| CATEGORY |
TERM |
DEFINITION |
| Fuse type | 11 Type | A cylindrical fiber tube fuse with threaded ends and ventilation slots designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 1AG | A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 5/8" in length. |
| Fuse type | 2.3 x 8mm | A ceramic body axial leaded subminiature fuse that is 2.3mm in diameter and 8mm in length. |
| Fuse type | 24 Type | A 60 volt DC fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 2AG | A Litttelfuse brand name for a glass body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in diameter and 15mm in length. |
| Fuse type | 3.6 x 10mm | A ceramic body axial leaded subminiature fuse that is 3.6mm in diameter and 10mm in length. |
| Fuse type | 3AB | A ceramic body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1-1/4" in length (6.3x32mm). |
| Fuse type | 3AG | A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1-1/4" in length (6.3x32mm). |
| Fuse type | 5 x 15mm | A glass body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in diameter and 15mm in length . |
| Fuse type | 5 x 20mm | A glass or ceramic body cartridge fuse that is 5mm in diameter and 20mm in length. |
| Fuse type | 5AG | A cartridge fuse that is 13/32" in diameter and 1-1/2" in length (10x38mm). |
| Fuse type | 7 Type | A cylindrical fiber tube fuse with threaded ends designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 70 Type | A cylindrical cartridge fuse with an indicator pin designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 74 Type | A fast acting, 60 volt DC cylindrical body fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 75 Type | A radial leaded, cylindrical fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 76 Type | A radial leaded, cylindrical fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 7AG | A glass body cartridge fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 7/8" in length. |
| Fuse type | 80 Type | A fast acting, cylindrical body fuse designed for the telecom industry. It is visually indicating with remote electrical alarm capability. |
| Fuse type | 81 Type | A fast acting, cylindrical body, non-indicating fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | 8AG | A glass body cartridge style fuse that is 1/4" in diameter and 1" in length. |
| Fuse type | Alarm Indicating | A fast-acting telecom fuse designed to provide visual blown fuse indication by triggering an LED or an audio alarm. |
| Fuse type | Barrier Network | A fuse designed to operate in potentially explosive environments. They are built in accordance with the Barrier Network Standards (EN50020) for hazardous applications. |
| Fuse type | Bolt-in | A fuse which is intended to be bolted directly to bus bars, contact pads or fuse blocks. |
| Fuse type | Branch Circuit | A fuse that has a minimum interrrupting rating of 10,000 amps, a minimum voltge rating of 125 volts and a they must be size rejecting so that a fuse with a higher voltage rating cannot be installed in the circuit. They must also be size rejecting so that a fuse with a current rating higher than the current rating of the fuse holder rating cannot be installed. |
| Fuse type | Cartridge | A fuse with a cylindrical body, a current responsive element and two cylindrical end caps or ferrules. |
| Fuse type | Class CC | A branch circuit fuse having 600V, a 200kA interrupting rating and overall dimensions of 13/32” x 11/2”. Their design incorporates a rejection feature that allows them to be inserted into rejection fuse holders and fuse blocks that reject all lower voltage, lower interrupting rating 13/32” x 11/2” fuses. They are available from 1/10A through 30A. |
| Fuse type | Class G | A branch circuit fuse having 480V, a 100kA interrupting rating and is size rejecting to eliminate overfusing. The fuse diameter is 13/32” while the length varies from 15/16” to 2-1/4”. These are available in ratings from 1A through 60A. |
| Fuse type | Class H | A branch circuit fuse having either 250V or 600V, a 10kA interrupting rating that may be renewable or non-renewable. These are available in amp ratings of 1A through 600A. |
| Fuse type | Class J | A 600VAC fuse rated to interrupt a minimum of 200kA. They are labeled as “Current-Limiting” and are not interchangeable with other classes. |
| Fuse type | Class K5 | A branch circuit fuse having either 250V or 600V, and a 50kA interrupting rating. These are dimensionally the same as Class H fuses. These fuses are current-limiting. However, they are not marked “current-limiting” on their label since they do not have a rejection feature.
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| Fuse type | Class L | These fuses are rated for 601 through 6000A, and are rated to interrupt a minimum of 200kA. They are labeled “Current-Limiting” and are rated for 600Vac. They are intended to be bolted into their mountings and are not normally used in clips. Some Class L fuses have designed in time-delay features for all purpose use. |
| Fuse type | Class R Fuse | These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. They have identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection feature which prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities (lower interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R Clips. Class R fuses will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips. |
| Fuse type | Class RK1 Fuse | A fast acting or dual element time delay fuse. These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. Class RK1 fuses are more current limiting than Class RK5 fuses. They have identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection feature which prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities (lower interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R Clips. Class R fuses will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips. |
| Fuse type | Class RK5 Fuse | A dual element time delay fuse. These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. Class RK5 fuses are less current limiting than Class RK1 fuses. They have identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejection feature which prevents the user from mounting a fuse of lesser capabilities (lower interrupting capacity) when used with special Class R Clips. Class R fuses will fit into either rejection or non-rejection clips. |
| Fuse type | Class T | An industry class of fuses in 300V and 600V ratings from 1A through 1200A. They are physically very small and can be applied where space is at a premium. They are fast acting fuses with an interrupting rating of 200kA RMS. |
| Fuse type | CF8 Battery | A 58 volt DC ceramic automotive fuses that is designed to mount directly on the battery terminal with an associated hex nut. |
| Fuse type | Current Limiting | A fuse which will limit both the magnitude and duration of current flow under short circuit conditions. Current-limiting fuses must have the following characteristics: 1. Limit peak currents to values less than those which would occur if the fuses were replaced with solid conductors of the same impedance. This reduced peak current is referred to as a fuse’s “Peak Let-through Current.” 2. When the fault current exceeds the fuse threshold current, the fuse must open the circuit in less than 180 electrical degrees (1/2 cycle) after the start of the fault. 3. Matching fuse holders and/or fuse blocks must reject non-current limiting fuses and accept only current-limiting fuses of the stated UL Class. |
| Fuse type | Dual Element | A fuse with a special design that utilizes two individual elements in series inside the fuse tube. One element, the spring actuated trigger assembly, operates on overloads up to 5-6 times the fuse current rating. The other element, the short circuit section, operates on short circuits up to their interrupting rating. |
| Fuse type | Edison Base Plug | A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuses that is designed to screw in to a socket. The Edison Base style has brass threads and a ceramic body |
| Fuse type | Electronic fuse | An overcurrent protective device with a fusible link which melts and permanently opens the circuit under an overcurrent condition. An electronic fuse is typically used in circuit board applications where circuit voltage are at below 300 Volts. It includes cartridge fuses, axial leaded fuses, radial leaded fuses and surface mount fuses. |
| Fuse type | Fast Acting | A fuse which opens on overload and short circuits very quickly. This type of fuse is not designed to withstand temporary overload currents associated with some electrical loads. UL listed or recognized fast acting fuses would typically open within 5 seconds maximum when subjected to 200% to 250% of its rated current. IEC has two categories of fast acting fuses: · F = quick acting, opens 10x rated current within 0.001 seconds to 0.01 seconds. · FF = very quickly acting, opens 10x rated current in less than 0.001 seconds. |
| Fuse type | Fork Lift | A DC rated fuse designed for battery operated lift trucks and other low voltage battery operated equipment. |
| Fuse type | Fuse~ | An overcurrent protective device with a fusible link which melts and permanently opens the circuit under an overcurrent condition. Designed as an intentional weak link in an electrical circuit. |
| Fuse type | Fuse Class | The industry has developed basic physical specifications and electrical performance requirements for fuses with voltage ratings of 600V or less. These are known as standards. If a type of fuse meets the requirements of a standard, it can fall into that class. Typical classes are K, RK1, RK5, G, L, H, T, CC, and J. |
| Fuse type | High Reliabilty (Hi Rel) | A special category of electronic fuses designed for use in aircraft, space and military application where reliability is critical. High-Rel fuses are subjected to a series or endurance and environmental tests during production. |
| Fuse type | High Speed | Also known as a Semiconductor Fuse or a Rectifier Fuse. An extemely fast acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional time-delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as possible in the short-circuit range. |
| Fuse type | High Speed J | A very fast acting, current limiting Class J fuse the offers the low I²t values of a semiconductor fuse. |
| Fuse type | In Line | A glass body, 300 volt AC rated fuse that is designed to protect flourescent lighting fixtures. |
| Fuse type | Indicating | A fuse with a visual or trigger feature that allows for easy identification of a blown fuse. |
| Fuse type | Limiter | A special purpose fuse which is intended to provide short circuit protection only. |
| Fuse type | Limiter Fuse | A special purpose fuse that provides short circuit protection only. Also known as a Back-Up Fuse. |
| Fuse type | Low Voltage Fuse | A fuse rated at 600v or less. Many types of low voltage fuses are classified and identified for use in 125, 250, 300, 480, or 600V circuits. UC/CSA/NOM standards are followed. |
| Fuse type | Medium Voltage Fuse | Current limiting power fuses having voltage ratings from 0.6kV to 34.38kV. Continuous current ratings range from 0.5 to 1,200 amps. E-rated medium voltage fuses are general purpose fuses that are primarily used to protect transformers and provide both current overload and short circuit protection. R-Rated fuses are back-up fuses primarily used to protect motors and motor controllers. They only provide short circuit protection. Other medium voltage fuses are designed to protect potential transformers, capacitors and distribution transformers. Medium Voltage fuses are designed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Back-up fuses designed in accordance with IEC Standards are also available. |
| Fuse type | Micro | A radial leaded subminature electronic fuse offered in either a cylindrical or rectangular body. |
| Fuse type | Midget fuse | A fuse with a voltage rating between 250 and 600 volts and overall dimensions of 13/32” x 1-1/2”. Also known as a 5AG fuse. |
| Fuse type | Miniature Fuse | A cartridge electronic fuse commonly available in the 3AG/3AG or 5 x 20mm dimensions. |
| Fuse type | Multi-Meter | A 1,000 volt AC/DC midget size fuse designed to protect both analog and digital multi-meters. |
| Fuse type | One Time Fuse | A generic term used to describe a Class H non-renewable cartridge fuse with a single element. |
| Fuse type | Pico Fuse | An axial leaded subminature electronic fuse. |
| Fuse type | Plug | A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuse that interrupts a minimum of 10,000 amps. Plug fuses are designed to screw into a socket. |
| Fuse type | Power Fuse | A fuse with a voltage rating between 250 and 600 volts and overall dimensions larger than 13/32” x 1-1/2”. |
| Fuse type | Quick Acting | A fast acting fuse under the IEC 60127 Standard. |
| Fuse type | Rectifier | Also known as a High Speed Fuse or a Semiconductor Fuse. An extemely fast acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional time-delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as possible in the short-circuit range. |
| Fuse type | Rejection Base Plug | A 125 volt AC branch circuit rated fuses that is designed to screw in to a socket. The Rejection Base style has a ceramic base with rejection threads. |
| Fuse type | Rejection Fuse | A current-limiting fuse with high interrupting rating and with unique dimensions or mounting provisions. |
| Fuse type | Renewable Fuse | A fuse rated at 600V or below in which the element may be replaced after the fuse has opened and then reused. Renewable fuses are made to Class H standards. |
| Fuse type | Safe-T-Plus | Littelfuse brand name for a hermetically sealed, encapsulated fuse designed to operate in potentially explosive environments. |
| Fuse type | Semiconductor Fuse | Also known as a High Speed Fuse or a Rectifier Fuse. An extemely fast acting fuse used to protect solid-state devices. It has no intentional time-delay in the overload range and is designed to open as quickly as possible in the short-circuit range. |
| Fuse type | SFE | A fast-acting low voltage glass body cartridge fuse. The SFE fuse has a 1/4" diameter. The length varies by amperage rating from 5/8' to 1-7/16". |
| Fuse type | Small Dimension Fuse | Typically a fuse with a voltage rating of 300V or below designed for circuit board applications. |
| Fuse type | Solar J | A 600 volt AC, 1,000 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar J fuse is offerred in the blade style Class J case sizes. |
| Fuse type | Solar Fuse | A fuse designed specifically for the protection of photovoltaic (PV) systems. |
| Fuse type | Solar Midget | A 1,000 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar Midget fuse is offerred in 10 x 38mm case sizes. |
| Fuse type | Solar R | A 600 volt AC, 600 volt DC fuse designed specifically for the protection of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar R fuse is offerred in Class R case sizes. |
| Fuse type | Subminiature Fuse | Fuses having dimensions that are smaller than the miniature (3AG/3AB or 5 x 20mm) fuses. Subminature fuses include the 3.6x10mm, 2.3x8mm, Micro, Pico and Surface Mount type fuses. |
| Fuse type | Supplemental Fuses | Fuses that can have many voltages and interrupting ratings within the same case size. Supplemental fuses can have sizes of 13/32" x1-1/2", 1/4" x 1-1/4" and 5 x 20mm. Interrupting ratings range from 35 to 100,000 amps. |
| Fuse type | Surface Mount Fuse | A fuse constructed in a way that alows it to be soldered directly to the surface of a printed circuit board. This eliminates the through hole device requitement to drill holes in the board to solder the leads. It also saves considerable space by utilizing |
| Fuse type | Telepower | A DC rated power fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | Telpower | Bussmann brand name for a broad range of telcom industry specific fuses. |
| Fuse type | Thin Film | A type of surface mount fuse construction where a microscopically thin layer of conductive metal is deposited on a ceramic or glass substrate between the fuse terminals. This metal layer serves as the fuse's melting element. This construction method allows extremely small fuses (ie. 0.04" x 0.02") to be manufactured. |
| Fuse type | Through Hole Mount Fuse | A fuse constructed with leads that are soldered to the back side of the printed circuit board. Installation of a through hole fuse requites drilling holes in the printed circuit board, inserting the leads in the holes and soldering the leads on the back side of the board. |
| Fuse type | Time Delay Fuse | A fuse with a built-in time delay that allows temporary and harmless inrush currents to pass without operating, but is so designed to open on sustained overloads and short circuits. UL Listed or UL Recognized time delay fuses typically open in 5 to 12 seconds minimum and 2 minutes maximum when subjected to 200% to 250% of rated current. IEC has two categories of time delay fuses: • T = time lag, opens 10x rated current within 0.01 seconds to 0.1 seconds. • TT = long time lag, opens 10x rated current within 0.1 seconds to 1 second. The term "time delay" is generally associated with UL fuse standards while "time lag" is associated with IEC fuse standards. |
| Fuse type | Time Lag | A time delay fuse under the IEC 60127 Standard. |
| Fuse type | Torpedo | A torpedo fuse consists of a heat resistant body with the fuse element stretched over the exterior body of the fuse. This type of fuse was used in older model cars made in Europe. |
| Fuse type | Very Fast-Acting | Very fast-acting fuses are designed for very fast response to overloads and short-circuits. They are very current-limiting. The primary use is to protect solid state electronic components.Their special characteristics, including quick overload response, very low I²t, Ipeak and peak transient voltages, provide protection for components that cannot withstand line surges, low value overloads, or short-circuit currents. |
| Fuse type | WER Type | A 32 volt DC fuse designed for the telecom industry. |
| Fuse type | E-Rated Fuse | Current limiting medium voltage power fuses that provide overload and short circuit protection. They are designed to withstand the large magnetizing inrush that occurs during transformer start-up. Voltage ratings range from 2.75kV to 38kV and continuous current ratings from 5E to 450E amps. Interrupting ratings range from 50 to 65 kA. E-Rated fuse are UL Listed and operated per ANSI C37.46-2000. Current ratings of 100E amps or less must melt in 300 seconds at 200 to 240% of the E (ampere) rating. Fuses with current ratings over 100E amps must melt in 600 seconds at 220 to 264% of the E (ampere) rating. |
| Fuse type | R-Rated Fuse | R-Rated fuses are current limiting back-up fuses which are designed to provide short circuit protection only for medium voltage starters and motors. They are not designed to protect against long term current overloads. R-rated fuses must be applied in series with other devices such as motor overload relays to provide the overload protection for the circuit. An R-rated fuse will safely interrupt any current between its minimum interrupting rating and its maximum interrupting rating. R-Rated fuses follow ANSI and UL Standards. |
| Fuse type | PT Fuse | A Potential Transformer (PT) fuse is a special purpose fuse designed to protect Potential Transformers. Potential Transformers require current limiting fuses on the primary connection side. Voltage ratings range from 2.4kV to 36 kV. Since the power requirements are low for relays, meters, etc., PT fuses have current ratings ranging from 1/2 to 5 amps. Physical sizes may vary among manufacturers. |
| Fuse type | Capacitor Fuse | Capacitor fuses are current limiting with high interrupting ratings and provide both short circuit and overload protection. A capacitor fuse is designed to isolate a shorted capacitor before the capacitor can damage surrounding equipment or personnel. They are designed to protect against capacitor case rupture or dielectric failure within the capacitor. They can be used indoors in a general purpose enclosure or outdoors in a weatherproof enclosure. Capacitor fuses are non-disconnecting and require the use of a disconnect switch. They are designed in accordance with ANSI C37-41. |
