, high-speed fuses are tested at standard test conditions of 20
°C ± 5 °C and can be applied at a wide operation temperature range of -50 °C to +125 °C. When fuses
are operated at ambient temperatures outside their standard testing range, the appropriate ambient
temperature correction factor needs to be computed and factored to properly select the fuse rating. The
ambient temperature correction factor (FAT ) is determined by the formula

Where,
Ta = Application ambient temperature
Tstd = Standard testing ambient temperature

Example:
Determine the ambient temperature correction factor for a fuse installed at a 55 °C ambient temperature
condition?
Per formula, it is calculated to be:

FAT = 0.84

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 10 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

2b: Forced Cooling: Due to their switching properties, power semiconductor devices typically produce
large amounts of heat during normal operating conditions. When the heat produced exceeds their safe
operating temperature limits, the devices will become inoperable.
Forced air cooling and liquid cooling are the two heat sinking methods commonly practiced in such
applications. Fuses that are used to protect such devices are also subjected to such heat sinking methods
and can directly affect (increase) the current carrying capacity of the high-speed fuse.
The curve shown in Figure 30 determines the Forced (Air) Correction Factor (FFC) to be used when sizing
the rated current of a high-speed fuse.

Forced  Air  Cooling  (FFC)  Correc+on  Factor  Curve  


1.30  
Forced  Air  Correc+on  Factor  (FFA)  

1.25  

1.20  

1.15  

1.10  

1.05  

1.00  

0.95  

0.90  
0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8  
Air  Velocity  (m/sec)  

Figure 30. Forced (air) cooling correction factor (FFC) curve

Example:
Determine the forced air cooling correction factor for a fuse installed at an application with an air velocity
of 4 m/sec.
Per the forced air correction curve:
An average current density and reference values (100 %)
For an air velocity of 4m/sec, FFC = 1.20
For applications with a liquid cooled bus-bar system (which may be used along with forced air cooling),
the forced cooling correction factor of FFC = 1.25 can be considered when sizing a high-speed fuse’s
rated current.

2c: Conductor Size (Wiring Connection Factor): High-speed fuses are connected to a system by means
of copper conductors in the form of cable or bus-bar termination. The main purpose of the termination
is to conduct power, but they also serve as a heat sinking device to remove heat from the fuse terminals
and allowing it to operate efficiently.

Conductor size is critical for alignment between


the fuse specification and the wiring/busbar
specification. Lack of consideration may lead to
nuisance opening of the fuse.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 11 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

The cross-section size of the conductor significantly impacts the current carrying capacity of a high-
speed fuse. The rated current of a high-speed fuse is determined based on testing with recommended
conductor sizes outlined in international standards. When applying these fuses in the field, any reduction
in conductor size would require appropriate de-rating of the fuse rated current. In other words, fuse
current ratings should be determined based on the cross-section size of the conductor.
Per IEC 60269-4 Standard Section 8.3.1, the current density of the copper conductor used shall be
between 1.0 A/mm2 (minimum) to 1.6 A/mm2 (Maximum) and vary with the rated current of the fuse.
For ease of calculation, 1.3 A/mm2 is considered as the reference value (100 %) for the conductor sizes.
Based on this reference value and the application conductor size, the wiring correction factor (F WR) for the
application is determined from the curve showing in Figure 31 and factored in accordingly while sizing
the rated current of high-speed fuses.
Wiring    Connec+on  Factor  Curve  (FWR)  
1.10  
Wiring  Connec+on  Factor    (FWR)  
Wiring Connection Factor (FWR)

1.00  

0.90  

0.80  

0.70  

0.60  

0.50  
50%   55%   60%   65%   70%   75%   80%   85%   90%   95%   100%  
Current  
Conductor Size Density  
(100%  (100%  =  1.3A/mm
= 1.3A/mm 2
) 2)  

Figure 31. Wiring connection factor (FWR) curve

Example:
Determine the wiring connection factor for an application with a 400 A load current using copper
conductor with a cross-section of 185 mm2.
Load current: 400 A
Conductor size used in application: 185 mm2
Copper current density per IEC standard: 1.3 A/mm2

Recommended conductor size for 400 A (per IEC standard):


A mm2
A mm2

Based on the IEC recommended conductor size determined above, the application conductor size used is
about 60 % of the recommended size.

