This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Thermal Cutoffs category on DigiKey.com
Thermal Cutoffs (Thermal Fuses) are devices designed to keep components safe in situations when an excessive temperature occurs. When the rated functioning temperature of the thermal cutoff is exceeded, the device will fail open in the electrical circuit, breaking the flow of current.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: The construction method used for the cutoff, indicating if it’s a reusable breaker or a one-and-done fuse.
Holding Temperature: The maximum allowable device temperature under normal (non-fault) conditions.
Rated Functioning Temperature: The temperature at which a TCO is rated to open, with no load current present.
Reset Temperature: For resettable devices, the temperature at which the device is specified to revert back to its non-fault mode.
Voltage Rating - AC: Indicates the maximum AC voltage at which a device is certified for operation.
Voltage Rating - DC: Indicates the maximum DC voltage at which a device is certified for operation.
Current Rating (Amps): Indicates the maximum current value at which a device is certified for operation.
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.
Maximum Temperature Limit: The highest temperature that an opened/tripped device can withstand for a specified time without improperly re-closing.
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.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | SDF DF128S |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 317-1133-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cantherm |
| DESCRIPTION | Thermal Cutoff (TCO) AC DC 10 A 128°C (262°F) Axial |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SA77SB0 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | SA77SB0TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Bourns Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Thermal Cutoff (TCO) AC DC 25 A 77°C (171°F) Nonstandard |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MHP-TAM6-9-72 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | MHP-TAM6-9-72-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Littelfuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Thermal Cutoff (TCO) AC DC 12 A 72°C (162°F) Nonstandard |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 3-104-514 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 486-4149-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | SCHURTER Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Thermal Cutoff (TCO) AC DC 2-SMD, No Lead |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Product Training Modules
TCO Overview - Cantherm
TechForum
Correct Thermal Cutoff Installation
Holding Temp vs Functioning Temp in Thermal Cutoffs
Cantherm SDF Series Thermal Cutoffs Soldering Caution