| Fuse type | Distribution Transformer Fuse | Distribution Transformer Fuses are back-up current limiting fuses designed to protect distribution transformers. A back-up current limiting fuse is a fuse that can interrupt any current between its rated minimum interrupting current and its maximum interrupting current. Back-up fuses are not designed to open under overload conditions. They are used in series with another protective devise such as an expulsion fuse. |
| Fuse type | IEC Standard Back-Up Fuse | IEC Standard Fuses are medium voltage back-up fuse links made in accordance with IEC Standards. Back-up fuse links have a rated minimum breaking capacity (below I3). Their operating range is between their minimum interrupting rating (I3) and their maximum interrupting rating (I1). If protection is required below I3, additional protection is required. These fuses conform to IEC 60-28201 which is identical to German standard VDE 0670T4. Fuses that conform to DIN 43 625 are also available. |
| Fuse type | General Purpose Fuse | A current limiting medium voltage fuse capable of interrupting all currents from the maximum rated interrupting current down to the current that causes melting of the fusible element in one hour. Not all currents fall within this range. It is possible to receive an overcurrent lower than the value given by this one hour criterion. |
| Fuse type | Full Range Fuse | A current limiting medium voltage fuse capable of interrupting all currents from the maximum rated interrupting current down to the minimum continuous current that causes melting of the fusible element(s) when the fuse is applied at the maximum ambient temperature specified by the manufacturer. This type of fuse is able to interrupt any normal 60 cycle current that will melt its element. |
| Fuse type | Back Up Fuse | A special purpose current limiting fuse that provides short circuit protection only. They are used in conjunction with high voltage motor starters to provide short circuit protection for individual motors. An example would be R-rated fuses that are designed to withstand frequent severe heating and cooling cycles associated with motor starting duties without fatigue failures and are always used in a series with another interrupting device capable of interrupting currents below the fuse’s minimum interrupting current. Also known as a Limiter Fuse. |
| Fuse type | Class R | These are high performance fuses rated 1/10-600A in 250V and 600V ratings. All are marked “Current Limiting” on their label and all have a minimum of 200kA interrupting rating. They have identical outline dimensions with the Class H fuses but have a rejec |
| PTC Device | PTC Device | A resettable overcurrent protection device that is made with a polymer that reponds rapidly to a rise in temperature. Under normal conditions, the PTC Device has very little resistance and has little influence on the circuit. The PTC Device changes or trips from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in response to an overcurrent situation. In its tripped state, there is a sharp increase in the resistance of the PTC element and the current is reduced to a safe level. After the overcurrent state passes, the device cools and returns or resets to its normal, low resistance state. |
| PTC Type | PTC Resettable Fuse | Another name for a PTC Device. PPTC stands for Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficent. |
| PTC Type | PPTC Device | Another name for a PTC Device. PTC stands for Positive Temperature Coefficent. |
| PTC Type | Battery Strap PTC | An axial leaded PTC Device that provides non-cycling protection against overcharging and short circuit events for rechargeable battery cells |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Manual Battery Disconnect | A battery disconnect switch that is operated by manually manipulating a handle, lever, knob or key. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Manual Battery Switches | Switches a single battery to a single load group |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Remote Battery Disconnect | A battery disconnect switch that operate with an electric or electronic remote control. In the event of a short circuit, the electronic or electrical control unit detects a voltage drop and opens the contacts and disconnect the battery |
| Battery Disconnect Type | ML-Remote Battery Switches | Magnetic latching (bi-stable) switch provides high-amp switching under load, manually or from remote locations |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Master Battery Disconnect | A battery disconnect switch that is designed to quickly cut off the battery from the electrical circuit by disconnecting either the positive or the ground wires. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Alternator Field Disconnect | Used to protect the diodes in an alternator when the battery switch is inadvertently turned to the "OFF" position |
| Battery Disconnect Type | AFD | Abbreviation for Alternator Field Disconnect |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Ingress Protection | Ingress Protection or IP refers to features in a disconnect switch that protect the device from various environmental contaminants. It is the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure against solids and liquids. In an environment where dust or water could damage electronic components, a sealed enclosure is used to prevent such ingress. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | IP | Abbreviation for Ingress Protection. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Indexing Pin | A pin that aligns the switch with the mounting panel and prevents rotation for switches with through hole style mounting. Also known as a locating pin or an anti-rotation pin. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Locating Pin | A pin that aligns the switch with the mounting panel and prevents rotation for switches with through hole style mounting. Also known as an indexing pin or an anti-rotation pin. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Anti-Rotation Pin | A pin that aligns the switch with the mounting panel and prevents rotation for switches with through hole style mounting. Also known as a indexing pin or a locating pin. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | Lock-Out Tag-Out | A safety feature/procedure that ensures dangerous machines are properly shut off and are not able to be started up again before the completion of maintenance or servicing wok. |
| Battery Disconnect Type | LOTO | An abbreviation for Lock-Out Tag-Out. |
| BusBar Type | BusBar | Electrical device that is designed to distribute a large positive to individual circuit protection devices that feed a number of smaller wires. |
| BusBar Type | Common BusBar | Common BusBar serves as a negative conductor collector or a distributor of positive conductors |
| BusBar Type | DualBus BusBar | BusBar that combines positive and negative Bus bars |
| BusBar Type | PowerBar BusBar | BusBars that are high current, built for high amp loads such as connecting multiple battery banks or connecting charger output to multiple battery banks |
| BusBar Type | Battery Terminal Mount BusBar | Install directly to Battery terminal |
| BusBar Type | MaxiBus BusBar | Higher current busbar |
| BusBar Type | MiniBus BusBar | Lower current busbar for limited space applications |
| BusBar Type | Water-Resistant BusBar | Water-resistant bussing for harsh environments |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Thermal Circuit Breaker | A thermal circuit breaker is a resettable circuit protection device that is primarily designed to protect components and equipment from current overload and short circuit conditions. Thermal breakers provide thermal overload protection in DC applications such as transportation, marine and various other electrical applications. In a thermal circuit breaker, current flows through a bimetal strip that is connected to the two terminals. The bimetal strip is comprised of two different types of metal that are bonded together and expand at different rates as the temperature rises. When the bimetal strip is exposed to a rise in temperature from an overcurrent situation, one metal component expands faster than the other and the bimetal strip snaps open. This opens the circuit and stops the flow of current. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Mini Blade Style | A Mini Blade Style Thermal Circuit Breaker is a blade type automotive circuit breaker that is similar in style to the Mini Automotive Fuse. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | ATC Blade Style | An ATC Blade Style Thermal Circuit Breaker is a blade type automotive circuit breaker that is similar in style to the ATC Automotive Fuse. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | MAXI Blade Style | A MAXI Blade Style Thermal Circuit Breaker is a blade type automotive circuit breaker that is similar in style to the MAXI Automotive Fuse. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Shortstop | The Shortstop Thermal Circuit Breaker is a thermal circuit breaker that is enclosed in a metal or plastic cover with two stud type terminals. Shortstop circuit breakers have ampere ratings from 5 to 50 amps. There are versions that are rated at either 12 or 24 VDC. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Auto Reset | Auto Reset (Type I) refers to the Automatic Reset mechanism in a thermal circuit breaker. A thermal circuit breaker has a bimetal strip that snaps in to a bent position when heated from a current overload or short circuit condition. The flow of current stops. As the bimetal strip cools, the bimetal strip returns to its original position and automatically resets. If the cause of the overcurrent or short circuit condition is not fixed, the breaker will open again and it will continue to cycle on and off until the overcurrent condition is cured. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Modified Reset | Modified Reset (Type II) refers to the Modified Reset mechanism in a thermal circuit breaker. The breaker will not reset until the current overload condition is cured or the power is turned off. This type of thermal circuit breaker is non-cycling. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Manual Reset | Manual Reset (Type III) refers to the Manual Reset mechanism in a thermal circuit breaker. The manual reset breaker is reset by activating an external reset button or lever. The Type III thermal breaker also has a switchable option which allows the user to open the circuit by depressing a trip button. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Type I | Type I refers to a thermal circuit breaker that has an Automatic Reset mechanism. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Type II | Type II refers to a thermal circuit breaker that has a Modified Reset mechanism. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Type III | Type III refers to a thermal circuit breaker that has a Manual Reset mechanism. |
| Circuit Breakers - Thermal | Push-to-Trip | A Manual Reset (Type III) reset mechanism in a thermal circuit breaker with the addition of a push to trip or open button. It has the same functionality as the standard Manual Reset (Type III) but having the convenience of a push button to turn off or open the circuit. This is a convenient way to turn off the power to a circuit should the need arise to service, maintain or move a protected system or device. |
| Varistor Type | MOV | A voltage-sensitive device designed to protect circuits from transient voltage surges. MOVs are designed to suppress lightning and other high-energy transients found in industrial or AC line applications. MOVs are constructed with a zinc oxide disc, metal elements, and radial leads encapsulated in epoxy. Higher energy MOVs have rigid terminals and are housed in an epoxy polymer case that provides electrical isolation. |
| Varistor Type | MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) | A voltage-sensitive device designed to protect circuits from transient voltage surges. MOVs are designed to suppress lightning and other high-energy transients found in industrial or AC line applications. MOVs are constructed with a zinc oxide disc, metal elements, and radial leads encapsulated in epoxy. Higher energy MOVs have rigid terminals and are housed in an epoxy polymer case that provides electrical isolation. |
| Varistor Type | MLV | A voltage sensitive surface mount device designed to protect circuits from transient voltage surges generated from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), inductive load switching or lightning surge remnants. MLV's are constructed with a zinc oxide material interweaved with layers of metal electrodes enclosed in a leadless ceramic package. |
| Varistor Type | MLV (Multilayer Varistor) | A voltage sensitive surface mount device designed to protect circuits from transient voltage surges generated from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), inductive load switching or lightning surge remnants. MLV's are constructed with a zinc oxide material interweaved with layers of metal electrodes enclosed in a leadless ceramic package. |
| Reed Switch | Reed Switch | A reed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. The basic reed switch is comprised of two ferromagnetic nickel-iron wires and a hermetically sealed glass capsule. The two wires are formed into ‘reeds’ by flattening one end. The reeds are aligned with a small overlap and then sealed in a glass capsule. The reed switch is activated by an electromagnetic coil or by bringing a magnet close to the reed switch. Magnetism attracts the reeds. Once the magnet is pulled away from the switch, the reed switch returns to its original open-circuit position. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Firecracker | A reed sensor packaged in a slim, cylindrical form. It is best suited for mounting on a frame. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Flange | A reed sensor designed with a rectangular package for mounting on a flat surface. Hall Effect sensors also come in the Flange type package. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Float | A reed sensor designed for liquid-level sensing applications. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Lever Arm | A reed sensor designed with a clip mounting frame and a lever arm. It is well suited for paper path sensing and security sytem applications. |
| Reed Sensor Type | PCB Mount | A reed sensor designed for mounting on a printed circuit board. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Seating Occupancy | A reed sensor packaged with an intergral magnet and a reed switch. Available in push-button or dome configurations for weight/load distribution. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Threaded Barrel | A reed sensor designed with a cylindrical package. It is easily mounted and adjusted using the supplied retaining nuts. Available with English or metric threads. Hall Effect sensors also come in the Threaded Barrel typ package. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Vane | A reed sensor packaged with a magnet and a reed switch. It is typically used with a moving ferrous metal part. Hall Effect sensors also come in the Vane type package. |
| Reed Sensor Type | Hall Effect Sensor | A Hall effect sensor is a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to changes inthe magnetic field. Hall effect sensors are used for proximity switching, positioning, speed detection, and current sensing applications. Hall effect sensors c |
| Reed Relay | Reed Relay | A reed relay is made by combining a reed switch with a copper coil. Like other relays, this provides galvanic isolation between the coil input and the controlled contact(s). However, because of the small size and magnetic efficiency of the reed switch, the power required to drive the coil is lower than most other types of relays. Other advantages include high insulation resistance, low contact resistance and long contact life. Reed relays are used in many applications, including automotive, test equipment, security, medical and process control equipment. |
| Thermistor Type | Thermistor | Thermistors are thermally sensitive resistors whose prime function is to exhibit a large, predictable and precise change in electrical resistance when subjected to a corresponding change in the body temperature of the thermistor. |
| Thermistor Type | NTC Thermistor | A NTC thermistor or Negative Temperature Coefficient, is a temperature sensing device in which a zero-power resistance decreases with an increase in body temperature of the thermistor. |
| Thermistor Type | PTC Thermistor | A PTC thermistor or Positive Temperature Coefficient, is a temperature sensing device in which a zero-power resistance increases with an increase in body temperature of the thermistor. |
| Thermistor Type | RTD | An RTD detector is a temperature sensor that has a positive, predictable and nearly linear change in resistance when subjected to a corresponding change in body temperature of the detector. The main feature of an RTD is a nearly linear relationship between its temperature and its resistance value. |
| SMT Package Size | 1206 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.12" in length and 0.06" in width (3.2 x 1.6mm). |
| SMT Package Size | 1210 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.12" in length and 0.10" in width. |
| SMT Package Size | 1812 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.18" in length and 0.12" in width. |
| SMT Package Size | 0402 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.04" in length and 0.02" in width. |
| SMT Package Size | 0603 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.06" in leght and 0.03" in width. |
| SMT Package Size | 0805 Size Package | An industry standard surface mount package that is 0.08" in leght and 0.05" in width. |
| Thermistor Package Size | DO-34 | An industry standard axial-leaded package that is 2.9mm in length by 1.9mm in width (max). |
| Thermistor Package Size | DO-35 | An industry standard axial-leaded package that is 4.19mm in length by 2.28mm in width (max). |
| Thermistor Package Size | DO-41 | An industry standard axial leaded package where the device body is 5.20mm in length by 2.70mm in width (max). |
| Thermistor Package Size | LL-31 MicroMELF | Metal electrode leadless face (MELF) is a type of leadless, glass encapsulated cylindrical electronic surface mount device that is metallized at its ends. The LL-31 package has a diameter of 0.049 inches and a length of 0.075 inches. |
| Thermistor Package Size | LL-34 MiniMELF | Metal electrode leadless face (MELF) is a type of leadless, glass encapsulated cylindrical electronic surface mount device that is metallized at its ends. The LL-34 package has a diameter of 0.063 inches and a length of 0.135 inches. |
| Thermistor Package Size | LL-41 MiniMELF | Metal electrode leadless face (MELF) is a type of leadless, glass encapsulated cylindrical electronic surface mount device that is metallized at its ends. The LL-41 package has a diameter of 0.060 inches and a length of 0.135 inches. |
| Thermistor Package Size | MELF | Metal electrode leadless face (MELF) is a type of leadless, glass encapsulated cylindrical electronic surface mount device that is metallized at its ends. |
| Thermistor Package Size | TO-220 | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 16.30mm in length by 10.67mm in width (max). Non-isolated mounting tab. |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-214AA | An industry standard surface mount package that is 4.57mm in length by 3.94mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-214AB | An industry standard surface mount package that is 7.11mm in length by 6.22mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-214AC | An industry standard surface mount package that is 4.50mm in length by 2.79mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-221AC | An industry standard surface mount package that is 4.60mm in length by 2.95mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | SOD-123F | An industry standard surface mount package that is 2.90mm in length by 2.00mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-15 | An industry standard axial leaded package where the device body is 7.60mm in length by 3.60mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-41 | An industry standard axial leaded package where the device body is 5.20mm in length by 2.70mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | DO-201 | An industry standard axial leaded package where the device body is 9.50mm in length by 5.30mm in width (max). |
