scope:

General scope

Fuses for use by unskilled persons according to the following fuse systems comply with all subclauses of IEC 60269-1 and with the requirements laid down in the relevant fuse systems.

This standard is divided into four fuse systems, each dealing with a specific example of standardized fuses for use by unskilled persons:

• Fuse system A: D type fuse system

• Fuse system B: Cylindrical fuses (NF cylindrical fuse system)

• Fuse system C: Cylindrical fuses (BS cylindrical fuse system)

• Fuse system F: Cylindrical fuse-links for use in plugs (BS plugtop fuse system)

NOTE 1 Examples of standardized fuses complying with the requirements of IEC 60269-1 are listed in the present standard. Other examples may be added, provided that they comply with these requirements.

For recommendations for future designs of fuses, see Annex CC.

NOTE 2 The following fuse systems are standardized systems in respect to their safety aspects. The National Committees shall select at least one complete fuse system of this standard for their national standards. Colour codes are not specified for each fuse system. Where colour codes are indicated, they apply only to that particular fuse system.

The following additional requirements apply to "gG" fuses for use by unskilled persons in domestic or similar applications having cylindrical fuse-links:

Type I: rated currents up to and equal 45 A a.c. and a rated voltage of 230 V a.c.

Type II: rated currents up to and equal 100 A a.c. and a rated voltage of 400 V a.c.

NOTE 1 These fuses are intended for use on systems employing the future standardised voltage of 230/400 V a.c. that will evolve from the existing nominal 220/380 V and 240/415 V systems. However many countries are still using the higher voltage of 240/415 V a.c. and therefore these fuses will continue to be supplied and tested as 240 V a.c. or 415 V a.c. rating until such time as all supplies have evolved to the recommended values of 230 V and 400 V.

NOTE 2 For type II fuse-links, in most cases a part of the associated equipment for power supplies to buildings serves the purpose of a fuse-carrier and fuse-base. Owing to the great variety of equipment no general rules can be given; the suitability of such equipment to serve as a fuse-carrier and fuse-base should be subject to agreement between the manufacturer and user. However if separate fuse-carriers and fuse-bases are used they should comply with the appropriate requirements of IEC 60269-1.

The following characteristics of the fuses are specified in addition to IEC 60269-1:

• rated voltage;

• rated power dissipation of the fuse-link and rated acceptable power dissipation of a fuse-holder;

• time-current characteristic;

• gates, I²t characteristics and conventional times and currents;

• rated breaking capacity;

• marking on the fuse;

• standard conditions for construction;

• tests.