Q1. What does the “aR” utilization class designation mean for the NGTC00 series?
The “aR” designation is defined by the IEC 60269-4 standard and is crucial for semiconductor protection.
“a” (Partial Range): This means the fuse is designed only for short-circuit protection. It is not designed to clear continuous, low-level overloads (e.g., 1.5 times rated current over a long duration).
“R” (Semiconductor Protection): This indicates an Ultra-Rapid response speed, essential for protecting extremely low thermal capacity semiconductor devices like IGBTs, diodes, and thyristors. In short, the NGTC00 series is the fastest-acting defense against catastrophic short-circuit faults in your high-power electronic circuits.
Q2. Why is the 100kA Breaking Capacity important, especially at 690V/800V?
The 100kA (kiloampere) Breaking Capacity is the maximum fault current the fuse can safely and reliably interrupt. In industrial facilities, especially those with high-power VFDs or rectifiers connected close to the grid, the available short-circuit current can be enormous. If a fuse’s breaking capacity is too low, it can rupture explosively when clearing a fault. The NGTC00 series 100kA rating guarantees the fuse can handle the maximum fault currents present in robust 400V, 690V, and 800V AC industrial systems, ensuring operational safety and protecting surrounding equipment.
Q3. What voltage and current applications are best suited for the NGTC00 series (10A-160A)?
The NGTC00 series is highly versatile due to its multi-voltage ratings: 400V AC, 690V AC, and 800V AC.
Application Focus: It is ideal for protecting the input and DC link of medium-power Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Soft Starters, and industrial Power Supplies where the current is typically in the 10A to 160A range.
Voltage Range: The 690V/800V ratings specifically address the needs of high-voltage industrial mains and large power conversion systems that utilize high-power IGBTs and thyristors.
Q4. Is the I2t value more critical than the current rating when selecting an NGTC00 fuse?
Yes, absolutely.
I2t (Ampere-squared seconds) measures the total amount of thermal energy allowed to pass through the circuit during the fault-clearing process. Semiconductor devices (like IGBTs) have a fixed thermal withstand limit.
Selection Principle (Coordination): The fuse’s total clearing I2t must be significantly less than the semiconductor’s non-fusing I2t withstand rating (we generally recommend a safety margin of 30% to 50%). The GRL NGTC00 series is designed to deliver extremely low I2t values, making it the critical factor in guaranteeing that the IGBT survives a short-circuit fault.
Q5. How do I properly size the NGTC00’s continuous current rating (10A-160A)?
You cannot simply match the fuse’s current rating to the equipment’s nominal current. Proper sizing requires derating based on several factors:
Continuous RMS Current: Ensure the fuse rating is high enough for the nominal load (e.g., 1.25x to 1.5x RMS current).
Ambient Temperature Derating: The fuse’s carrying capacity decreases as the surrounding temperature (inside the control cabinet) rises. Always consult the GRL derating curves.
Cyclic Loading/Surges: Applications with repetitive start/stop cycles (common in VFDs) or high inrush currents require careful selection to ensure the fuse element withstands these non-fault conditions without premature fatigue or nuisance tripping.
Q6. How does the NGTC00 series handle current harmonics in VFD and Rectifier circuits?
In power electronics (VFDs and rectifiers), the current is rich in high-frequency harmonics, which generate extra heat in the fuse element.
Thermal Management: The NGTC00 is constructed with high-purity materials and advanced design to minimize this additional heat generation.
Sizing Adjustment: For applications with known high harmonic distortion, we recommend adding an extra thermal derating of 5% to 10% on top of standard calculations to ensure the fuse maintains its long-term integrity and reliability.
Q7. Does the NGTC00 series offer an indicator or auxiliary contact capability?
Yes. The NGTC00 series is available in standard industrial body styles (e.g., blade-type contacts) compatible with standard fuse bases or switch-disconnectors. Many NGTC00 models include a Striker/Indicator pin that ejects when the fuse blows. This indicator can be used in conjunction with a GRL auxiliary microswitch to provide remote status signaling or to trip an upstream circuit breaker, integrating the fuse’s protection status into your system’s control logic.