| TVS Diode Package Size | P600 | An industry standard axial leaded package where the device body is 9.10mm in length by 9.10mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | SOD 80 (MiniMelf) | An industry standard surface mount package that is 3.61mm in length by 1.78mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | DO-35 | An industry standard axial-leaded package that is 4.19mm in length by 2.28mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | DO214 | An industry standard surface mount package that is 5.60mm in length by 3.95mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | DO214 3L (Compak; Modified DO-214AA) | An industry standard surface mount package that is 5.60mm in length by 3.95mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | SOT 89 | An industry standard surface mount package that is 4.60mm in length by 2.60mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | SOT 223 | An industry standard surface mount package that is 6.70mm in length by 3.70mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 3 (Fastpak) | An industry standard surface mount package that is 39.2mm in length by 23.0mm in width (max). Tabs for use with cable connections. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 252 (D-Pak) | An industry standard surface mount package that is 7.31mm in length by 6.73mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 263 (D2- Pak) | An industry standard surface mount package that is 10.67mm in length by 10.54mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 92 | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 4.98mm in length by 4.73mm in width (max). |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 92WB | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 4.98mm in length by 4.73mm in width (max). WB=Wire Bonded. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 218 | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 21.21mm in length by 16.0mm in width (max). Non-isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 218 Iso | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 21.21mm in length by 16.0mm in width (max). Isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO218X | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 21.21mm in length by 16.0mm in width (max). Non-isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 218X Iso | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 21.21mm in length by 16.0mm in width (max). Isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 220 | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 16.30mm in length by 10.67mm in width (max). Non-isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 220 Iso | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 16.65mm in length by 10.67mm in width (max). Isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 220 Non-Iso | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 16.30mm in length by 10.67mm in width (max). Non-isolated mounting tab. |
| Thyristor Package Size | TO 251 (V-Pak) | An industry standard radial leaded package where the device body is 7.49mm in length by 6.73mm in width (max). |
| Brand Name | Amp-Trap | Mersen brand name for several classes of their fuses. |
| Brand Name | Amp-Trap 2000 | Mersen brand name given to their fuses having the highest degree of current limitation in the Mersen line. |
| Brand Name | ATC | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | ATM Mini-Fuse | Bussmann brand name for a mini automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | ATO | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | FKS ATO | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | TAC ATO | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | TF ATO | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | ATOF | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of automotive blade fuse.
|
| Brand Name | BF | Littelfuse brand name for an inline crimp on cable fuse. |
| Brand Name | BF1 | Littelfuse brand name for a 32 volt shunt. |
| Brand Name | Brick | Bussmann brand name for a type of board level surface mount fuse. |
| Brand Name | CablePro | Littelfuse brand name for an inline fuse assembly used to protect cables. |
| Brand Name | CC-Tron | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of UL Class CC time delay fuse. |
| Brand Name | CF8 | Littelfuse brand name for a specific fuse designed for use on the terminals of automotive style batteries. |
| Brand Name | CUBEFuse | Bussmann trade name for a dual element, time delay, finger safe fuse that meets the Class J performance requirements. Offers space saving advantages over typical Class J fuses. |
| Brand Name | Dura-Lag | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of UL Class RK5 dual element time delay fuse. |
| Brand Name | FLAT-PAK | Littelfuse brand name for a first generation surface mount fuse. |
| Brand Name | Fusetron | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of UL Class RK5 dual element time delay fuse. |
| Brand Name | Fustat | Bussmann brand name for a dual element, time delay plug style fuse. |
| Brand Name | Indicator | Littelfuse brand name for a broad range of fuses featuring blown fuse indication. |
| Brand Name | Low Profile JCASE® | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of low profile cartridge fuse with female terminals designed for automotive applications. |
| Brand Name | JCASE | Littelfuse brand name for a specific type of cartridge fuse with female terminals designed for automotive applications. |
| Brand Name | Limitron | Bussmann brand name for a power fuse that can only provide short circuit protection. |
| Brand Name | Low Profile~ | Littelfuse brand name for fuses featuring a low profile design. |
| Brand Name | Low-Peak | Bussmann brand name for a current limiting fuse. |
| Brand Name | MAX Maxi-Fuse | Bussmann brand name for a maxi automotive blade fuse |
| Brand Name | MAXI | Littelfuse brand name for a larger automotive blade style fuse designed to carry higher currents. |
| Brand Name | FK3 MAXI | Littelfuse brand name for a larger automotive blade style fuse designed to carry higher currents and having a clear window for blown fuse detection. |
| Brand Name | TOE MAXI | Littelfuse brand name for a larger automotive blade style fuse designed to carry higher currents at 58 VDC and having a clear window for blown fuse detection. |
| Brand Name | MEGA | Littelfuse brand name for a bolt down automotive fuse for higher ampere applications. |
| Brand Name | Microtron | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of axial leaded board level fuse. |
| Brand Name | MIDI | Littelfuse brand name for a type of automotive bolt-on fuses rated for 32 and 58 VDC high current wiring protection. |
| Brand Name | Low-Profile MINI | Littelfuse brand name for a lower profile type of mini automotive blade fuses. |
| Brand Name | MINI | Littelfuse brand name for a mini automotive blade fuse. |
| Brand Name | FK1 MINI | Littelfuse brand name for a PCB mount mini automotive blade style fuse. |
| Brand Name | FP1 MINI | Littelfuse brand name for a mini automotive blade fuse with a clear cover for circuit board applications. |
| Brand Name | FUN MINI | Littelfuse brand name for a mini automotive blade fuse rated at 125 VDC. |
| Brand Name | NANO2 | Littelfuse brand name for a series of square body, ceramic, surface mount fuses. |
| Brand Name | OMNI-BLOK | Littelfuse brand name for a surface mount fuse and fuse block combination that can be installed on a PC board in a single step. Allows for easy replacement of the fuse. |
| Brand Name | PC-Tron | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of radial leaded board level fuse. |
| Brand Name | PICO | Littelfuse brand name for an axial leaded white thermoplastic subminiature fuse with a clear insulating sleeve. |
| Brand Name | PICO II | Littelfuse brand name for an axial leaded,encapsulated, epoxy-coated, subminiature fuse. |
| Brand Name | POWR-PRO | Littelfuse brand name for a group of fuses with a high degree of current limitation. |
| Brand Name | POWR-T | Littelfuse brand name for a UL Class T fuse. |
| Brand Name | Slimline | Littelfuse brand name for a low profile ceramic surface mount fuse. |
| Brand Name | Slo-Blo | Littelfuse brand name for a time delay or time lag electronic fuse. |
| Brand Name | SmartSpot | Mersen brand name for an indicating type of industrial fuse. |
| Brand Name | Surge3 | Bussmann brand name for their line of transient voltage surge protection products. |
| Brand Name | TCP | Bussmann brand name for a surge resistant time delay surface mount fuse designed specifically for the telecommunications industry . TCP stands for Telecom Circuit Protector. |
| Brand Name | TE3 | Littelfuse brand name for a series of 125 volt rectangular body subminiature micro fuses. |
| Brand Name | TE5 | Littelfuse brand name for a series of 125 volt or higher, rectangular body subminiature micro fuses. |
| Brand Name | TeleLink | Littelfuse brand name for a surge resistant time delay surface mount fuse designed specifically for the telecommunications industry (Series 461). |
| Brand Name | TR3 | Littelfuse brand name for a series of 250 volt cylindrical body subminiature micro fuses. |
| Brand Name | TR5 | Littelfuse brand name for a series of 250 volt or higher, cylindrical body subminiature micro fuses. |
| Brand Name | Tri-Onic | Mersen brand name for a UL Class RK5 current limiting, time delay fuse. |
| Brand Name | Tron | Bussmann brand name for a specific type of plug fuse. |
| Brand Name | T-Tron | Bussmann brand name for a UL Class T fuse. |
| Brand Name | AUMOV | Littelfuse brand name for a low voltage radial leaded MOV designed for automotive applications. |
| Brand Name | Surge Array | Littelfuse brand name for a quad array MLV that provides four MLV's in a single package. |
| Brand Name | TMOV | Littelfuse brand name for a thermally protected MOV. |
| Brand Name | iTMOV | Littelfuse brand name for a thermally protected MOV that also provides open circuit indication. |
| Brand Name | TMOV25S | Littelfuse brand name for a 25mm square, thermally protected MOV designed for specific AC line operating voltages per UL 1449. |
| Brand Name | TMOV34S | Littelfuse brand name for a 34mm square, thermally protected MOV designed for specific AC line operating voltages per UL 1449. |
| Brand Name | TPMOV | Mersen brand name for a thermally protected MOV that also provides open circuit indication. |
| Brand Name | UltraMOV | Littelfuse brand name for an MOV designed for AC line voltage applications with high peak surge current ratings and high energy absorption requirements. |
| Brand Name | ULtraMOV25S | Littelfuse brand name for a 25mm square radial leaded MOV designed for AC line voltage applications with high peak surge current ratings and high energy absorption requirements. |
| Brand Name | LV Ultra MOV | Littelfuse brand name for a radial lead MOV designed forlow voltage DC applications |
| Brand Name | AUMOVTM | Littelfuse brand name for a low voltage radial leaded MOV designed for automotive applications. |
| Brand Name | Visi-Rocker | Carling brand name for a two color rocker actuator for circuit breakers that offer front panel operation and visual indication of the ON or TRIPPED/OFF mode. |
| Brand Name | Rockerguard | Carling name for a barrier feature designed to protect a rocker actuator. |
| Brand Name | Polyfuse® | A brand name for a PTC Device manufactured by Littelfuse |
| Brand Name | Polyswitch® | A brand name for a PTC Device manufactured by Raychem |
| Brand Name | Multifuse® | A brand name for a PTC Device manufactured by Bourns |
| Brand Name | Hencol Key | A Cole Hersee brand name for a non-bitted key. They are often used for equipment that will have multiple operators. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | A.I.C. (AIC) | The interrupting capacity of a fuse. A.I.C. stands for Ampere Interrupting Capacity. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | A.I.R. (AIR) | The interrupting rating of a fuse. A.I.R. stands for Ampere Interrupting Rating. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Ambient Temperature | Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air immediately surrounding the fuse and is not necessarily room temperature. All electrical characteristics of a fuse are rated and validated at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Both higher and lower ambient temperatures will affect the fuse’s opening and current carrying characteristics. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Amp Rating | Also known as the current rating, the amp rating is the current carrying capacity of a fuse. A fuse ampere rating is the AC or DC current that the fuse can continuously carry under specified conditions. When a fuse is subjected to a current above its amp rating, it will open the circuit after a predetermined period of time. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Amp Squared Seconds (I2t) | The measure of heat energy developed within a circuit during the fuse’s clearing. It can be expressed as “melting l2t”, “arcing l2t” or the sum of them as “Clearing l2t”. “l” stands for effective let-through current (RMS), which is squared, and “t” stands for time of opening, in seconds. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Arcing | Arcing at the point of fault melts and vaporizes the conductors and components involved in the fault. The arcs often burn through raceways and equipment enclosures showering the area with molten metal that quickly starts fires and/or injures personnel in the area. Additional short-circuits are often created when vaporized material is deposited on insulators and other surfaces. Sustained arcing-faults vaporize organic insulation. These vapors may explode or burn. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Arcing I²t | Value of the I²t during the arcing time under specified conditions. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Arcing Time | The amount of time from the instant the fuse link has melted until the overcurrent is interrupted, or cleared. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Axial Lead | A wire lead, terminal or pin extending from each end of a fuse's major axis. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Breaking Capacity | Also known as Interrupting Rating or Interrupting Capacity. The maximum current a fuse can safely interrupt. It is the rating which defines a fuse’s ability to safely interrupt and clear short circuits. A fuse must interrupt all overcurrents up to its breaking capacity. This rating is much greater than the ampere rating of a fuse. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Clearing Time | The total time between the beginning of the overcurrent and the final opening of the circuit at rated voltage by an overcurrent protective device. Clearing time is the total of the melting time and the arcing time. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Cold Reistance | The fuse resistance measured using a test current of no more than 10% of the fuse's nominal rated current. This parameter is an excellent predictor fuse quality level when measured on a production line. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Current Limitation | A fuse operation relating to short circuits only. When a fuse operates in its current-limiting range, it will clear a short circuit in less than 1/2 cycle. Also, it will limit the instantaneous peak let-through current to a value substantially less than that obtainable in the same circuit if that fuse were replaced with a solid conductor of equal impedance. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Current Rating | Also known as the amp rating. The current carrying capacity of a fuse. A fuse current rating is the AC or DC current that the fuse can continuously carry under specified conditions. When a fuse is subjected to a current above its amp rating, it will open the circuit after a predetermined period of time. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Current-limiting Range | The available fault currents a fuse will clear in less than ½ cycle, thus limiting the actual magnitude of current flow. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Derating of the Fuse Rated Current | Higher ambient temperatures mean additional loading on a fuse element. Since technical data is presented based on a standard ambient temperature, either forced air cooling or de-rating of a fuse may be necessary to ensure reliable operation in a higher ambient environment. Derating is the process of selecting a fuse with a higher rated current to allow for its operation in an ambient environment above the standard ambient temperature. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Fuse Element | Also known as a link. A calibrated conductor inside a fuse which melts when subjected to excessive current. The element is enclosed by the fuse body and may be surrounded by an arc-quenching medium such as silica sand. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Fuse Purpose | Fuse links protect electrical devices and components from overcurrents and short circuits. This is achieved automatically by the melting of a fuse wire through which a fault current flows. An irreversible, physical separation is created thereby cutting off current flow through that conductor. Fuse links are rated so as to reliably interrupt current flow when it reaches a predictable magnitude for a fixed duration. For all practical purposes, a fuse is invisible to the circuit. An optimum matching of fuse characteristics to the protective requirements of any device is important to provide both adequate protection of the end-user and maximum utilization of other circuit components. In order to minimize consequential damage and to comply with the requirements and standards of modern electro technology, we have compiled in the following paragraphs essential selection and application criteria for electronic fuses. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Interrupting Capacity | Also known as Breaking Capacity or Interrupting Rating. The maximum current a fuse can safely interrupt. It is the rating which defines a fuse’s ability to safely interrupt and clear short circuits. A fuse must interrupt all overcurrents up to its interrupting capacity. This rating is much greater than the ampere rating of a fuse. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Interrupting Rating | Also known as Breaking Capacity or Interrupting Capacity. The maximum current a fuse can safely interrupt. It is the rating which defines a fuse’s ability to safely interrupt and clear short circuits. A fuse must interrupt all overcurrents up to its interrupting rating. This rating is much greater than the ampere rating of a fuse. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Link~ | Also known as an element. A calibrated conductor inside a fuse which melts when subjected to excessive current. The link is enclosed by the fuse body and may be surrounded by an arc-quenching medium such as silica sand. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Melting I²t | Also known as the Melting Integral. The measure of the melting energy (I²t) during the melting time of the fuse link under specified fault conditions. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Melting Integral (I²t) | Also known as the Melting I²t. The measure of the melting energy (I²t) during the melting time of the fuse link under specified fault conditions. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Melting Time | The amount of time required to melt the fuse link during a specified overcurrent condition. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Normal Operating Current | The current that passes through the fuse during steady state conditions. The the level of current drawn (in RMS or dc amperes) after it has been energized and is operating under normal conditions. An operating current of 80% or less of rated current is recommended for operation at 25°C to avoid nuisance openings. For example, a fuse with a current rating of 1A is usually not recommended in circuits with normal operating currents of more than 800mA. Further derating is required at elevated ambient temperatures. