D Series Fuse

There are different types of D series fuses available in the market for different types of applications like residential, industrial, automotive, etc. All the D series fuses are often characterized by the following characteristics.
● Current or Ampere Rating
● Melting Time
● Voltage Rating and
● Interrupting Rating or Breaking capacity
● I2T Value of the D series fuse
The first two i.e. Current Rating and Melting Time of the D series fuse are generally associated with the Thermal Characteristics of the D series fuse whereas the Voltage and Interrupting Rating are classified under Interrupting Characteristics of the D series fuse.
As the amount of current in the circuit increases, the melting time of the conducting element in the D series fuse decreases. This is because, as the current increases, the power dissipation (determined by I2R) will increase and the temperature of the element increases rapidly.
If there are any inductive components in the circuits, then melting of the conductive element in the D series fuse is not enough for interrupting the current. Even though the element in the D series fuse melts, there is a chance of arc in the D series fuse before the current is completely disconnected.
During this period, the D series fuse must hold the transient voltages and hence, any D series fuse must be given a clearing time.

D series fuses are electrical devices inserted between the two power terminals on the positive terminal supplying power to an electrical device. It simply comprises a piece of wire that will melt away easily when something goes wrong. Ideally, the D series fuse wire melts to disconnect power to the device and avoid spoiling the device. This happens when the power supply exceeds the required by the device. The D series fuse will obviously allow the power or current to flow through the wire normally until an overload or excessive power supply – known as current or power surge – happens.

Therefore, D series fuses are made with specific power considerations and specific to the device. Nevertheless, they are made in standard current ratings of 3 A, 5 A, and 13 A. The D series fuse to be used on a device should be higher than what current the device requires. For instance, a device should use a 5 A D series fuse if it works at 3A. This offers better protection because the D series fuse will blow out at an excess of 5A current than 3A.

The thin wire is enclosed in a glass material or ceramic or metal casing. The setup is then put in housing. A central D series fuse can be used to protect the entire home. In that case, it is put in a central D series fuse box where all house electric wiring emanates to supply the house with power.

The D series fuse cannot be reused again once it blows because the wire facilitating the flow of current through it is melted and broken. It will need to be replaced. It is required to replace a D series fuse of a proper rating based on the device and electricity requirements, otherwise replacing it with a high rated D series fuse than intended or designed by the manufacturer will cause overheating. This may cause fires.