Minimum Melting Time–Current Characteristic Curves

Positrol® Fuse Links–S&C “K” Speed

BASIS–These fuse links are tested in accordance with the procedures one or more fuse links has blown. However, it is advisable to replace operation of fuse links alone, or for the sequence operation of fuse
described in IEEE Standard C37.41, to comply with IEEE Standard C37.42. unblown silver-tin element fuse links under the same conditions because, links coordinated with automatic circuit reclosers.)
As required by these standards, the minimum melting current is not less while not subject to aging, they may be damaged by transient overcurrents. • Coordination of a larger number of fuse-link ratings with a given
than 200% of fuse-link ampere rating, and the minimum melting curves COORDINATION–Any preloading reduces melting time. While this automatic circuit recloser between the fast and slow curves
are based on tests starting with the fuse link at an ambient temperature phenomenon is especially pronounced in fuse links having minimum melting • Coordination through a greater range, and to higher levels of fault
of 25°C (77°F) and no initial load. currents appreciably less than 200% of rating, the effect of preloading current, with respect to automatic circuit reclosers
CONSTRUCTION–Fusible elements for fuse links rated 6K through 100K (as described in S&C Information Bulletin 352-195) must nonetheless be
• Coordination to higher levels of fault current with respect to sequence
amperes are silver, helically coiled; fusible elements for fuse links rated determined for the fuse links represented by these curves, and adjustments
operation of fuse links
to these curves must be made:
140K and 200K amperes are silver-tin. All are of solderless construction. The breadth of coordination described above can be obtained only
• When close coordination is required
TOLERANCES–Curves are plotted to minimum test points. Maximum by the use of S&C Positrol Fuse Links. No fuse link of low-temperature
• When automatic circuit reclosers or three-shot cutouts are involved element construction (tin, lap-joint) can provide similar per formance.
variations within the coordinating range (melting times less than 10
seconds) expressed in current values are: • When, regardless of the preciseness of coordination, the fuse link is
NOTE: A coordination scheme designed to take full advantage of the
• Plus 10% for fuse links rated 6K through 100K amperes subjected to temporary overloads
nondamageability and the superior coordination capabilities of S&C
• Plus 20% for fuse links rated 140K and 200K amperes If close coordination is to be achieved, overloading must be avoided Positrol Fuse Links may not function satisfactorily if fuse links of the same
because it causes a significant shift in time-current characteristics. speed but of other makes are substituted. However, S&C “K” Speed Positrol
APPLICATION–Like all high-voltage fuses, these fuse links are intended
Because of the damageability of silver-tin element fuse links (rated 140K Fuse Links can replace, on a one-for-one basis, other manufacturers’ “K”
to accommodate overloads, not to interrupt them. Accordingly, they feature
and 200K amperes), setback allowances must be used in coordinating these speed fuse links in existing coordination schemes. Such replacements,
fusible elements designed with a minimum melting current of 200% of the
fuse links as “protected” devices. These are applied by reducing the current unlike tin–element fuse links, are not subject to nuisance fuse operations
fuse-link ampere rating (for fuse links rated 100K amperes or less) or 220%
value in the above curves by 10%. On the other hand, silver-element fuse (“sneak-outs”) due to damage from surge currents, load cycling, vibration,
of the fuse-link ampere rating (for fuse links rated over 100K amperes).
links (rated 6K through 100K amperes) are nondamageable, and no such and aging.
As a result, these fuse links have considerable peak-load capabilities;
setback allowances are necessary.
however, they should never be exposed to loading in excess of the peak-load FUSE LINKS AVAILABLE
capabilities listed in S&C Information Bulletin 352-190. The exclusive use of S&C Positrol Fuse Links–because of their inher-
ently narrower tolerance band and because of their nondamageability–will Style Ampere Ratings
Because fuse links having silver element construction are not subject
expand the scope of coordination as follows: Universal 6K through 200K
to damage by aging or transient overcurrents, it is unnecessary to replace
blown fuse links of such construction in single-phase installations when • Coordination of preferred with adjacent intermediate ratings, giving Extra–Performancel 6K through 200K
twice as many sectionalizing points (This is true for the sequence l No longer available; listed for reference only.

December 17, 2018

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TCC Number 165–6