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Peak Let-Through Current | The instantaneous value of peak current let-through by a current-limiting fuse, when it operates in its current-limiting range. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Pulse Cycle Withstand Capacity | The measure of a fuse's ability to withstand a series of defined current pulses without opening prematurely. The pulse waveform and quantity is defined by the equipment application. This parameter, along with the fuse melting integral, is used to properly select a fuse for use over the lifetime of the equipment its protecting. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Radial Lead | Two wire leads, terminals or pins in parallel extending from the bottom of a fuse body. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Renewable Element | The field-replaceable element of a renewable fuse. Also referred to as a renewable link. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Renewable Link | The field-replaceable element of a renewable fuse. Also referred to as a renewable element. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Supplemental Protection | Fuses or circuit breakers that can only be used for protecting an appliance or other electrical equipment where upstream branch circuit overcurrent protection is already provided, or is not required. Voltage ratings typically are 600V or lower and interrupt ratings are lower than branch circuit protectors. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Surge Tolerance | A characteristic of telecom fuses. The fuses are designed to withstand momentary or instantaneous current and voltage surges and continue to operate. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Threshold Current | The minimum available fault current at which a fuse is current limiting. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Total Clearing I²t | Total measure of thermal energy developed within a circuit during the fuse’s clearing of a fault current. Total Clearing I²t is the sum of the melting I²t and arcing I²t. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Voltage Drop | The fuse voltage drop or difference across its terminals when measured using a test current of 100% of the fuse's nominal rated current. In most cases, the fuse voltage drop can be ignored, as it is insignificant when compared to the circuit voltage. Attention must be paid to the voltage drops of low current fuses (50mA, 63mA, etc.) since their values are significantly higher. Some fuse standards specify a voltage drop maximum. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Voltage Rating | The maximum voltage at which a fuse is designed to operate. Exceeding the voltage rating of a fuse impairs its ability to clear an overload or short circuit safely. Voltage ratings are assumed to be for AC unless specifically labeled as DC. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | Wire-In-Air | A type of surface mount fuse construction where a melting wire (filament) is suspended in air and physically attached to both fuse end caps via solding or welding. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | E Rating | Current ratings of 100E amps or less must melt in 300 seconds at 200 to 240% of the E (ampere) rating. Fuses with current ratings of 100E or below will melt in 300 seconds at a current value between 200 and 240% times the E (ampere) rating. Current ratings above 100E will melt in 600 seconds at a current value between 220% and 263% times the E (ampere) rating. If the current is higher than 240% or 264% times the E number, the user must consult the time-current curves for that particular fuse. |
| Electrical Term - Fuse | R Rating | An R-rated fuse will safely interrupt any current between its minimum interrupting rating and its maximum interrupting rating. The fuse will melt in 15 to 35 seconds when the current equals 100 times the R (ampere) rating. If the current is higher than 100 times the R (ampere) rating, the user must consult the time-current curves for that fuse. A comparison of the R rating and the maximum continuous current rating is as follows: |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Hold Current | The maximum steady state current a PTC Device can pass through without causing it to trip |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Trip Current | The minimum fault current that can pass through a PTC Device and cause it to trip |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Rated Current | The maximum fault current a PTC Device can withstand in its tripped state without physical damage at rated voltage ( Vmax ) |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Rated Voltage | The maximum DC voltage a PTC Device can withstand in its tripped state without physical damage at rated current ( Imax ) |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Interrupt Voltage | The maximum AC voltage a PTC Device can withstand in its tripped state without physical damage; test parameter is used to comply with Telecom Power Cross conditions required in telecom industry standards |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Power Dissipation | The power dissipated by a PTC Device in its tripped state |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Maximum Time-to-Trip (A) | The fault current used for measuring the maximum Time-to-Trip of the PTC Device |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Maximum Time-to-Trip (S) | The time needed from the onset of a fault current until the PTC Device is tripped in seconds; varies based on the level of fault current |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Initial Resistance | The minimum resistance of a PTC Device in its initial (un-soldered) state |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Typical Resistance | The typical resistance of a PTC Device in its initial (un-soldered) state |
| Electrical Term - PTC | Maximum Resistance | The maximum resistance of a PTC Device 1 hour after being tripped at room temperature or after reflow soldering |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Actuator | The part of a switch assembly that causes the switch contacts to engage or disengage. Typical actuators include levers, keys, knobs and handles. |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Contacts | A pair of metallic components that touch or come apart at the point where the switch throw makes or breaks the circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Continuous Current Rating | The current rating that a device can handle without interruption. It is usually measured as the amperage a device can handle for one hour without exceeding the maximum allowable temperature at the terminals. |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Ignition-Protected | Electromechanical switches that are designed not to create a spark between the contacts. This is necessary in confined locations where fuel vapors may be present. |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Intermittent Current Rating | The amount of current a switch can withstand for 5 minutes or less while maintaining an acceptabletemeprature rise. This rating is meant to reflect the switches ability to withstand a short term high current event like starting without damaging the contacts. |
| Electrical Term - Battery Disconnect | Terminal | The mechanism that connects a switch to the circuit or device it activates. The mechanical device at such a point in a circuit where the end of a wire or cable makes an electrical connection to a device. Battery switches are supplied with metric or standa |
| Electrical Term - Disconnect | Lockout or tagout (LOTO) | A safety procedure which ensures that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | 3mm Gap | An IEC (European) safety agency standard that requires a minimum 3 millimeter gap to exist between contacts when in the OFF position. Any gap of 3mm or greater is considered a full gap. Full gap is a requirement when the switch is used as the main power disconnect for a product. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Actuators | Actuators are the mechanical component used to manually turn a switch or circuit breaker on and off. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Alarm Switch | A switch that is isolated electrically from the circuit breakers circuit. It works in unison with the power contacts to set off a sound or light indicator |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Alternate Action (double action) | A "Push-On/Push Off" switch action, typically referring to maintained circuit pushbutton switches. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Auxiliary Switch | A switch that is isolated electrically from the circuit breakers circuit. It is mechanically connected to the movement of the circuit breaker switching mechanism to provide on-off staus indication at a remote location. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Baton Actuator | A handle actuator that is shaped in the form of a baton. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Break-Before-Make | Switches that will only complete one circuit at a time, leaving an interval of time between the time one circuit opens and the next circuit closes. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Butt Action Contacts | Contacts that press "head-on" against each other when closing a circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Center-Off | A switch with three actuator positions. Contact is made (with one or several circuits) in the two extreme positions; in the center position of the actuator, all circuits are off. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Circuit Breaker | A mechanical overcurrent circuit protection device. The device trips or opens the circuit when excess current runs through the device. The device is activated by utilizing an electromagnetic coil or a heat sensitve bimetal strip that trips a spring loaded actuator. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Common Terminal | Line terminal that can be alternately connected to two or more load terminals. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Common Trip | A feature on a multi-pole circuit protector in which an overload on any pole will cause all poles to open. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Contacts (CB) | Components that form the junction of two electrical conductors through which current passes, used for making (closing) and breaking (opening) electrical circuits. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Contact Bounce | The tendency for butt action contacts to bounce apart as they come together. The bouncing action can prolong an arc, or open and close the circuit very quickly several times before coming to a closed position. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Contact Rating (CB) | The capacity of contacts to carry an electrical load. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Contact Resistance (CB) | The resistance of a pair of contacts, measured at the terminals, which effectively appears in series with the load (mili-ohm range). |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Dual Coil | A circuit that provides contact opening when either an overcurrent or trip voltage is applied to respective coils. One coil will be a current trip and the second coil is used to provide a control function. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Dependent Lamp | A lamp or lamps powered by the same circuit that a switch is controlling; the lamp turns on when the switch is activated. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Detent | A feature usually found in slide and rotary switches that denotes where the switch "clicks" into the various positions. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Double Break/Double Make | Contacts that open at two separate places on a circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Double Insulation | Denotes an insulation system comprised of functional insulation and protective insulation, with the two insulations physically separated and arranged in such a way that they are not simultaneously subjected to the same deteriorating influences, temperature, contaminants, etc. to the same degree. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Double Pole -DP (switches) | A switch device that opens, closes, or changes connection of two conductors in an electrical circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Double Throw (DT) | A switch that opens, closes, or completes a circuit at both extreme positions of its actuator. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Dry Circuit | A low current circuit that does not generate enough power to generate an arc. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Dump Circuit | A means to remotely trip a circuit breaker without there having to be a current overload. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Duty Continuous | The requirement that demands operation at a constant load for an indefinite period of time. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Duty Cycle | The ratio of on-time and off-time |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Duty Intermittent | The requirement that demands operation of alternate intervals of (1) load/no load, (2) load/rest, or (3) load/no load/rest. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Equipment Leakage | Commonly referred to as earth leakage or ground fault, an unintentional electrical connection between an energized conductor and "ground". Ground is an arbitrarily decided point whose voltage is taken to zero, in many situations, this point is the actual ground or earth. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Feeder | All circuit conductors between the service entrance equipment and the final branch circuit protector. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI | A device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to the load when a fault current to ground exceeds a predetermined value, |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Handle Actuator | An actuator that is shaped in the form of a handle. When the actuator is tripped, the handle moves to the "OFF" position. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | High Inrush | Loads that require a higher amount of current or amperage when first turned on, compared to the amount of current required to continue running. An example of high inrush load is a light bulb, which may draw 20 times its normal operating current when first turned on. Some manufacturers refer to this as lamp load. Other examples of loads that have high inrush are switching power supplies (capacitive load) and motors (inductive load). |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Hydraulic Magnetic Circuit Breaker | A mechanical circuit protection device. The main components are a coil, an iron core sealed in a tube filled with hydraulic fluid, a spring loaded actuator and two electical contacts. When excessive current from a current overload runs through the device, the electromagnetic field in the coil is increased which moves the iron core through the tube and causes the spring loaded actuator to trip, separating the contacts and opening the circuit. Opening speed is determined by the viscosity or thickness of the hydraulic fluid. The device is reset by throwing the switch or pushing the actuator button which moves the iron core and the actuator back to their original position and closes the circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Independent Lamp | A lamp or lamps powered by a voltage source not controlled by the switch or circuit breaker action. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Instantaneous Trip | Indicates that no intentional delay is purposely introduced in the opening time of a protector. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Insulation Resistance | The resistance between two normally insulated parts measured at a specified high DC potential (megohm range). Also referred to as Leakage Resistance. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | L Rating (switches) | Denotes the ability of a switch to handle the initial high inrush of Tungsten Filament Lamp on AC Voltage only. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | LED | Light Emitting Diode |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Life Expectancy (Useful Life) | Depends upon the end life criteria for a specific application. In order to determine you failure criteria, the following parameters should be known: dielectric strength, duty cycle, mechanical breakdown, contact resistance, insulation resistance, operating force. Life expectancy is normally experienced in minimum switch cycles before failure. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Line Terminal | A terminal that takes power from the power source. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Load Terminal | A terminal that carries the current downstream to the equipment that the circuit breaker is protecting. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Make-Before-Break | Switches that complete a new circuit before breaking an old one. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Maintained Switch | A switch that maintains the mode or position to which it is actuated. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Micro Gap | A symbol appearing as a part of the switch rating that indicates a contact gap of less than 3 millimeters. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Mid Trip | When an actuator is tripped, the handle moves to a "Mid" position as opposed to the full "OFF" positon. This provides visual indication of a tripped breaker as compared to one that is merely turned OFF. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Mid-Trip Handle Actuator | A handle actuator where the handle moves to a "Mid" position as opposed to the full "OFF" positon when tripped. This provides visual indication of a tripped breaker as compared to one that is merely turned OFF. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Momentary Switch | A switch that automatically returns to its original or at rest position. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Normally Closed | Often abbreviated N.C., indicates that the circuit is closed when the switch is not operated. Activation of the switch causes the circuit to open. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Normally Open | Often abbreviated N.O., indicates that the circuit is open when with switch is not operated. Activation of the switch causes the circuit to close. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Operating Force | Also known as Actuation Force, the force required to transfer a switch from one position to another. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Paddle Actuator | A handle actuator that is shaped in the form of a padddle. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Parallel Pole Terminal | Two or more circuit breakers in a single package that are electrically isolated but mechanically tied. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Pole | The number of completely separate circuits that can be active through a switch or simultaneously protected by a circuit breaker at any one time. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Push Button Actuator | A handle actuator that is shaped in the form of a button. When the actuator trips, the button pops out. The circuit breaker is reset by pushing the button in. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Push-On/Push-Off | An alternate action switch, often used on lamps, vacuum cleaners, etc. When pushed, the circuit closes. When pushed again, it opens. Often called 'Push-Push.' |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Push-Pull Actuator | A handle actuator that is shaped in the form of a knob. When the actuator trips, the knob pops out. The circuit breaker is reset by pushing the knob in. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Push-to-Reset Actuator | A handle actuator that is shaped in the form of a button. When the actuator trips, the button pops out. The circuit breaker is reset by pushing the button in. