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PCB Technology

PCB Technology - Selection and application of circuit board fuse

PCB Technology

PCB Technology - Selection and application of circuit board fuse

Selection and application of circuit board fuse
2025-03-24
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Author:ipcb

A circuit board fuse is a common component used in electronic products for fuse protection. Fuses are mainly used to prevent overcurrent and short-circuit faults in circuits, so as not to damage the circuit board or cause serious consequences such as fire. In a circuit, the pcb fuse acts as a cut-off to ensure that the current is not too high, thus protecting the entire circuit board or device.


Fuse is a component used for circuit protection, its core function is to ensure the safety of electrical equipment and personnel, and can effectively achieve short-circuit protection in the circuit. Once a circuit failure occurs, the fuse can quickly and automatically disconnect the current to prevent damage to the circuit and play a protective role. Because of this, many electrical equipment in the circuit will use the fuse as a safety precaution.


How circuit board fuse works

The operating principle of circuit board fuse is based on the thermal effect of electric current. When the current in the circuit exceeds the rated current of the fuse, the fuse or the fusible link will heat up rapidly due to the thermal effect of the current. When the temperature reaches the melting point of the fuse or the fusible link, the fuse or the fusible link will immediately fuse and cut off the circuit, thus playing the role of protecting the circuit and equipment.


Fuse is generally divided into glass tube type fuse, ceramic tube type fuse, lead wire fuse, etc., of which glass tube type fuse is the most common one. Different types of fuses have different rated current, rated voltage and fusing time and other performance indicators, so the selection of fuses need to be based on the actual use of selection.


The letters of the pcb fuse represent different fusing characteristics and rated current. Common letters are F, T, FF, TT, etc., and their meanings are as follows:


1. F-type fuse wire: F is Fast, fast fusing, F-type fuse wire is suitable for the need to quickly cut off the high current circuit, the fusing time is shorter than 1 second.


2. T-type fuse wire: T that is, Time Delay, time-delayed fusing, T-type fuse wire fusing time than the F-type longer, generally in a few seconds to dozens of seconds between the T-type fuse wire for starter motors, switching power supply and other occasions. 3. FF-type fuse wire: F that is, Fast, fast fusing.


3. FF type fuse wire: FF that is Fast-Acting Fuse, ultra-fast fusing, FF type fuse wire melting speed is faster than the F-type, suitable for short-circuit current requirements of high circuit. 4.


4. TT type fuse: TT is Time Delay Fuse, delayed ultra-fast fusing, suitable for the protection of electrical equipment.


circuit board fuse


How to choose the right circuit board fuse

Selection of fuses according to the rated current of the circuit

When selecting a fuse, the first consideration is the circuit's rated current, to ensure that the rated current of the selected fuse is slightly higher than the rated current of the circuit, so as to avoid accidental disconnection during normal operation.


Matching Fuses to Circuit Load Characteristics

The different characteristics of the circuit load have a direct impact on the choice of fuse. For example, the high starting currents associated with motor start-up require a fuse with a higher blowing current, while a smaller rated fuse will suffice for a lighter loaded lighting circuit.


Customising fuses for circuit protection

Depending on the specific type of protection required for a circuit, fuses with different protection characteristics can be selected. Fast-acting fuses are preferred for circuits that require rapid response short-circuit protection, while slow-acting fuses are more appropriate for circuits that require progressive overload protection.


Adapting Fuses to the Circuit's Installation Conditions

Considering the environment in which the circuit is installed, it is necessary to select fuses that are adapted to specific conditions and materials. In cases of high humidity, high temperature, or other harsh conditions, a fuse with good moisture and high temperature resistance should be used to ensure that its performance is not affected.


Function of pcb fuses

A pcb fuse is a protective component designed specifically for electrical circuits. Its core purpose is to safeguard electrical equipment and personnel, and in particular it plays a key role in preventing short circuits. In the event of a circuit failure, a circuit board fuse can quickly and automatically interrupt the flow of current, effectively preventing damage to the circuit and achieving a protective effect.


As a key safety component, circuit board fuse is widely used in electronic products. The various letter markings correspond to different melting properties and current ratings, so it is crucial to choose the right fuse precisely.