2 - Relay operating principles

2.3 Relay Design

It is beyond the scope of this book to cover the relay design in details, for more
information, several excellent books1, 3, 4 provide depth in information.

2.3.1. Fuse

 Fuse is the oldest and simplest of all protective devices

 The fuse is a level detector, and is both the sensor and the interrupting
device.

 It is installed in series with the equipment being protected and operates by

melting a fusible element in response to the current flow.

 The melting time is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the current

flowing in the fuse.

 It is inherently a one-shot device. There can be mechanical arrangements to

provide multiple shots.

 Fuses may only be able to interrupt currents up to their maximum short-

circuit rating, or they may have the ability to limit the magnitude of the short-
circuit current by interrupting the flow before it reaches its maximum value.
This current-limiting action is a very important characteristic that has
application in many industrial and low-voltage installations.

Drawbacks:

a) Its single-shot feature which require the blown fuse be replaced before
restoration (delay, spare fuses, and qualified personnel)

Solution: multi-shot feature

By installing a number of fuses in parallel and provide a mechanical triggering

mechanism so that the blowing of one fuse automatically transfers another in
its place.

It causes system unbalance if SLG fault