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Quick Break/Quick Make | Switches designed to make or break circuits in less than 5 milliseconds to make or break. Recommended for use on DC circuits. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Relay Trip | This circuit design permits the overload sensing coil to be placed in a circuit which is electrically isolated from the trip contacts but mechanically linked. Overload in the coil circuit will cause the contact circuit to open. The coil may be actuated by remote sensors monitoring pressure, flow temperature, speed, etc. The trip may be accomplished by current or voltage. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Sealed Toggle Actuator | A handle actuator that has a baton toggle switch with a sealed metal mounting bushing for operation in harsh environments. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Series Trip | The most popular circuit type for a magnetic hydraulic circuit breaker. The sensing coil and the contacts are in series with the load being protected. The actuator handle indicates the circuit status. In addition to providing overcurrent circuit protection it can also be used as an on-off switch. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Shunt Trip | Designed to control two separate loads with one assembly. The control is established by providing overload protection for the critical load. When the current through the load reached the trip point, the circuit breaker will open and remove power from both loads simultaneously. Allows remote tripping. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Single Break / Single Make | Contacts that open and close a circuit at only one place. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Single Color Rocker | A single color rocker actuator for circuit breakers that offer front panel operation. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Single Pole - SP (switches) | A switch device that opens, closes, or changes the connection of a single conductor in an electrical circuit. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Single Throw (ST) | A switch that opens, closes or completes a circuit at only one of the extreme positions of its actuator. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Slow Break/Slow Make | Switches designed to make or break circuits within 8-12 milliseconds. Typically used for AC applications. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Snap-Action | Non-teasable switch action having unstable equilibrium so that it must be either 'ON' or 'OFF'. Can also be referred to as 'Push-Push.' |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Switch Only | A circuit design that does not provide overcurrent protection. It is the same as a series trip circuit without the coil mechanism. It provides low cost, heavy duty switch capability. It can then be used as a single or multi-pole power switch. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Toggle Actuator | A handle actuator that has a baton toggle switch. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Two Color Rocker | A two color circuit breaker rocker actuator that offers front panel operation and visual indication of the ON or TRIPPED/OFF mode. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Ultimate Trip Current | The minimum value of current that will cause tripping of a protective device. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Voltage Trip | A protective device that is factory calibrated to trip at a predetermined voltage value. |
| Electrical Term - Breaker | Wiping Action Contacts | Self-cleaning contacts that wipe or slide against each other when opening or closing a circuit. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Clamping Voltage (Vc) | The peak voltage across the varistor measured under condition of a specified peak Vc pulse current and specified waveform. The maximun voltage let through to downstream components. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Clamping Current - Ipk | The peak current across the varistor measured under condition of a specified peak Vc pulse current and specified waveform. The maximun current let through to downstream components. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated Peak Single Pulse Transient Current - Itm | Maximum peak current which may be applied for a single 8/20 ms impulse, with rated line voltage also applied, without causing device failure. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated Peak Single Pulse Transient Current - Ipk | Maximum peak current which may be applied for a single 8/20 ms impulse, with rated line voltage also applied, without causing device failure. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Lifetime Rated Pulse Currents | Derated values of Itm for impulse durations exceeding that of an 8/20 ms waveshape, and for multiple pulses which may be applied over the device's rated lifetime. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated RMS Voltage - Vm(ac) | Maximum continuous sinusoidal RMS voltage which may be applied. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated DC Voltage - Vm(dc) | Maximum continuous DC voltage which may be applied. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | DC Standby Current - Id | Varistor current measured at rated voltage, Vm(dc). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Nominal Varistor Voltage - Vn(dc) | Average voltage across the varsitor measured at a specified pulsed DC current, In(dc), of specific duration. In(dc) is specified by the varistor manufacturer. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Minimum Varistor Voltage - Vnom min | Minimum voltage across the varsitor measured at a specified pulsed DC current, In(dc), of specific duration. In(dc) is specified by the varistor manufacturer. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Maximum Varistor Voltage - Vnom max | Maximum voltage across the varsitor measured at a specified pulsed DC current, In(dc), of specific duration. In(dc) is specified by the varistor manufacturer. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Peak Nominal Varistor Voltage - Vn(ac) | Voltage across the varistor measured at a specified pulsed AC current, In(ac) of specific duration. In(ac) is specified by the varistor manufacturer. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated Recurrent Peak Voltage - Vpm | Maximum recurrent peak voltage which may be applied for a specified duty cycle and waveform. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated Single Pulse Transient Energy - Wtm | Energy which may be dissipated for a single impulse of maximum rated current at a specified waveshape, with rated RMS voltage or rated DC voltage also applied, without causing device failure. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Typical Capacitance - C | The ability of a device to store energy and resist changes in voltage. The higher the capacitance, the higher the rating for the varistor. Capacitance is measured in pico Farads (pF). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated Transient Average Power Dissipation | Maximum average power which may be dissipated due to a group of pulses occurring within a specific isolated time period, without causing device failure. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Varistor Voltage - Vx | Voltage across the varistor measured at a given current, IX. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Voltage Clamping Ratio - Vc/Vpm | A figure of merit measure of the varistor clamping effectiveness as defined by the symbols (Vc) ÷ (Vm(ac)), (Vc)÷ (Vm(dc)). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Nonlinear Exponent - a | A measure of varistor nonlinearily between two given operating currents, I1 and I2, as described by I = kVa where k is a device constant, I1 = I =12, and a12 = (logl2/l1) ÷ (logV2/V1). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Dynamic Impedance - Zx | A measure of small signal impedance at a given operating point as defines by: Zx = (dVx) ÷ (dlx). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Resistance - Rx | Static resistance of the varistor at a given operating point as defined by: Rx = (Vx) ÷ (Ix). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Capacitance - C | Capacitance between the two terminals of the varistor measured at a specified frequency and bias. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | AC Standby Power - Pd | Varistor AC power dissipation measured at rated RMS voltage Vm(ac). |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Voltage Overshoot - Vos | The excess voltage above the clamping voltage of the device for a given current that occurs when current waves of less that 8ms virtual front duration are applied. This value may be expressed as a % of the clamping voltage (Vc) for an 8/20 ms current wave. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Response Time | The time between the point at which the wave exceeds the clamping voltage level (VC) and the peak of the voltage overshoot. For the purpose of this definition, clamping voltage as defined with an 8/20 ms current waveform of the same peak current amplitude as the waveform used for this response time |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Overshoot Duration | The time between the peak voltage level (VC) and the point at which the voltage overshoot has decayed to 50% of its peak. For the purpose of this definition, clamping voltage is defined with an 8/20 ms current waveform of the same peak current amplitude as the waveform used for this overshoot duration. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | 8/20 ms Test Waveform | A test waveform with characteristics similar to a lightning surge. The wave has an 8ms rise to peak value and a 20ms decline to a 50% decay of peak value.Used to test the Itm, Vc and Ipk for all varistor series. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | 10/1000 ms Test Waveform | A test waveform with characteristics similar to the high energy surges found in motors and transformers. A more robust and longer waveform than the 8\20 ms. Used to test WTM for the CH, LA, MA RA and ZA Series. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | 2ms Rectangular Test Waveform | A test waveform with similar characteristics to the 10/1000 ms but more precise in certain applications. Used to test the WTM for the C-III Series. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | 2ms Square Test Waveform | A test waveform having the same total energy as the 10/1000 ms waveform but it is an easier test to reproduce. Used to test the WTM for the UltraMOV™ Series. |
| Electrical Term - MOV | Rated RMS Voltage Vm(ac) | Maximum continuous sinusoidal RMS voltage which may be applied. |
| Electrical Term - General | Alternating Current (AC) | A condition in an electric circuit where the voltage is raised above the upper design limit. This condition is potentially damaging to the components in the circuit. An overvoltage event can be a temporary transient spike or longer in duration. Typical sources of an overvoltage event are close proximity lightning strikes, discharges of electrostatic electricity, the switching on and off of an inductive load or the accidental crossing of power lines. |
| Electrical Term - General | Ampacity | The current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating. Ampacity is a function of cable size, insulation type and the conditions of use. |
| Electrical Term - General | Ampere (Amp) | The measurement of intensity of rate of flow of electrons in an electric circuit An ampere (amp) is the amount of current that will flow through a resistance of one ohm under a pressure of one volt. Ampere is often abbreviated as “A”. |
| Electrical Term - General | Arc Flash | Arc Flash is the result of a rapid release of energy due to an arcing fault between a phase bus bar and another phase bus bar, neutral or a ground. During an arc fault the air is the conductor. Arc faults are generally limited to systems where the bus voltage is in excess of 120 volts. Lower voltage levels normally will not sustain an arc. An arc fault is similar to the arc obtained during electric welding. |
| Electrical Term - General | Available Fault Current | The maximum short circuit current that can flow in an unprotected circuit. Also known as available short circuit current. |
| Electrical Term - General | Available Short Circuit Current | The maximum short circuit current that can flow in an unprotected circuit. Also know as available fault current. |
| Electrical Term - General | Busbar | An electrical conductor in the form of rigid bars serving as a common connection for two or more electrical circuits. |
| Electrical Term - General | Cascade Circuit | A series arrangement of more than one protector connected between the power source and the load. |
| Electrical Term - General | Circuit (Electrical) | The closed loop through which electricity can flow. |
| Electrical Term - General | Closed Circuit | An electrical circuit that allows an uninterrupted flow of electricity from the source of power, through the conductor or wire, to the load, and then back again to the ground of source of power. |
| Electrical Term - General | Conductor | A material or object that permits an electric current to flow easily |
| Electrical Term - General | Coordination | The ability of a circuit protector with the lowest rating in a cascade arrangement to trip before those with higher ratings (see Cascade Circuit). |
| Electrical Term - General | Current (Electric) | A flow of electrons in an electrical conductor. The strength or rate of movement of the electricity is measured in amperes. A generic term usually modified by an adjective (i.e., AC or DC), the amount of electrical charge flowing through a conductor, as compared to Volts, which is the force that drives the electrical charge. |
| Electrical Term - General | Dielectric Strength | The highest voltage an insulator can withstand without allowing current to flow. Also referred to as breakdown voltage. For switches, also represents the strength between live parts and operator at accessible surfaces. |
| Electrical Term - General | Difference in Potential | Also known as voltage or electromotive force (EMF).The force that causes free electrons to move in a conductor as electric current. |
| Electrical Term - General | DIN-Rail | A metal rail of a standard type widely used for mounting circuit breakers, fuseholders, power distribution blocks and industrial control equipment inside equipment racks. The most common size is 35mm high by 7.5mm thick. |
| Electrical Term - General | Direct Current (DC) | Current flows in only one direction. Dircet current is usually supplied from a battery or power supply. |
| Electrical Term - General | EffectiveValue | The value of alternating current that will produce the same amount of energy in a resistance as the corresponding value of direct current. Also known as RMS Value |
| Electrical Term - General | Electrical Load | That part of the electrical system which actually uses the energy or does the work required. |
| Electrical Term - General | Electromotive Force (EMF) | Also known as voltage or difference in potential. The force that causes free electrons to move in a conductor as electric current. |
| Electrical Term - General | Fault | An accidental condition in which a current path becomes available which by-passes the connected load. |
| Electrical Term - General | Fault Current | The amount of current flowing in a faulted circuit. |
| Electrical Term - General | Frequency | The number of cycles through which an alternating current passes per second. Frequency has been generally standardized in the United States electric utility industry at 60 cycles per second (60 hertz) |
| Electrical Term - General | 50/60Hz | The frequency of an AC circuit measured in Hertz (HZ). Refers to the number of cycles per second. 50/60Hz is between 50 and 60 cycles per second. |
| Electrical Term - General | Ground Fault | An unintentional electrical connection between an energized conductor and 'ground'. Ground is an arbitrarily decided point whose voltage is taken to zero, in many situations, this point is the actual ground or earth. |
| Electrical Term - General | Horsepower (hp) | Motors are rated in horsepower (HP) or fractions of horsepower (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, etc.) Mechanically, One horsepower (1HP) is equal to 33,000 pounds being moved 1 foot in 1 minute (or 33,000ft-lb/min). One horsepower (1HP) is also equal to 746 watts of electrical power. |
| Electrical Term - General | Inductive Load | An electrical load which pulls a large amount of current (an inrush current) when first energized. After a few cycles or seconds the current “settles down” to the full-load running current. Inductive loads are typical energized by equipmnet with coils such as motors or transformers. |
| Electrical Term - General | Inrush | The amount of current a load takes on initial start up. This can be many times it's normal operating current but is usually of very short duration. |
| Electrical Term - General | Kiloamperes (kA) | 1,000 amps |
| Electrical Term - General | Let-through Current | The actual fault current passing through a protective device as compared to the current available to the device. |
| Electrical Term - General | Load (Electric) | The amount of electric power delivered or required at any specific point or points on a system. The requirement originates at the energy consuming equipment of the consumers. |
| Electrical Term - General | Ohm | The unit of measure for electric resistance. An ohm is the amount of resistance that will allow one ampere to flow under a pressure of one volt. |
| Electrical Term - General | Ohm’s Law | The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, expressed by the equation E = IR, where E is the voltage in volts, I is the current in amps, and R is the resistance in ohms. |
| Electrical Term - General | Open Circuit | An electrical circuit that will not conduct electricity because either air, or some other insulator has stopped or broken the flow of current in the loop. |
| Electrical Term - General | Overcurrent | A condition which exists in an electrical circuit when the normal load current is exceeded. Overcurrents take on two separate characteristics, overloads and short circuits. An overload condition is any current flowing within the circuit path that is higher than the circuit’s normal full load current. An overload is typically 2 to 5 times the magnitude of a circuit’s normal operating current. A short circuit is an overcurrent condition that leaves the normal current path and which greatly exceeds the normal full load current of the circuit by a factor of tens, hundreds, or thousands. Components and equipment can be damaged by both types of overcurrents. |
| Electrical Term - General | Overload | An overcurrent which exceeds the normal full load current of a circuit. An overload is typically 2 to 5 times the magnitude of a circuit’s normal operating current. It will cause damage if allowed to persist. Also characteristic of this type of overcurrent is that it does not leave the normal current carrying path of the circuit. The current flows from the source, through the conductors, through the load, back through the conductors, to the source again. |
| Electrical Term - General | Overvoltage | "A condition in an electric circuit where the voltage is raised above the upper design limit. This condition is potentially damaging to the components in the circuit. An overvoltage event can be a temporary transient spike or longer in duration. Typical s |
| Electrical Term - General | Resistance | The opposition a conductor offers to current. Anything that slows down or resists the flow of electricity measured in ohms. |
| Electrical Term - General | Resistive load | An electrical load which is characterized by not drawing any significant inrush current. When a resistive load is energized, the current rises instantly to its steady state value, without first rising to a higher value. |
| Electrical Term - General | RMS Current | The RMS (root-mean-square) value of any periodic current is equal to the value of the direct current which, flowing through a resistance, produces the same heating effect in the resistance as the periodic current does. |