Applying the 60 % value determined in the wiring connection factor curve, the wiring connection factor
for the application is, F WR = 0.92

2d: Frequency: High-speed fuses have one or more fusible elements connected in a parallel configuration
within their fuse body. When these fuses are subjected to high frequencies, and due to the
electromagnetic property of AC power, the flow of current through the fuse is constrained to the outer
layers of the fusible element, known as skin and proximity effect. This phenomenon causes unbalanced
sharing of current between fusible elements resulting in increased heat, which significantly reduces the
current carrying capacity of a fuse and could result in premature operation of a fuse.

High frequency affects fuse current rating.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 12 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Applications with a frequency above 10 kHz are considered as very high frequency applications and
require increased attention when sizing high-speed fuses. Consult Littelfuse Technical Services for such
applications.
The curve shown in Figure 32 determines the frequency correction factor (FHZ ) to take into consideration
when sizing the high-speed fuse rated current.

FHZ  -­‐  Frequency    Connec,on  Factor  Curve  


1.10  
Frequency  Correc,on  Factor  (FHZ)  

1.00  

0.90  

0.80  

0.70  

0.60  

0.50  
10   100   1000   10000  
Frequency  (Hz)  

Figure 32. Frequency Correction Factor (FHZ) Curve

Example:
Determine the frequency correction factor for an application with application frequency of 500 Hz.
Application frequency: 500 HZ
From the frequency correction factor curve shown in Figure 32, the corresponding frequency correction
factor for the application is FHZ = 0.96

2e: Switching and Surges: In general, all electrical equipment is subjected to start-stop operations. The
frequency of start (ON) and stop (OFF) operation and the associated surge in current during switching
determines the aging effect on high-speed fuses.
An ON-OFF operation induces heating and cooling effects on fuse elements. The higher the number of
switching operations, the greater the impact on the fuse current carrying capacity over a period of time.
The switching correction factor table below provides the recommended switching de-rating factors (FSS)
to be considered for any frequent switching applications.

Table 1. Switching Correction Factor (Fss) Table

Switching Correction Factor (Fss) Table


Frequency Switching Correction
of Switching Factor (Fss)
Less than 12 stops per year 1.00
More than one stop per month 0.95
More than two stops per week 0.90
More than one stop per day 0.85
Several stops per day 0.80

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 13 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

2f: Altitude: Increase in altitude above 2000 m mean sea level (MSL) causes reduction in heat dissipation
due to convection and radiation within fuse elements.
A general industry practice of 0.5 % de-rating in component current rating for every 100 m above 2000
m mean sea level should be applied while calculating the high-speed fuse rated current.
Altitude correction factor is given by the term FAL = (1-((h-2000)/100)*0.005) where 'h' is the application
altitude.

Example
What is the altitude correction factor to be used for installation applied at 3500m above sea level?
Application Altitude (h): 3500 m
Altitude Correction Factor Formula:
FAL = (1-((h-2000)/100)*0.005)
FAL = (1-((3500-2000)/100)*0.005)
FAL = (1-(0.075))
FAL = 0.925
Altitude Correction Factor FAL = 0.925

Rated Current of the High-Speed Fuse: In summary, the rated current of a high-speed fuse can be
determined using the following formula:
Where,
IAL = Adjusted normal full-load current
IN = Rated current of high-speed fuse for the application
FAT = Ambient temperature correction factor
FFC = Forced cooling correction factor
FWR = Wiring connection factor
FSS = Switching correction factor
FAL = Altitude correction factor

IAL
IN =
FAT * FFC * FWR * FHZ * FSS * FAL
Example:
Determine the suitable Littelfuse POWR-SPEED North American round body fuse for a rectifier
application with the following system details:
Ac system voltage = 600 V
Frequency = 60 Hz
Ambient temperature (Ta) = 65 °C
Forced air cooling = 3 m/s
Load current = 100 A
Available short-circuit fault current = 35 kA
Load condition = 15 stops per day
Overload condition = 200 % for 10 sec for every 3 minutes
Thyristor l2t withstand rating = 20,000 A 2s

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 14 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

Rated Voltage of the Fuse (EN):


E
EN =
0.9
600
EN =
0.9
EN = 667 V   ˜ 700 V ac

Load Current:

I1I12t2  1t+
1 +I2I2 t2t2
22

IAL =
T
= (1002    ✱ 180) + (200 2    ✱ 10)
190
IAL = 107.6
Ambient Temperature Correction Factor:

125 — 65
FAT =
125 — 25
FAT = 0.775

Forced Cooling Correction Factor


Forced Air Cooling: 3 m/s
Based on Forced Cooling Correction Factor Graph,
FFC = 1.15
Switching Correction Factor
Number of Stops per Day: 15
Based on Switching Correction Factor Table
FSS = 0. 8
Rated current of the fuse (IN)
IAL
IN =
FAT ✱ FFC ✱ FSS

107.6
IN =
0.775    ✱ 1.15    ✱ 0.8
107.6
IN =
0.713
IN = 150.9    ˜ 150A

Upon calculating the rated current including all of the factors involved, POWR-SPEED fuse part number
L70QS150.V rated for 150 A, 700 V ac/dc, and 200 kA I.R. could be considered for this application.
This fuse has a total clearing l2t value of 13,650 A 2s at 700 V ac which, is less than the thyristor device
withstand rating of 20,000 A 2s, and meets the voltage and current rating requirements of the application
and thus can be recommended.

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POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

4.3 Interrupting Rating


Interrupting rating is defined as the RMS maximum fault current a fuse can clear without any visible deformity.
Interrupting rating for high-speed fuses and other industrial fuses are typically expressed in kiloampere (kA).

Interrupting Rating of Fuse Selected > Available Fault Current

Interrupting rating of the fuse selected should be greater than the application's available fault current to provide
adequate protection.

4.4 Total Clearing I2t Value (Withstand Energy)


Total clearing I2t value is the maximum let-through energy when tested at rated voltage (published in datasheet
table). Total clearing I2t value for a reduced application voltage can be found using total clearing I2t correction
factor chart (refer to Section 3.8.3).

Total clearing I2t value < Semiconductor Device Fusing I2t Value

Total clearing I2t value of the fuse should be less than the semiconductor device's withstand rating or fusing I2t
value (expressed in A 2s).

4.5 Peak Arc-Voltage


Voltage that appears across the fuse element during its operation is referred as arc-voltage. It is higher than
the fuse rated voltage (about twice). Peak arc-voltage for a fuse, appears when tested at its rated voltage. To
calculate the arc-voltage for a fuse for voltage ratings lesser than its rated voltage – Use the peak arc-voltage
correction factor chart in datasheet (Refer to Section 3.8.4.).

Fuse Peak Arc-Voltage < Semiconductor Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV)

Peak arc-voltage calculated should be less than the peak inverse voltage (PIV) of the semiconductor device used.

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 16 Littelfuse.com


POWR-SPEED ® Fuses
Sizing Guidelines

DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this Technical Applications Guide is to promote a better understanding of high-speed fuses,
power semiconductor devices and their common application details within circuit design. These high-speed fuses
being considered are current sensitive devices designed to serve as the intentional weak link in the electrical
circuit. Their function is to provide protection of power semiconductor components, or of complete circuits, by
reliably operating under current overload conditions.
Application guidelines and product data mentioned in this guide is intended for technical reference only.
Fuse parameters and application concepts should be well understood to properly select a fuse for a given
application. Application testing is strongly recommended and should be used to verify fuse performance in the
circuit/application.
Littelfuse products are not designed for, and shall not be used for, any purpose (including, without limitation,
automotive, military, aerospace, medical, life-saving, life-sustaining or nuclear facility applications, devices
intended for surgical implant into the body, or any other application in which the failure or lack of desired
operation of the product may result in personal injury, death, or property damage) other than those expressly
set forth in applicable Littelfuse product documentation. Warranties granted by Littelfuse shall be deemed void
for products used for any purpose not expressly set forth in applicable Littelfuse documentation. Littelfuse shall
not be liable for any claims or damages arising out of products used in applications not expressly intended by
Littelfuse as set forth in applicable Littelfuse documentation. The sale and use of Littelfuse products is subject to
Littelfuse Terms and Conditions of Sale, unless otherwise agreed by Littelfuse.
For more information visit Littelfuse.com/Product-Disclaimer
Littelfuse reserves the right to make changes in product design, processes, manufacturing location and literature
information without notice. For additional questions, contact Littelfuse Technical Services Group at
1-800-TEC-FUSE or [email protected].

© 2021 Littelfuse, Inc. 17 Littelfuse.com

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