IPD offers ABB’s broad range of high-quality switches, consisting of a complete range of switch disconnectors, switch fuses, transfer switches, and bypass switches. The switches from ABB are created for versatility and dependable performance in a wide range of applications, including HVAC, water pumping stations, data centers, and photovoltaic installations.
What is the significance of a Switch Fuse?
As the name implies a switch fuse unit is a combination of a switch and a fuse and is very widely used in low and medium voltage applications. The combination of accurate current limiting operation and high breaking capacity to suit the right application via the combination of a switch and a fuse has resulted in an ingenious economic unit combining the best performance of each.
Sensitive equipment, such as electronics, lighting, or motors, may be destroyed or damaged, and the additional current may cause heat to build up in cables that are not scaled appropriately for the load, which could start a fire.
A Switch Fuse combines a switch to cut the power to the circuit with a fuse to turn it off in case of an issue. The switch offers a way to manually turn off the power while installing or maintaining devices on the circuit or the circuit itself. The fuse includes a tiny filament that is suited to the circuit's current rating. The filament will melt if the circuit's current exceeds the fuse's rating for a sufficient amount of time, cutting the circuit off automatically and permanently.
What is the difference between a Switch Fuse and Circuit Breaker?
Circuit breakers and switch fuses are both designed to swiftly open a circuit in the case of a current overload or a short circuit. However, due to the vastly differing designs, they may be utilized in slightly various ways, depending on the demands of the facility.
In circuits with exceptionally high currents, switch fuses are frequently utilized since the fuse ensures that the circuit will be disconnected in the event of an issue.
Why ABB Manual Operated OS Switch Fuses?
Offering superior performance in difficult applications, IPD offers ABB’s OS Manual Operated Switch Fuses from 63 to 1250 Amperes, with available fuses of types DIN and BS.
- Dependable in adverse conditions
The fuse link and knife contact design work together to enable quick fault clearance and maintain a protection level even after a fault has occurred. The knife contact requires no maintenance and is self-cleaning.
- Simple installation
The mechanism and poles can be placed in accordance with your unique installation requirements because of a modular structure. Adjustable shaft length reduces installation time by up to 50%. It is feasible to double cable.
- Safety and protection
Fuse covers that lock together prevent opening when the switch is turned on. When the switch is in the OFF position, the fuse linkages are completely cut off from one another.
Designed for High Performance in Critical Applications
Even in the most severe industrial applications, ABB switch fuses provide outstanding performance and protection.
OS switch fuses are perfect for demanding applications where maintaining operations even in the event of a fault is critical. Numerous applications call for the usage of these devices as protection. They are frequently discovered in control cabinets and power distribution boards used in heavy industry. They are made to be installed in close proximity to the primary transformer.
Industrial cranes and hoists frequently employ these switch fuses to isolate and safeguard the motors in addition to commercial, residential, and industrial facilities.
OS switch fuses are also sometimes used to properly isolate battery packs and stored energy during maintenance while guarding against potential short circuits.
Construction
Built to Perform in Adverse Conditions
The knife contact design ensures that current flow maintains the contacts pushed tightly together before, during, and after a failure without compromising the switch's functionality or the contacts' functionality. The contacts have a long, dependable electrical life since they are self-cleaning and require no maintenance. The fuse link is totally isolated from both ends when it is in the OFF- position.
Figure 1 Pole structure in OFF position
Modular Design
All of the switches have been created to be simple, inexpensive, and simple to install, maintain, and utilize. According to your needs and unique specifications, the modular design offers 3-pole installation with multiple switching mechanism positions, with the availability of fusible and switched fourth pole modules to suit the 3-pole switches.
Figure 2 Modular design
Time Saving Accessories
Installation time and expenses are greatly reduced thanks to the adjustable shaft (for external handles), mounting feet, snap-on auxiliary contacts, and terminal shrouds. For instance, the shaft can be changed to accommodate different installation depths without the use of specialized cutting equipment. By doing this, handle installation times can be cut in half.
Figure 3 Adjustable Shaft
Protection Of Personnel
The fuse covers interlock to prevent opening when the switch is turned on. Contacts are included on both sides of the switch fuses. To reduce the risk of electric shock to authorized workers, the fuses are completely isolated when they are in the OFF position.
Figure 4 Interlocking Fuse Covers
Designed to be virtually maintenance-free across their extended lifespan, ABB Switch Fuses are tested excessively under UL/IEC/CSA standards to meet global quality requirements and ensure durability.
What are the selection criteria?
When it comes to selecting the suitable OS Switch Fuse the relevant criteria mentioned below need to be considered.
Electrical Specifications
- Utilization category
- Rated operational voltage, current, power
- Rated thermal current in open air
- Fuse type and size
Mechanical Specifications
- Number of poles
- Fourth pole type (switched – fusible pole / switched – with solid link)
- Fourth pole location
- Placing of the mechanism (left side/ right side/ between the poles)
- Operating mode (front / side operated)
For more information on the selection of a suitable switch fuse, you will find the link attached below useful.
https://econfigure.xe.abb.com/global/#/selector/9AAC100791
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