| Electrical Term - General | RMS Value | The value of alternating current that will produce the same amount of energy in a resistance as the corresponding value of direct current. Also known as Effective Value |
| Electrical Term - General | Short Circuit | An overcurrent that leaves the normal current path and greatly exceeds the normal full load current of the circuit by a factor of tens, hundreds, or thousands times. Also characteristic of this type of overcurrent is that it leaves the normal current carrying path of the circuit. It takes a “short cut” around the load and back to the source. |
| Electrical Term - General | Short Circuit Causes | A short-circuit is current flowing outside of its normal path. It is caused by an insulation breakdown or faulty connection. During a circuit’s normal operation, the connected load determines current. During a short-circuit, the current bypasses load and the current takes a “shorter path,” hence: short-circuit. Since there is no load impedance, only the total distribution system’s impedance from the utility’s generators to the fault will limit current flow. |
| Electrical Term - General | Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) | Also known as the Short Circuit Withstand Rating. The maximum short-circuit current an electrical component can sustain without the occurrence of excessive damage when protected with an overcurrent protective device. |
| Electrical Term - General | Short Circuit Withstand Rating | Also known as the Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR). The maximum short-circuit current an electrical component can sustain without the occurrence of excessive damage when protected with an overcurrent protective device. |
| Electrical Term - General | Total Clearing Time | The time elapsing from the initiation of overload current to final current interruption. |
| Electrical Term - General | Volt (V) | The volt (V) is the Standard International (SI) unit of electric potential or electromotive force. A potential of one volt appears across a resistance of one ohm when a current of one ampere flows through that resistance. |
| Electrical Term - General | Voltage | Electric potential or potential difference expressed in volts |
| Electrical Term - General | Voltage of a Circuit | The electric pressure of a circuit in an electric system measured in volts. It is generally a nominal rating based on the maximum normal effective difference of potential between any two conductors of a circuit. |
| Electrical Term - General | Watt | The unit of electrical power required to do work at the rate of one joule/second or the power consumed when one ampere flows with one volt applied to a circuit. |
| Electrical Term - General | Withstand Rating | The maximum current that an unprotected electrical component can sustain for a specified period of time without the occurrence of extensive damage. |
| Electrical Term - General | Kilovolts (kV) | 1,000 volts. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Activate Distance | The distance between a reed sensor and its actuator where the contacts begin to move from an inactive state to an active state. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Arc Suppression | Contact protection circuitry used to protect the contacts of reed switches against loads which produce high inrush currents on closure or high voltages on opening. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Carry Currrent | The continuous current that the reed switch can carry while closed at 125% of the Pull-In Value. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Change Over Switch | A small enclosed single pole double throw switch. A switch that breaks contact with one path before connecting with another. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Coaxial Shield | The coaxial shield normally consisting of copper is found inside the coil of a reed relay. It is used for switching high frequency signals. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Coil Resistance | The resistance in ohms of a reed relay coil. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Contact Form | The inactive state of the contacts of a reed switch. Typical states are Normally Open (Form A), Normally Closed (Form B) and Change Over (Form C). |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Contact Form A | A Single Pole, Single Throw, Normally Open (SPST NO) switch type. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Contact Form C | A Single Pole, Double Throw, Change Over (SPDT CO) switch type. This switch breaks contact with one path before connecting with another. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Contact Rating | The product of the switching voltage and the current expressed in Watts. It should never exceed the wattage rating of the reed switch. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Contact Resistance | The initial closed contact resistance in ohms. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Diode Suppression | An internal diode in parallel with the reed relay coil used to protect the circuitry powering the relay from the voltage spike generated from the coil when it is deactivated. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Drop-Out (DO) | The value in Ampere-Turns when the switch contacts release. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Hermetically Sealed | The contacts of a reed switch along with an inert gas are sealed inside of a glass capsule. A glass to metal seal is used to provide the lowest rate of gas leakage possible. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Inrush Current | The high current upon closure caused by the low resistance of a cold filament in a lamp load, by a reverse-magnetised core in an AC inductive load, or by a capacitive load. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Insulation Resistance | The resistance in ohms measured across the open contacts of a reed switch or relay or between the isolated terminals of a reed relay. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Lamp Loads | Loads which consist of a lamp containing a tungsten or similar type of filament. The filament will have a high inrush current due to its initial low resistance when cold. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Magnetic Shield | An external metal housing of a reed relay used to protect either the internal magnetic reed switch from external magnetic influences, or to protect any external neighbouring components from the magnetic influences of the relay. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Operating Temperature | The maximum or minimum temperature at which a device can be operated without significant performance degradation. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Pull In AT Range | The point where the reed switch contacts close when subjected to magnetic field. It is usually expressed in a min-max range of Ampere-Turns (AT) which is a measure of magnetic field strength. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Pull-In Value | The Ampere-Turn value (AT) at which normally-open contacts close or normally-closed contacts open. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Rating Sensitivity | The value at which contact ratings and operating characteristics are determined. Derating may be required below this value. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Reed Sensor | A reed switch that is packaged within an external housing for simplified mounting/connecting and for additional protection against environmental influences. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Switch Type | Refers to the contact form in a reed switch. The contact form is the inactive state of the contacts of a reed switch. Typical states are Normally Open (Form A), Normally Closed (Form B) and Change Over (Form C). |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Switching Current | The maximum amount of current that the contacts of a reed switch can withstand on opening or closure. |
| Electrical Term - Reed Switch | Switching Voltage | The maximum allowable voltage capable of being switched across the contacts. Switching voltages above the arcing potential can cause some metal transfer. Specified as a maximum in units of Volts DC or Volts Peak; |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Actuator | A packaged magnetic component used in conjunction with a reed switch. When the actuator is positioned in close proximity to a reed switch it causes the reed switch to move from an inactive state to an active state. Actuators are matched with specific reed sensor series and are sold separately.Bare magnets are also available. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Ampere-Turn (AT) | The unit of measure used to define the sensitivity of a switch or measure of the magnetic field strength. It is the product of the number of turns of the coil the switch is tested in and the current in amperes flowing in that coil. The lower the AT of a Reed Switch the lower the magnetic field strength required to close the Reed Switch. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Bounce | When closing, the contacts of a reed switch will initially bounce or chatter before reaching a stable closed state. This could be seen as multiple inputs to certain logic or digital circuits. If contact bounce is detrimental to your circuit design, a debounce circuit should be used. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Breakdown Voltage | The maximum voltage level a switch can withstand without leakage current between the open contacts. On some larger, evacuated reed switches, breakdown voltages can exceed several thousand volts. Also refered to as the Dielectric Voltage and is generally much higher than the Switching Voltage. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Capacitive Loads | Loads which consist of a capacitor either in series or in parallel with the contacts of a reed switch. There is a high capacitive current when the switch contacts close. Without any current limiting device, the peak current can reach up to tens of amps. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Coil Voltage | The nominal coil voltage is the normal operating voltage of a reed relay. The must operate voltage is the voltage needed to change a relay from its inactive to active state. The must release voltage is the minimum voltage at which a relay will change from its active to inactive state. The maximum coil voltage should never be exceeded. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Contact Form B | A Single Pole, Single Throw, Normally Closed (SPST NC) swith type. A Form B switch is the least common reed switch configuration and operates the opposite of a Form A. The Form B switch also has two contacts, but they are Normally Closed, meaning that, in its default state, the circuit is closed and will conduct electricity. Introduction of a magnetic field will cause the contacts of a Form B switch to separate, opening the circuit and breaking the flow of electricity. Removing the magnetic field will allow the contacts to return to the Normally Closed position and close the circuit. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Electrostatic Shield | Used to reduce any noise or electrostatic coupling that may occur between the coil of a relay and the internal magnetic reed switch. The electrostatic shield normally consists of copper, terminated to a designated pin externally connected to ground. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | EMC | Electro Magnetic Compatibilty (EMC) means that an elctronic or electrical product shall work as intended in its environment. The electronic or electrical product shall not generate electromagnetic disturbances which may influence other product or components. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Inductive Loads | Loads which consist of an inductive component such as the coil from an electromagnetic counter, relay, or solenoid. The inductance of the coil stores energy which results in a high arc voltage as the contacts of the reed relay open. Depending on the value of the inductance, the voltage induced by the coil can be upwards of several hundred volts. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Operate Time | The amount of time (including bounce) measured from the point at which the coil of an inactive relay is energised to the point at which the contacts of the relay arrive at their active state. For a reed switch, this is measured using a standard coil energised to 150% of the Pull-In value. |
| Electrical Term -Reed Switch | Reeds | A reed is a basic component of a reed switch. The reeds in a reed switch are two ferromagnetic nickel-iron wires that are hermetically sealed in a glass capsule. The two wires are formed into ‘reeds’ by flattening one end. The reeds are aligned with a small overlap to create a point of contact. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Nominal Resistance | Each thermistor is labeled according to its nominal resistance at 25°C; commonly available thermistors range from 250 Ohms to 100,000 Ohms |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Resistance Tolerance | The value that represents the relationship between the resistance and temperature over a specified temperature range. Example: If the specified resistance at 25°C for a thermistor with 10% tolerance is 10,000 ohms, then the measured resistance at that temperature can range from 9,000 ohms to 11,000 ohms. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | R-T Curve | A plot of the Resistance versus Time of a thermistor |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Beta | The material constant of a thermistor. Unless otherwise specified, the Beta is derived from the thermistor resistance measurements obtained at 0 degrees and 50 degrees C. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Temperature Coefficient of Resistance | Also known as the TCR of an RTD is the average temperature coefficient of resistance of the RTD from 0 to 100 °C and is the most common method of specifying the behavior of an RTD. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Max Power Rating | The maximum power which a thermistor will dissipate for an extended period of time with acceptable stability of its characterisitics. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Stability | The stability of a thermistor is the ability of a thermistor to retain specified characteristics after being subjected to designated environmnetal or electrical test conditions. |
| Electrical Term - Thermistor | Interchangeable | The ability of some epoxy coated thermistors to be replaced without the need for calibration. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | TVS Diode | A TVS diode is a discreet, fast switching, semiconductor crowbar device that protects a wide variety of applications from overvoltage transients such as ESD, inductive load switching or lightning. "TVS" stands for discrete transient voltage suppression. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Clamping Device | A protective device that suppresses overvoltages above its rated breakdown voltage. It automatically resets when the overvoltage is removed, but absorbs much more of the transient energy internally than a similarly rated crowbar device. Unlike a crowbar device which short-circuits the overvoltage to ground, a clamping device goes to a low-resistance state to limit the voltage to its rated clamping voltage. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Crowbar Device | A class of suppressors that exhibits a "crowbar" characteristic that is usually associated with a 4-layer NPNP silicon bipolar device or a gas plasma/gas discharge tube (GDT) device. Upon reaching its threshold or breakover voltage rating, further increases in current flow will cause the device to rapidly conduct to ground with only a few volts of forward voltage drop. In essence, the line is momentarily "short-circuited" during the transient event. A crowbar device will not automatically return to normal operation when the overvoltage condition is removed; power must be removed entirely to stop its conduction. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Operating Temperature Range | The minimum and maximum ambient operating temperature of the circuit in which a device will be applied. Operating temperature does not allow for the effects of adjacent components, this is a parameter the designer must take into consideration. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Unidirectional | A TVS device with asymmetrical current versus voltage properties. A unidirectional TVS is best suited for protecting circuit nodes whose signals are unidirectional or always above or below the reference voltage, usually ground. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Bidirectional | A TVS device with symmetrical I-V properties. A bidirectional TVS is best suited for protecting electrical nodes whose signals are bidirectionalor can have voltage levels both above and below the reference voltage, usually ground. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Capacitance (pF) | The property of a circuit element that permits it to store an electrical charge. In circuit protection, the off-state capacitance is typically measured at 1 MHz with a 2V bias applied. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Reverse Standoff Voltage VR (Volts) | In the case of a uni-directional TVS diode, this is the maximum peak voltage that may be applied in the 'blocking direction' with no significant current flow. In the case of a bi-directional transient, it applies in either direction. The device VR should be equal to, or great than, the peak operating level of the circuit (or part of the circuit) to be protected. This is to ensure that TVS Diode does not clip the circuit drive voltage. It is the same definition as Maximum Off-state Voltage and Maximum Working Voltage. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Standoff Voltage | The maximum peak voltage that may be applied in the 'blocking direction' with no significant current flow. The device VR should be equal to, or greater than, the peak operating level of the circuit (or part of the circuit) to be protected. This is to ensu |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Breakdown Voltage Vbr (volts) | Breakdown voltage measured at a specified DC test current, typically 1mA. Usually a minimum and maximum is specified. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Max Reverse Leakage Ir (uA) | The maximum continuous voltage that can be applied to the TVS Diode that will not cause the Diode to conduct. It is measured by running a small test current (reverse bias current) through the device and measuring the resulting voltage. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Max Breakdown Voltage VBR (Volts) | The maximum voltage level at which the TVS Diode can safely withstand during conduction. It is measured at a DC test current listed on the datasheet (typically 1mA). This condition occurs when the device's maximum reverse leakage current is exceeded during an avalanche or runaway mode. The mechanism in which breakdown occurs in TVS diodes—specified at the voltage level at which this fault occurs. If this maximum voltage rating is exceeded, the TVS Diode may be destroyed. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Min Breakdown Voltage VBR (Volts) | The minimum voltage level at which the TVS Diode will begin to conduct. It is measured at a DC test current listed on the datasheet (typically 1mA). This condition occurs when the device's maximum reverse leakage current is exceeded during an avalanche or runaway mode. The actual breakdown voltage of the diode is greater than the reverse standoff voltage (VR) by approximately five to ten percent. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Test Current It (mA) | Test current. Typically 1mA when measuring the device Breakdown Voltage. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Power Rating | The maximum repetitively applied current the TVS Diode can withstand without damage. Usually a 10x1000µs double exponential waveform is used, but an 8x20µs waveform might also be used if stated. The Power Rating can be expressed in amps or watts. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Peak Pulse Current IPP (Amps) | The Peak Pulse Current (IPP) identifies the maximum repetitively applied current the TVS Diode can withstand without damage. Usually a 10x1000µs double exponential waveform is used, but an 8x20µs waveform might also be used if stated. The required IPP can only be determined by dividing the peak transient voltage by the source impedance. Note that the TVS Diode failure mechanism is a short circuit; if the TVS Diode fails due to a transient, the circuit will still be protected. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Peak Pulse Power Ppp (watts) | Expressed in Watts or Kilowatts, for a 1ms exponential transient. It is the maximum repetitively applied current the TVS Diode can withstand without damage (Ipp) multiplied by Vcl. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Maximum Clamping Voltage Vc or Vcl (volts) | Maximum voltage which can be measured across the protector when subjected to the Maximum Peak Pulse Current based on 10/1000µs exponential waveform. |
