After more than 20 years trying to convince me to use low-voltage circuit breakers everywhere, the sales engineer from Schneider Electric, whom I know very well, approached me about using fuses …
I could not believe my ears!
I wanted to share my story with you and get your opinion…
My name is Fred. I am the technical manager for a company that develops its expertise around two poles: the wiring of electrical components, requiring premium quality in terms of capacity and volume, and a more specific provision that requires the technical know-how to cater to a particular problem (LV panels and switchboards, automated systems with PLCs).
Established since 1980 in my region, I work a lot with Schneider Electric and I have forged a relationship of trust, I therefore incorporate many of their product ranges from the Electrical Distribution Industry (Enclosures, MCCB, ACB, MCB as well as PLCs and contactors).
But recently, the sales engineer came to me with documentations related to fuse products from Schneider Electric. I was totally surprised because for 20 years the different sales engineers which I have worked with swore only by the circuit breaker and tried to convince me to install CBs everywhere in place of fuses.
Fuse-switch disconnector
After the initial shock and a few jokes from me, the sales engineer introduced me to their different offers based on fuses (from switch fuses disconnectors down to simple fuse holders). Their offer seemed very complete, both for Electrical Distribution panels in Buildings and also Control panels in manufacturing sites, though I was expecting a rather limited supply.
Actually, I was still surprised to see Schneider Electric offer these products. However, upon reflection, it is true that in some of my applications or my needs, I regularly use products containing fuses from different manufacturers: for export to countries like Germany where the fuse is widely used, for some performances when we reach the limits for the CB, and sometimes for other reasons (price, availability …). Of course, when the customer needs are more complex (need for metering, monitoring, remote control …) the fuse products seem to be poorer. But is it the most common need? I’m not sure. What do you think?
Finally, after a little laugh behind the sales engineer’s back, and since I have a good relationship with him, I thought I would take a closer look at this offer based on fuses.
So I’m looking for advice about whether you know about these Schneider Electric fuse products, and if you have any feedback to give me in case you have already used them. In fact, I dare not leap to incorporate them into my applications.
What types of products with fuses do you use yourselves (switch fuse disconnectors ….)? Do you know this offer from Schneider Electric? If yes, what do you think about it? And which suppliers do you use if not this one?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Fred
It is my personal openion and do not know how many people will agree for this.
Schenider electric is a MNC with lot of capital reserves. But there is no business ethics for this company. They wants to dominate everywhere and kill the small and medium players in every field. Even the international standard like IEC commitee, they have the domination and the standards are drafted with so many interpretation which they only can interpret according to the requirement. This can’t be done by other small and medium players like panel builders.
I agreed with P.
Schneider Electric is a big and day by day growing MNC but with no business ethics.
Bravo Mr. Bhati! It is truth.
Indeed! Maybe their company should have a business bootcamps every year.
I recommend fuses in some applications like:
1- all control circuits
2- all non essential loads, like indication lamps, etc
dont recommend in:
1- loads more than 100A
Hello David,
Thanks for your answer. But why do you recommend fuses for all control circuits instead Circuit- breakers? Do you use fuses for loads under 100A? What are the limitation to use fuses?
It’s not clear for me when and in which application fuses applications are limited?
Is it a problem to find high ratings for fuse (above 400A)?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
FredG
Hello,
Thanks for your explanation. It’s a very good synthesis. Therefore, I have 3 questions.
Firstly, you mentionned you’re trying to use fuses only with small loads because the protection of phase missing is not assured by the standard fuses. But Schneider sales engineer mentionned me we can use an electronic equipment (fuse monitor) to detect the phase failure. Is it expensive? Did you already used?
Secondly, you mentionned also problem to have fuses above 630A. Do fuse manufacturers range limit their range at 630A? Which manufacturers can I choose?
And Finally, why do you prefer to use fuses to protect capacitors? I have some applications where I have to protect capacitors. So, I’m very interesting to have your position.
Another question, I’ve also some customers who are using Drives. I was thinking to use fuse UR for these appplications. What is your position on this topic?
Best regards,
FredG
Folllowings are advantage & disadvantage of MCCB & HRC FUse:
1) MCCB to be replaced once it trips on short circuit. Hence shut down for replacement of MCCB.
2) In PCC, Fault current is more, You must use Control fuse instead of MCB as fuse is rated for 80KA or 120KA while MCB is rated for 10KA or 15KA.
3) Wherever you use MCCB, MCCB with Earth fault protection release must be taken, otherwise MCCB will not trip on Ground fault and your Main breaker will trip. But if had use fuse, Fuse will blow off in case of Ground fault.
4)Fuse replace ment will take time.
5) Blowing of fuse of one phase crate single or 2 phase supply & burning of motor.
Jitendra A. Khetani
Indeed! Maybe their company should have a business bootcamps every year.