Cartridge Fuses

Cartridge fuses are low-cost electrical safety devices that are used for the overload protection of electrical circuits and appliances. They are cylindrical in shape and have a contact point at each end. Cartridge fuses are typically constructed from ceramic, glass, or porcelain.

RS stock a comprehensive range of cartridge fuses from industry-leading brands including Eaton, Littelfuse, Mersen and of course RS PRO.

How Do Cartridge Fuses Work?

Cartridge fuses contain a piece of wire that melts when too much current flows through the circuit. When the wire melts, it breaks the circuit which prevents any damage. This is often referred to as burning out or blowing out. Put simply, when a fuse blows, the circuit is broken. Once a fuse has blown, it will need replacing to make the circuit complete again and allow the flow of current.

What are the different types of fuse markings and speed codes?

Cylindrical cartridge fuses are used in a range of industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. Selecting the correct fuse speed is essential for the protection of your device. Here are some of the most common markings you will find on a cartridge fuse.

Types of Cartridge Fuses

Cartridge fuses are electrical safety devices used for overload protection of electrical circuits and appliances. Electrical cartridge fuses come in various types, categorised by their speed ratings (FF, F, M, T, TT) and materials (ceramic, glass). Each type serves specific applications, ensuring optimal protection for different electrical systems across NZ.

Ceramic Cartridge Fuses

Ceramic fuses are known for their high breaking capacity and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for protecting industrial equipment and power distribution systems.

Glass Cartridge Fuses

Glass cartridge fuses offer visual indication of blown fuses, allowing for easy identification and replacement. They are commonly used in household appliances and electronics.

FF = Very Fast Acting (Flink Flink)

FF fuses provide the fastest response to overcurrents, making them suitable for protecting sensitive electronic components from damage.

F = Fast Acting (Flink)

F cartridge fuses offer a fast response to overcurrents, protecting electrical circuits and equipment from excessive current flow.

M = Medium Acting (Mitteltrage)

M fuses provide moderate protection against overcurrents, balancing speed and protection for various applications.

T = Slow Acting (Trage)

T fuses are designed to tolerate temporary overcurrents, making them suitable for applications with high inrush currents, such as motors and transformers.

TT = Very Slow Acting (Trage Trage)

TT cartridge fuses offer the slowest response to overcurrents, allowing for temporary current surges during equipment start-up.

Benefits of Cartridge Fuses

Cartridge fuses are a relatively cheap way of protecting electrical equipment from short circuits and overcurrent. They are incredibly safe as they do not produce flames, arcs, or gas when they burn out and break the circuit.

Some key advantages of cartridge fuses include:

• Cost-Effective: Cartridge fuses are an affordable option for electrical protection, making them ideal for both residential and industrial applications.
• Safe and Reliable: Designed to interrupt the circuit in case of overcurrent or short circuit, cartridge fuses prevent damage to electrical equipment and minimise the risk of electrical fires.
• Easy to Replace: When a cartridge fuse blows, it can be easily replaced with a new one, restoring the circuit's functionality.
• Wide Range of Options: Cartridge fuses are available in various sizes, current ratings, and speed ratings to suit different applications, including 10 amp fuses, 10 amp cartridge fuses, and AC fuses.
• Material Options: Choose from ceramic fuses or glass cartridge fuses based on your specific requirements.
• Versatility: Cartridge fuses can be used in a wide range of electrical systems, from household appliances to industrial machinery.

What current rating should you choose?

Cartridge fuses are available in a range of standard amperages. When choosing the correct fuse for your application, you should choose a fuse with a nominally higher current rating than the device that it is being used in. This means that if there is a slight, harmless power increase, the fuse will not blow.

How to Order Cartridge Fuses from RS

RS NZ offers a wide range of cartridge fuses to protect your electrical circuits and appliances, stock a variety of high-quality fuses from reputable brands like Eaton, Littelfuse, and Schurter.

Our selection encompasses a wide array of cartridge fuse types, including glass fuses and ceramic fuses, each with various speed ratings (FF, F, M, T, TT) and current ratings (from milliamps to hundreds of amps) to meet your unique needs. Whether you require 10 amp cartridge fuses for household appliances or larger amp fuses for industrial equipment, RS NZ has the perfect fuse for your application.

Delivery Information for New Zealand

To have your purchases delivered the next working day, please place your orders for items stocked locally in New Zealand or Australia before 5 pm NZT and 3 pm NZT, respectively.

RS will deliver your order between 8 am and 5 pm local time the next working day. However, a longer lead time may be required for some products, including:

• Global Stock and Extended Range products.
• Orders of hazardous materials.
• Products over 20kg, with a cubic weight exceeding 20kg, or longer than 1.5 metres.

Extended lead times may also apply to non-core products and deliveries to specific regional areas. For further details or to arrange consolidated delivery, please speak to our Customer Service.