Fuse Part 2

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#Fuse_element
A fuse consisting of a fuse element mounted between a pair of electrical terminals and usually enclosed by a non-combustible housing. It is the part of the fuse which melts when excessive current flows through it. At normal current, the fuse element can dissipate heat easily. But at higher current,it will melt due to excessive heat produced in it.
The fuse element must not be damaged by minor harmless surges of current and must not oxidize or change its behaviour after possibly years of service.

Large fuse has more than one metal strips.
A dual element of fuse has two strips, one is for short circuit and another for overload value.
The most commonly used fuse elements are lead,tin,copper,zinc,silver.
Upto 15A alloy of lead(37%) and tin(63%) is used as fuse element. For larger currents tinned copper or silver is used.
Most Low Voltage fuse elements are made of copper.
Fuse elements of fast acting fuses and high voltage fuses are primarily made of silver. Silver plated copper is also commonly used.
As a rule, fuse elements of time delay fuses contain low melting point materials e.g. tin, zinc and alloys there of. Formerly used alloys containing ead and Cadmium have widely been eliminated.
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