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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 75
B
Bill39 Offline OP
Member
Why do many variable freq. drive panels have fuses in series with circuit breakers?

Also which should be first, the fuses or the circuit breaker(starting at the line side)?

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
FUses are still used because:

- They trip / respond / blow a lot faster; and,

- They are available in many more sizes- allowing you to "fine tune" your protection.

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
Yup Reno that is my experience. In the computer biz they use breakers for overload protection and a fast blow fuse at a higher rating for overcurrent protection.
If the motor just bogs down the breaker will hold it for a while but if you get a short the fuse pops immediately, hopefully saving the drivers.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 75
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Bill39 Offline OP
Member
I understand the difference between fuses and CBs.

What I'm trying to understand is why the designers of these VFD systems feel BOTH are needed on the 480V side.

The time delay fuses prevent false trips due to high inrush current (but won't the CB trip anyway since it is in series with the fuses).

So the question remains: why is a CB in series with a fuse?

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 582
R
Ron Offline
Member
I've seen fuses provided with breakers (in series), when the manufacturer was trying to achieve a higher AIC rating (SCCR) for the overall assembly.


Ron
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,213
S
Member
Regarding the order, I'd hope to see the CB first so that it can be opened while replacing the fuse and add that extra measure of safety.


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