Yes, lightning can blow out a fuse, including a drop-out fuse link. A lightning strike can create a surge of power that is far beyond what a circuit breaker or fuse is designed to handle.

When lightning strikes a power line or nearby infrastructure, it can generate a high-voltage surge that travels along the electrical distribution network. If this surge surpasses the current rating of the utility fuse, the fuse element melts, causing the fuse holder to drop out and interrupt the circuit. This mechanism protects downstream equipment from potential damage.​

However, frequent lightning-induced operations can lead to unnecessary power outages and increased maintenance efforts.

To solve this problem, the fuse cutout can be used with a metal lightning arrester.

How to Mitigate Lightning-Induced Fuses？
To reduce the likelihood of drop-out fuses operating due to lightning, several strategies can be employed:

1. Installation of Lightning Arresters: Placing metal-oxide surge arresters upstream of the fuse cutout can divert lightning-induced surges to the ground before they reach the fuse. This setup protects the fuse from unnecessary operation and enhances the overall reliability of the power distribution system. ​
2. Enhance Insulation Levels： Utilize high-performance insulators, such as Composite insulators or porcelain insulators, to increase the Creepage distance of distribution lines. It reduces the likelihood of lightning-induced flashovers by implementing low-resistance grounding configurations, thereby improving system reliability.​
3. Proper Grounding: Ensuring that the electrical system has an effective grounding scheme allows lightning surges to dissipate safely into the earth, minimizing their impact on system components.​
4. Use of Lightning-Proof Fuses: Some manufacturers offer fuses specifically designed to withstand lightning-induced surges without operating unnecessarily. These fuses can be beneficial in areas with high lightning activity.
5. Deploy Shielded Cables： In critical distribution lines, consider using shielded cables with metallic layers to enhance protection against lightning-induced surges. These cables can effectively mitigate the impact of electromagnetic interference caused by lightning strikes.​
6. Implement Regular Maintenance and Inspections： Establish a routine maintenance schedule for expulsion fuse cutouts and related equipment. Regular inspections can identify and address issues such as corrosion, mechanical wear, or insulation degradation, ensuring the continued effectiveness of lightning protection measures.

Read on： Composite Insulator vs. Porcelain Insulator vs. Glass Insulator: Which One Fits Your Needs?

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Replacement Frequency of drop out fuse links
Drop out fuse links are designed to operate (i.e., “blow”) under fault conditions such as overcurrents or short circuits. Under normal operating conditions, these fuse links do not require regular replacement. However, certain factors necessitate their replacement:​

1. Post-Fault Operation: After a fuse link has operated due to a fault, it must be replaced before the circuit is re-energized. This is a standard practice to ensure the protection system remains effective. ​
2. Routine Maintenance: Regular inspections are crucial to identify signs of wear or damage that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, signs of corrosion, mechanical fatigue, or environmental degradation can compromise the fuse link’s integrity. In some practices, inspections are conducted monthly, especially in environments prone to adverse conditions. ​
3. Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as high humidity, pollution, or extreme temperatures, can accelerate the degradation of fuse links. In such cases, more frequent inspections and replacements may be necessary to maintain system reliability.

Maintenance Best Practices
To ensure the longevity and reliability of drop-out fuse links:

• Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic visual inspections to detect any physical damage, corrosion, or signs of overheating.​
• Proper Installation: Ensure that fuse links are installed correctly, with appropriate tension and alignment, to prevent premature failures.​
• Environmental Considerations: In areas with severe environmental conditions, consider using fuse links designed to withstand such challenges.​
• Documentation: Maintain records of inspections, replacements, and any incidents to track the performance and identify recurring issues.​