This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Fuses category on DigiKey.com
A fuse is a device designed to stop current flow when it exceeds a certain limit (overcurrent protection). The devices works by creating an opening in a material situated between two end terminals. The material will melt (blow) from an increase in heat generated by the device as the current flow changes. The amount of time it takes the device to blow is often defined as fast or slow-blow.
SelectionCharacteristics
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Fuse Type: Describes a product’s physical form or style.
Current Rating (Amps): Indicates the current level at which the fuse is designed to open, i.e. a 15A-rated fuse will burn open and break the circuit when current levels in the circuit rise to 15A.
Voltage Rating - AC: Typically this represents the maximum AC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Rating - DC: Typically this represents the maximum DC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Response Time: Indicates the time between current reaching the fuse’s rated operating level and the fuse opening. Fast Blow fuses are typically used for delicate digital equipment highly sensitive to transient spikes, while Slow Blow fuses are useful for inductive applications that occasionally slip harmlessly past the fuse’s rated limit for short times.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: Indicates the maximum value of current that the fuse can interrupt when opened up. Exceeding this rating may cause arcing to occur, causing significant circuit damage.
Melting I²t: Characterizes the magnitude and duration of pulse-current flows that will cause a fuse to open; a measure of tolerance to short-term, non-fault overcurrent conditions.
Approval Agency: An indication that the product meets the minimum safety standards of an approving agency. These agencies are either government entities or private third-party labs that protect consumer safety.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Color: The dominant color of the device.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the device, given as either Diameter by Length for cylindrical fuses or Length by Width by Height for rectangular ones. Both types are given in Inches (Millimeters).
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | 0217005.HXP |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | F2395-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Littelfuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | 5 A 250 V AC DC Fuse Cartridge, Glass Requires Holder 5mm x 20mm |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | ERB-RD0R50X |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | P15122TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Panasonic Electronic Components |
| DESCRIPTION | 500 mA AC 32 V DC Fuse Board Mount (Cartridge Style Excluded) Surface Mount 0402 (1005 Metric) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 0697H0500-02 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 507-1924-1-ND - Cut Tape (CT) |
| MANUFACTURER | Bel Fuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | 500 mA 350 V AC 100 V DC Fuse Board Mount (Cartridge Style Excluded) Through Hole Radial, Box |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BK/ATC-3 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 283-2314-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Eaton - Bussmann Electrical Division |
| DESCRIPTION | 3 A AC 32 V DC Fuse Automotive Requires Holder Blade, ATO/ATC |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
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MediaLinks
Articles
Fuse Tutorial
Littelfuse Fuseology
SMD Fuses Offer Design Advantages
Circuit Protection Requires Careful Consideration
Product Training Modules
SinglFuse™ SMD Fuses - Bourns
Fuseology - Littelfuse
Surface Mount Chip Fuse - SCHURTER
Blogs
Basics of Fuses
Testing and Identifying Fuse Problems
TechForum
Fuse Voltage Rating, Using a Higher Voltage Fuse?
“Box Fuse?” Auto Link, JCASE, Female MAXI, Female Blade Fuse
Fuse Time-Current Characteristics and Proper Fuse Selection
Fuse Performance vs. Application Temperature Environment
Current Limiting Fuses
Fuse I2T Rating, Melting Point, and Interrupt Rating