| Electrical Term - TVS Diode | Peak Pulse Current IPP | The Peak Pulse Current IPP (amps) identifies the maximum repetitively applied current the TVS Diode can withstand without damage. Usually a 10x1000µs double exponential waveform is used, but an 8x20µs waveform might also be used if stated. The required I |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Critical Rate-of-rise of On-state Current (di/dt) | Maximum value of the rate-of-rise of on state curretn which a thyristor can withstand without a deleterius effect. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Critical Rate-of-rise of Off-state Voltage (dv/dt) | Minimum value of the rate-of-rise of principla voltage which will cause switching from the off state to the on state. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Critical Rate-of-rise of CommutationVoltage of a T | Minimum value of the rare-of-rise of principal voltage which will cause switching from the offstate to the on state immediately following on-state current conduction in the opposite current. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Breakover Current (Ibo) | Principal current at the breakover point. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Repetitive Peak Off-state Current (Idrm) | Maximum Leakage current that may occur under the conditions of Vdrm. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Gate Trigger Current (Igt) | Minimum gate current required to switch a thyristor from the off state to the on state. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Holding Current (Ih) | Minimum principal current required to maintain the thyristor on state. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Peak Pulse Current (Ipp) | Peak pulse current at a short time duration and specified waveshape. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Repetitive Peak Reverse Current (Irrm) | Maximum leakeage current that may occur under conditions of Vrrm. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Switching Current (Is) | Current at VS when a Sidac swithces from the clamping state to on state. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | On-State Current (It(rms)) | Anode cathode principal current that may be allowed under stated conditions, usually the full-cycle RMS current. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Surge (Non-repetitive) On-state Current (Itsm) | Peak single cycle AC current pulse allowed. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Breakover Voltage (Vbo) | Principal voltage at the breakover point. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Repetitive Peak OFF-state Voltage (Vdrm) | Maximum allowable instantaneous value of repetitive off-state voltage that may be applied across a bidirectional thyristor (forward or reverse direction) ora unidirectional SCR (forward direction only). |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Gate Trigger Voltage (Vgt) | Minimum gate voltage required to produce the gate trigger current. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Repetitive Peak Reverse Voltage (Vrrm) | Maximum allowable instantaneous value of a repetitive reverse voltage that may be applied across an SCR without causing reverse current avalanche. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | Switching Voltage (Vs) | Voltage point after Vbo when a SIDAC switches from a clamping state to on state. |
| Electrical Term - Thyristor | On-State Voltage (Vt) | Voltage point after Vbo when a SIDAC switches from a clamping state to on state. |
| Fuse Holder | Chassis Mount Fuse Holder | Similar to a panel mount fuseholder. A fuseholder that is mounted to the metal frame or other physical structure on which the circuit boards and other electronic/electrical components are mounted. A chassis mount fuseholder can be open or enclosed. Normally, the fuseholder will use the chassis wall as an attachment point as it protrudes through the chassis wall allowing connections on either side of the component. |
| Fuse Holder | Finger Safe | Fuse holders that designed so that there is no exposure to energized parts. These holders have IP-20 finger-safe fusible features that meet global standards for minimizing contact with current-carrying parts. |
| Fuse Holder | Fuse Block | An insulating base on which are mounted fuse clips or other contacts designed to mount a fuse in a circuit. The base is usually made of bakelite, thermoplastic, porcelain or some other refractory material. |
| Fuse Holder | Fuse Clip | A metal device that securely clasps the end caps or ferrules of a fuse and holds it in an electrical circuit using tension and friction. Fuse clips are typically soldered or screwed into a board or block. |
| Fuse Holder | In-line Fuseholder | An In-line fuseholder is wired into the power line and provides protection for the wire feeding a circuit. These type of fuseholders can be for electronic, automotive or midget and Class CC fuses. |
| Fuse Holder | International Shock Safe | International Shock Safe fuseholders are designed to eliminate the possibility of electrical shock. These are typically panel mount fuse holders designed for 3AG, 5x20 and 2AG fuses. |
| Fuse Holder | Modular Fuse Block | Modular fuse blocks are touch-safe fuseholders that mount on din rail. Designed to accomadate Class CC and Class J as well as Midget and European 10x38, 14x51 and 22x58 mm fuses. Come with optional open fuse indication. |
| Fuse Holder | Panel Mount Fuse Holder | A fuseholder that is mounted in a flat panel that provides access to the fuse from the front side of the panel. Panel mounted fuseholders allow for easy access for the end-user to replace the fuse in the field. The panel mount fuseholder is shock-safe meaning that the fuse can be removed safely when the cap is removed. |
| Fuse Holder | PC Board Mount Fuseholder | A fuseholder that is mounted directly on the printed circuit board allowing for easy replacent of the fuse. |
| Fuse Holder | Pyramid Fuse Block | Designed as a space saving, open style fuseholder for Class J fuses. Manufactured by Bussmann, these holders can be din rail or chassis mount. |
| Fuse Holder | Rejection Fuse Block | A fuse block which will only accept fuses of a specific UL class. Rejection is a safety feature intended to prevent the insertion of a fuse with an inadequate voltage or interrupting rating. |
| Fuse Holder | RF Shield | RF Shielded/watertight panel mount fuseholders have a metal cover which eliminate possible transmission or reception of RF signals through the hole in the chassis in which the fuseholder is mounted. |
| Fuse Holder | Safety J Fuseholder | Designed by Bussmann to provide a touch-safety fuseblock for Class J fuses. These blocks can be attached together and mount on din rail. Available with and without open fuse indication. |
| Fuse Holder | Medium Voltage Fuse Mounting | A mounting provides all the necessary parts to safely mount a fuse in its intended piece of equipment. The base is the metal support to which all other pieces attach. Insulators attach to the base and insulate the live fuse unit from the base and everything beyond the base. Live parts are the parts of the mounting that are energized once electricity is flowing. The live parts provide the means to hold the fuse unit in place, electrical contact, and a place to make line and load connections. |
| Fuse Holder | Disconnect Mounting | The disconnect mounting allows the fuse unit to be removed (off load) using an insulated hook stick. The hook-stick grabs a pull ring and disconnects the fuse unit, which may then be lifted out of its mounting. |
| Fuse Holder | Non-Disconnect Mounting | A non-disconnect mounting does not provide a means for removing the fuse until the circuit is dead and the fuse unit can be removed manually. The fuse unit is held in place by fuse clips. |
| Fuse Holder | Clip Lock Mount | The Clip Lock design provides a reliable, high-pressure contact. Mersen CL-14 fuses have copper tabs which slide into position between the clip casting and cam. When the cam is locked by moving the pull ring, a high-pressure contact is made between the clip casting and fuse tab. These clips will accommodate 5kV and 15kV CL-14 fuses rated 10E to 600E. Catalog part number is 228-700-520 for one pair of fuse clips, enough for one fuse. |
| Fuse Holder | Bolt In Mount | Bolt-in mount Series E-rated fuses are single, double or triple barrel (3” diam.) with end mounts designed for bolting directly to equipment bus or terminal pads. |
| Fuse Holder | Ferrule Mount | Ferrule mount fuses are ferrule-type fuses that can be mounted in standard clips. Typically for 1 and 2 barrel fuses and include R-Rated, E-Rated and PT fuses. |
| Fuse Holder | Hookeye | An optional accessory that mounts to the upper fitting of the fuse and allows for easy installation into pole-top mountings with a hook stick. The key design feature of this hookeye provides for proper engagement of the upper live part. |
| Fuse Holder | Live Parts | Live parts include everything above the insulators on the mounting excluding the fuse unit, fuse holder, and the fuse end fittings (if required). |
| Power Entry Module | C14 Inlet | An IEC appliance inlet that has three terminals including a ground. It provides Class I protection and has a maximun IEC rating of 10 amps and a maximun UL rating of 15 amps. The C14 inlet mates with a C13 connector. The temperature rating is 70 degrees Centigrade. |
| Power Entry Module | C18 Inlet | An IEC appliance inlet that has two terminals. It provides Class II protection and has a maximun IEC rating of 10 amps and a maximun UL rating of 15 amps. The C18inlet mates with a C17 connector. The temperature rating is 70 degrees Centigrade. It is bascically an ungrounded version of the C14 inlet. |
| Power Entry Module | C20 Inlet | An IEC appliance inlet that has three terminals including a ground. It is polarized and earthed. It has a maximun IEC rating of 16 amps and a maximun UL rating of 20 amps. The C20 inlet mates with a C19 connector. The temperature rating is 70 degrees centigrade. The C20 inlet is commonly used on Enterprise-class servers and datacenter rack-mounted power distribution units. |
| Power Entry Module | C6 Inlet | An IEC appliance inlet that has three terminals including a ground. It provides Class I protection and has a maximun IEC rating of 2.5 amps and a maximun UL rating of 13 amps. The C6 inlet mates with a C5 connector. The temperature rating is 70 degrees Centigrade. The C6 inlet is known as a "Cloverleaf" or" Mickey Mouse" style because the cross section of the coupler looks like the silhouette of the Disney character |
| Power Entry Module | C8 Inlet | An IEC appliance inlet that has two terminals.It provides Class II protection (No Ground Wire Terminal) and has a maximun IEC rating of 2.5 amps and a maximun UL rating of 10 amps. The C8 inlet mates with a C7 connector. The temperature rating is 70 degrees Centigrade. The C8 inlet is known as a "Figure Eight" or"Shotgun" coupler because the cross section of the coupler looks like a figure eight or the front end of a double barrel shotgun. |
| Power Entry Module | C8P Inlet | A polarized version of the C8 Inlet. It provides Class II protection (No Ground Wire Terminal ) and has a maximun IEC rating of 2.5 amps and a maximun UL rating of 10 amps. The C8P mates with a C7P polarized connector. This coupling is not part of the IEC 60320 standard. TheC7P Connector is asymmetrical, with one side squared off. |
| Power Entry Module | Line Filter | A Line Filter is an electronic filter that is used between the AC power line and the equipment. Its function is to reduce high frequency electronic noise that may cause interference with other devices. An AC Line Filter may be incorporated into a modular IEC 60320 power inlet connector or a Power Entry Module. The Line Filter is designed to reduce electomagnetic interference and may be accompanied with an EMC Shield. |
| Power Entry Module | Power Entry Module | A Power Entry Module is an electromechanical device that serves as the primary entry point of the AC power in electronic or electrical equipment. It integrates an AC Appliance Inlet and/or Outlet with a variety of other components in one space saving module. The other components may include one or more of the following components: a fuse holder, a circuit breaker, a voltage selector, a line switch, a line filter with or without an EMC shield and a cover. |
| Power Entry Module | V-Lock | A notch in the appliance inlet that mates with the power cord to make a secure connection that eliminates accidental disconnection of the cord and from the appliance inlet. Widely used in medical equipment applications. V-Lock is a Schurter brand name. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2 | The International Electrotechnical Commision (IEC) Standard for miniature 5 x 20mm cartridge fuses. The IEC is the primary standards agency for Europe. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet I | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 5x20mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, quick acting and high breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet II | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 5x20mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, quick acting and low breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet III | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 5x20mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, time lag and low breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet IV | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 6.3x32mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, quick acting and low breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet V | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 5x20mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, time lag and high breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-2, Sheet VI | An IEC fuse standard section that defines a miniature 5x20mm cartridge fuse that has 250V, time lag and enhanced breaking capacity characteristics. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-3 | The International Electrotechnical Commision (IEC) Standard for subminiature through-hole or surface mount electronic fuses. The IEC is the primary standards agency for Europe. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-3, Sheet I | A IEC fuse standard section that defines a subminiature through-hole electronic fuse that has 125V, quick acting and low breaking capacity characteristics . |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-3 Sheet II | A IEC fuse standard section that defines a subminiature axial-leaded through-hole electronic fuse that has 125V, quick acting and low breaking capacity characteristics . |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-3 Sheet III | A IEC fuse standard section that defines a subminiature through-hole mount electronic fuse that has 250V, quick acting and low breaking capacity characteristics . |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-3, Sheet IV | A IEC fuse standard section that defines a subminiature through-hole mount electronic fuse that has 250V, time lag and low breaking capacity characteristics . |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60127-4 | The International Electrotechnical Commision (IEC) Standard for through hole and surface mount fuses. It is called the Universal Modular Fuse-Link standard (UMF) and is accepted by UL/CSA, making it the first globally accepted fuse standard. IEC 127-4 rates fuse opening times based on a 1000% overload test. A type FF rating opens in less than 0.001 seconds. Type F opens from 0.001 to 0.01 seconds. Type T opens from 0.01 to 0.1 seconds and Type TT opens from 0.1 to1.00 seconds. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60320 | Standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) the cover non-locking appliance and interconnection couplers for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances. Voltage ratingss cannot exceed 250 VAC and the current ratings cannot exceed 16 amps. |
| Standards - IEC | UMF Tulip Mark | This symbol is applied to Universal Modular Fuses (UMF) that has been found to be compliant with IEC 60127-4. It is now possible to obtain a true UL Listing and European approvals for a UMF fuse. |
| Standards - IEC | Universal Modular Fuse-links (UMF) | The International Electrotechnical Commision (IEC) Standard for through hole and surface mount fuses. It is called the Universal Modular Fuse-Link standard (UMF) and is accepted by UL/CSA, making it the first globally accepted fuse standard. The standard is IEC 60127-4. |
| Standards - IEC | IEC 60-28201 | An IEC standard for current limiting, medium voltage fuses. |
| Standards - IEC | ISO 8846 | A marine standard for ignition protection. |
| Standards - IP | Ignition Protected | Standard that insures a switch is safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats |
| Standards - IP | Ingress Protected | A Standard Rating that determines the resistance of a device to environmental contaminants |
| Standards - IP | IP Rating | IP (Ingress Protection) Rating: Indicates the degree of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment and devices, according to IEC 60529. The types of protection covered by this system of classification are: a) protection of persons against contact with or approach to live parts and against contact with moving parts inside the enclosure, and protection against entrance by foreign bodies (dust, filings, etc); and b) protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against harmful intrusion of water. For more information, see Table. |
| Standards - IP | IP4X | Protection against solid objects greater than 1.0mm. |
| Standards - IP | IP43 | Protection from solid objects that are over 1mm (e.g. tools and small wires) and direct sprays of water at an angle of 60 degrees. |
| Standards - IP | IP54 | Protection against limited dust ingress and water spray from any direction; limited ingress protection. |
| Standards - IP | IP56 | Protection from limited dust ingress and high pressure water jets from any direction; limited ingress protection. |
| Standards - IP | IP65 | Protection from total dust ingress and low pressure water jets from any direction; limited ingress protection |
| Standards - IP | IP 67 | An Ingress Protection Rating according to IEC 60529. It provides for protection against a sold object greater than 50mm such as a hand and protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1 meter for 30 minutes. For more information, see table. |
| Standards - IP | IP68 | Protection from total dust ingress and from long term immersion up to a specified pressure; limited ingress protection. |
| Standards - IP | IP69K | Protection from total dust ingress and from steam-jet cleaning; limited ingress protection. |
| Standards - IP | IPX7 | Protection against the effects of temporary submersion in water up to a depth of 3 feet (1 meter) fro 30 minutes. |
| Standards - ADR | ADR | Regulations regarding the international transport of hazardous and dangerous materials. The regulations are designed to protect the vehicle in potentially explosive environments in accordance with the European Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations. |
