Training

WHY IS OVERCURRENT PROTECTION REQUIRED?

There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of overcurrents, such as general deterioration and accidental damage. The effect of overcurrent on electrical equipment can be dramatic if no appropriate protection is provided:

		Distortion of conductors or busbars.
		Vaporisation of metal.
		Ionisation of gases.
		Arcing, fire and explosion.
		Insulation damage.

Apart from being hazardous to personnel, significant economic losses can result from downtime and repairs required to restore damaged equipment. The most widely used and respected overcurrent protective device is the fuselink.