Re: Fuse question

"Smitty Two" bravely wrote to "All" (03 Jan 06 21:10:49)
--- on the heady topic of "Re: Fuse question"

ST> From: Smitty Two <prestwhich@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
ST> Xref: core-easynews sci.electronics.repair:353870

ST> Using "suppose" numbers, are you saying that a fuse manufacturer can
ST> actually make a 250 volt fuse that will burn a 1/4" length of filament
ST> and a 125 volt fuse that will burn a 1/8" length of filament? Reliably
ST> and repeatedly?

ST> If we're talking about standard 1/4" x 1 1/4" or 5 mm x 20 mm fuses, I
ST> say there's no damn difference between a 250 and a 125 with the
ST> exception of the lettering on the cap.

ST> Now, if anyone can give me real information to the contrary, I'll
ST> happily concede, but so far I haven't seen anything that I'd consider
ST> more than speculation.

Perhaps a 125 volt fuse is made with the same wire as the 250 volt
fuse. However the 250 has been approved at 250 and the 125 passed the
125 testing. So if there is an economy in making a 125 rated fuse over
a 250 rated one then I wouldn't risk using a 125 fuse in a 250 spec'd
circuit. (if made from the same spool of wire, we don't know for sure)
However, the wire may not be the only story. Remember that the package
is part of the fuse. Thus perhaps the thickness of the glass tube
also is a function of the safety rating for the 250 and 125 spec too.
Recall there is 4 times more energy involved between 125 and 250!

A*s*i*m*o*v

.... Thomas Edison invented the "Light Emitting Resistor"

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