| Standards - Misc. | ABYC | American Boat and Yacht Council. Global safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of recreational boats. |
| Standards - Misc. | Agency Approvals | An approval, as determined by an independent testing agency, certifies conformance to an appropriate standard. Meeting the requirements of a component standard, however, does not imply automatic agency approval. Such approvals must be applied for, and are only granted after satisfactory testing has been performed. To carry an Approval mark such as that issued by UL, CSA, VDE or SEMKO, a fuse or holder must be manufactured to one of the aforementioned standards. Approvals play a large part in determining a fuse or holder's suitability for a given application. |
| Standards - Misc. | BSI - Britain | The national safety rating agency for Great Britain. BSI is an abbreviation for the British Standards Institute. |
| Standards - Misc. | BSI Kitemark License | This symbol, granted by the British agency, guarantees that a fuse has been manufactured in full compliance with the appropriate section of the IEC 60127 (BS 4265) standard. A fuse carrying a BSI approval cannot qualify for either a UL Listing or CSA Certification. |
| Standards - Misc. | CCC (China) | The national safety rating mark for China. CCC is an abbreviation for China Compulsory Certificate. |
| Standards - Misc. | CE | The CE symbol is only an identification of the conformity of guidelines in connection with the technical harmonization within the European Community. This means that the CE symbol is not a quality or standard conformity approval, but an administrative symbol.. This is valid for components with an operating voltage or rated voltage between 50VAC and 1000VAC or 75VDC and 1500VDC. The CE symbol, according to the Directive, will be shown on the fuse or holder shipping box only. |
| Standards - Misc. | CE Mark | The CE Mark is a mandatory conformity mark for products or components placed on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). With the CE marking on a product the manufacturer ensures that the product or component conforms with the essential requirements of the applicable EC directives. The letters "CE" stand for "Conformité Européenne" ("European Conformity"). Legally, the CE Mark is not a quality mark. |
| Standards - Misc. | CSA Approval | This symbol, granted by the Canadian agency, guarantees that a fuse or holder has been manufactured in full compliance with the CSA C22.2 No. 248.14 or CSA C22.2 No. 39 standard, respectively. A fuse carrying a CSA Certification cannot qualify for either |
| Standards - Misc. | CSA (Canada) | The national safety rating agency for Canada. CSA is an abbreviation for the Canadian Standards Association. |
| Standards - Misc. | CSA Certification | This symbol, granted by the Canadian agency, guarantees that a fuse or holder has been manufactured in full compliance with the CSA C22.2 No. 248.14 or CSA C22.2 No. 39 standard, respectively. A fuse carrying a CSA Certification cannot qualify for either a VDE or SEMKO approval. |
| Standards - Misc. | CSA Certified | This symbol, granted by the Canadian agency, guarantees that a fuse or holder has been manufactured in full compliance with the CSA C22.2 No. 248.14 or CSA C22.2 No. 39 standard, respectively. A fuse carrying a CSA Certification cannot qualify for either a VDE or SEMKO approval. |
| Standards - Misc. | Denan | DENAN is mandatory national law administered by the Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). DENAN, formerly known as DENTORI, is also known as the PSE Mark. PSE is a safety approval for components used in Japan and stands for “Product Safety Electrical”. |
| Standards - Misc. | Denan Approval | This symbol, granted by the Japan Electrical Testing Laboratory, guarantees that a fuse has been manufactured in full compliance with the Japanese MITI standard. This document is similar to UL 248-14 with subtle differences in voltage ratings and breaking capacity criteria. |
| Standards - Misc. | DIN (Germany) | The national standards agency for Germany. DIN is an abbreviation for the Deutsches Institut für Normung. |
| Standards - Misc. | EN 50014 | A European standard governing electrical apparatus used in potentially explosive atmospheres. |
| Standards - Misc. | EN 60079 | A European standard governing electrical apparatus used in potentially explosive atmospheres. |
| Standards - Misc. | EN50020 | A European Standard that contains specific requirements for construction and testing of intrinsically safe electrical apparatus, type of protection, intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This supplements European Standard EN 50014, General Requirements. |
| Standards - Misc. | GR-1089-CORE | A telecom equipment test standard issued by Telcordia Technologies. Defines various AC power fault and lightning surge tests that telecom equipment must withstand. |
| Standards - Misc. | IMQ (Italy) | The national safety rating agency for Italy. IMQ is an abbreviation for the Instituto Italiano del Marchio di Qualita. |
| Standards - Misc. | JIS - Japan | Japanese Industrial Standards specify the standards used for industrial activities in Japan. |
| Standards - Misc. | METI (Japan) | The national safety rating agency for Japan. METI is an abbreviation for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. |
| Standards - Misc. | MIL SPEC | Broad category for various military standards that govern construction and test criteria for equipment and components. |
| Standards - Misc. | Mil Spec Fuse | A fuse that is built in accordance with a particular military specification (ie MIL-STD 202). |
| Standards - Misc. | MIL STD-202 | Military standard for fuses used in Instrumentation applications. |
| Standards - Misc. | MIL STD-PRF-15160 | Military standard for fuses used in Instrumentation, Power, and Telephone applications. |
| Standards - Misc. | MIL STD-PRF-23419 | Military standard for fuses used in Instrumentation applications. |
| Standards - Misc. | MSHA | Mine Safety & Health Administration. U.S. Federal enforcement agency responsible for the health and safety of the nation's miners. |
| Standards - Misc. | NEC | An abreviation for the National Electric Code. The National Electrical Code, or NFPA 70, is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It is used nationally and internationally as the basis for safeguarding persons, buildings, and their contents from hazards arising from the use of electricity. The Code contains those provisions considered necessary for safety and thus is widely used as a basis for legal enforcement in the installation of electrical conductors and equipment in buildings and certain other premises. |
| Standards - Misc. | RoHS | A component that is compliant with the various regional environmental laws and regulations that call for the reduction or removal of specific toxic materials used in the manufacturer of products. RoHS stands for Reduction of Hazardous Substances. |
| Standards - Misc. | RoHS-6 | The European Union’s Directive 2002/95/EC is known as RoHS, for “restriction of hazardous substances.” It requires the EU member states to ban, starting July 1, 2006, the use of six substances - lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium ( |
| Standards - Misc. | SAE | Society of Automotive Engineers. Issues standards for automotive-related components. |
| Standards - Misc. | SAE J1284 | The Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) standard for medium size automotive blade (ATO, ATC, etc) and glass fuses. |
| Standards - Misc. | SAE J1888 | The Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) standard for large size automotive blade fuses (MAXI, etc). |
| Standards - Misc. | SAE J2077 | The Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) standard for miniature size automotive blade fuses (MINI, ATM, etc). |
| Standards - Misc. | SEMKO (Sweden) | The national safety rating agency for Sweden. SEMKO is an abbreviation for the Svenska Elektriska Materiaelkrontrollanstalten. |
| Standards - Misc. | SEMKO Approval | This symbol, granted by the Swedish agency, guarantees that a fuse or holder has been manufactured in full compliance with the appropriate section of the IEC 60127 standard. A fuse carrying a SEMKO approval cannot qualify for either a UL Listing or CSA Certification. |
| Standards - Misc. | VDE | The national safety rating agency for Germany. VDE is an abbreviation for the Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker. |
| Standards - Misc. | VDE Approval | This symbol, granted by the German agency, guarantees that a fuse or holder has been manufactured in full compliance with the appropriate section of the IEC 60127 standard. Until recently, a fuse carrying a VDE approval could not qualify for either a UL Listing or CSA Certification. |
| Standards - Misc. | TUV | A German government approved independent testing agency. TUV perfroms testing and grants certification in accordance to the IEC/EN specifications. |
| Standards - Misc. | ANSI C37.46-2000 | This standard establishes specifications for high voltage (above 1000 volts) expulsion and current-limiting type power class fuses and accessories. |
| Standards - Misc. | ANSI C37-41 | This standard provides the design tests for high-voltage (1000 volt or more) fuses, fuse and disconnecting cutouts, distribution enclosed single-pole air switches, fuse disconnecting switches, and accessories for use on ac power and distribution systems. |
| Standards - Misc. | DIN 43 625 | The International Standard for IEC style High voltage current limiting fuses with Voltage Ratings from 3.6kV to 36kV. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-12, Class RK5 | This approval is similar to CSA Certification. Since UL is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as a Certified Organization and Testing Organization, it can perform component testing to applicable Canadian standards. This approval guarantees full compliance with the selected Canadian component standard and is technically equivalent to CSA Certification. |
| Standards - UL | c-UL Recognition | This approval is similar to that offered by the CSA Component Acceptance Program. If basic Canadian safety requirements are met during testing and the component performs as the manufacturer predicts it can be c-UL Recognized. As with UL Recognition, "Conditions of Acceptability" are listed in the test report. |
| Standards - UL | c-UL Listing | This approval is similar to CSA Certification. Since UL is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as a Certified Organization and Testing Organization, it can perform component testing to applicable Canadian standards. This approval guarantees full compliance with the selected Canadian component standard and is technically equivalent to CSA Certification. |
| Standards - UL | c-UL-us Recognition | This approval combines the UL Recognition and c-UL Recognition into a single approval valid for the U.S. and Canada. As with UL Recognition, "Conditions of Acceptability" are listed in the test report. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248~ | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for low-voltage fuses rated 1000V or less, AC and/or DC, with interrupting ratings up to 300 kA. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248 Special Purpose Fuses | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for any fuse type or style that does not comply with other relevent sections of UL 248. This is the "catch-all" section of the UL 248 fuse standard. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-10, Class L | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class L power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-12, Class RK1 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class RK1 and RK5 power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-14 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for supplemental protection electronic fuses including cartridge types (3AG, 5x20mm, etc), subminiature types (pico, TR5, etc) and surface mount types. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-15, Class T | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class T power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-4, Class CC | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class CC power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-5, Glass G | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class G power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-6, Class H | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class H non-renewable power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-7, Class H | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class H renewable power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-8, Class J | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class J power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 248-9, Class K5 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Class K power fuses. |
| Standards - UL | UL 2579 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Photovoltaic (Solar) Systems rated up to 1500V DC. |
| Standards - UL | UL 275A | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for medium size automotive blade fuses (ATO, ATC, etc). |
| Standards - UL | UL 489 Listed | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Switches and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures. Branch Circuit Breakers are UL 489 Listed and are classified as a final overcurrent device dedicated to protecting the branch circuits and outlets. They do not require an additional "back up" overcurrent device in the circuit. |
| Standards - UL | UL 489A | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Switches and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures used in communications equipment. |
| Standards - UL | UL 508 Recognized | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Industrial Control Equipment. It covers industrial control devices for starting, stopping, regulating, controlling, or protecting electric motors. This equipment is for use in ordinary locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. |
| Standards - UL | UL 508 | UL508 is the standard for Industrial Control Equipment. It covers industrial control devices for starting, stopping, regulating, controlling, or protecting electric motors. This equipment is for use in ordinary locations in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. Industrial Control Panels are covered by the requirements in the Standard for Industrial Control Panels, UL 508A. |
| Standards - UL | UL 508A | UL508A is the standard for Industrial Control Panels for general industrial applications. |
| Standards - UL | UL Listed | Underwriter Laboratories' approval mark guaranteeing that a component has been manufactured and tested in full compliance with the relevant UL standard. |
| Standards - UL | UL Listing | This symbol, granted by the U.S. agency, guarantees that a fuse has been manufactured in full compliance with the UL 248-14 standard. A fuse carrying a UL Listing cannot qualify for either a VDE or SEMKO approval. |
| Standards - UL | UL Recognition | UL's Component Recognition Program allows the testing of components (including fuses and holders) for which no UL standard exists or where only certain sections of a particular UL standard are referenced. A fuse or holder may be submitted to UL for testing according to criteria defined by the manufacturer. If basic safety requirements are met during testing and the component performs as predicted, it can be UL Recognized. Fuses built to the European IEC 60127 fuse standard (with SEMKO, VDE, and/or BSI approvals) are technically qualified to apply for UL Recognition. |
| Standards - UL | UL Recognized | Underwriter Laboratories Component Recognition Program allows for the testing of components for which no UL standard exists or where the manufacturer only wants to test to certain sections of a UL standard or other agency standard. The UL Recognition approval mark guarantees that a component has been manufactured and tested in compliance with specific sections of the manufacturer-selected standard. |
| Standards - UL | UL Recognized (1801) | UL Recognition (investigated to UL 1801) as a telecom-duty fused disconnect switch for the interruption of load current by means of withdrawing the fuse pullout. |
| Standards - UL | UL Recognized Standard 1077 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Supplemental Protectors (includes circuit breakers). The standard covers components which are incomplete or restricted in performance capabilities by themselves but will later be used in complete end products, equipment or systems that are Listed by UL. |
| Standards - UL | UL/CSA VS. IEC | There are significant differences between the requirements listed in the UL 248-14/CSA 248.14 standard and the IEC 60127 standards. Whereas, both documents have much in common when describing physical dimensions and materials used in construction, they completely contradict each other defining pre-arcing time vs. current characteristics of fuses. This incompatibility alone makes it impossible to build an electronic fuse that fully complies with all of these standards. Knowledge of these fundamental differences will enable the design to properly select an approved fuse type for any given application. Since the fuse is one of the last items selected in the design, this knowledge can be a time-saver during product approval. |
| Standards - UL | UL 1107 | UL standard for eletric power switches |
| Standards - UL | UL 1449 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for Transient Voltage Suppressors |
| Standards - UL | UL 1414 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for across the line capacitors, antenna coupling and line by-pass capacitors for radio and television type appliances
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| Standards - UL | UL 1500 | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for products and components classified as ignition protected for marine electrical and fuel systems. |
| Standards - UL | UL 497B | The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard for protectors for data and communication and fire alarm circuits. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | SAE J553 | The SAE Standard that defines the test conditions, procedures, and performance requirements for circuit breakers in ratings up to and including 50 A. The document includes automatic reset, modified reset, and manually reset types of circuit breakers for 12 V and 24 V DC electrical systems. Some circuit breakers may have dual voltage ratings (AC and DC), however, this document evaluates DC performance only. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | SAE J553 Type I | The SAE Standard for Auto-Reset Circuit Breakers. A Type I Circuit Breaker resets automatically as soon as the short circuit or overload has been remedied. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | SAE J553 Type II | The SAE Standard for Modified Reset Circuit Breakers. A Type II Circuit Breaker will reset when the power to the entire system is turned off. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | SAE J1171 | The SAE Standard that covers all electrical devices suitable for use in marine engine compartments and fuel tank spaces. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | SAE J1625 | The SAE Recommended Practice defines the test conditions, procedures, and performance requirements for circuit breakers in ratings from 50 to 200 A. The document covers externally mounted automatic reset and manually reset types of circuit breakers for low voltage DC operation (typically 50 V or less). |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | ABYC E-11 | American Boat & Yacht Council standard for AC and DC Electrical Systems on boats. |
| Standards - Thermal Breakers | Ignition Protected | An electrical device that has been certified Ignition Protected is suitable for use in marine engine compartments and fuel tank spaces. There are generally two test standards accepted by the Marine Industry – SAE J1171, External Ignition Protection of Marine Electrical Devices and UL1500, Ignition- Protection Test for Marine Products. |