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Image of Littelfuse High-Speed Fuseology - Overcurrent Protection Fundamentals

An overcurrent is any current larger than what the equipment, conductor, or device is rated to carry under specified conditions. Unless removed in time, even moderate overcurrents can quickly overheat system components, which in turn can damage insulation, conductors, and equipment. Large overcurrents may even melt conductors and vaporize insulation. There are two different types of overcurrent categories: overload current and short-circuit current. Overload current is defined as less than six times the equipment’s, conductor’s, or device’s rated current. Short-circuit current is defined as greater than six times the rated current.

PTM Published on: 2020-12-17