TechTopicsNo.58.PDFVIP

/techtopics TechTopics No. 58 What is the difference between E-rated and R-rated current-limiting fuses? In medium-voltage motor control equipment with NEMA Class ANSI/IEEE C37.46 defines the performance requirements for E2 controllers, current-limiting fuses are used in series with medium-voltage current-limiting fuses. A few of the defining the main vacuum contactor. The vacuum contactor is intended requirements follow. to switch only load-or low-level fault currents, and cannot E-rated fuses withstand the full short-circuit current of the system without protection. The function of the vacuum contactor is to switch Melting time-current characteristics: the load many times. The load is most often a motor, where the For fuses rated ≤ 100 A, melting time shall be 300 s for a vacuum contactor is intended to switch the normal, full-load current in the range of 200 percent to 240 percent of the current as well as the locked-rotor current of the machine. The continuous current rating of the fuse. load is also frequently a power transformer, where the vacuum For fuses rated 100 A, melting time shall be 600 s for a contactor must withstand magnetizing inrush current, switch current in the range of 200 percent to 264 percent of the the normal continuous current of the transformer, and switch continuous current rating of the fuse. moderate overload and low-level fault currents. The major function of the current-limiting fuses is to protect the vacuum R-rated fuses contactor against short circuits. The fuse shall melt in the range of 15 s to 35 s at a current of The fuses must be selected to protect the vacuum contactor, 100 times the R number. coordinate with the overload relay, and must also have