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Where is the ampacity derated for standard fuses?

A. Roughly 10% below their let-through operating current
B. Above 25 degrees F
C. Roughly 10% above their let-through operating current
D. When the fuse is roughly 10% burned out

User Paul Ryan
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Standard fuses are designed with a derating in their ampacity to protect circuits from overheating by handling brief unforeseen overloads. Slow blow fuses are used for applications with prolonged high currents. The exact condition where ampacity is derated is not explicitly stated but is built into the design and specifications of the fuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks where the ampacity is derated for standard fuses. Ampacity is the maximum current an electrical conductor or device can handle before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration. The answer to the question is not given directly in the provided information, but understanding the function and purpose of a fuse can lead to an accurate answer.

A fuse consists of a piece of wire that melts and breaks the connection when the current passing through it is greater than the rated current of the fuse. Fuses and circuit breakers derate their ampacity to prevent the wires from overheating and to protect the circuit. They are designed to handle the rated current under specific conditions, and in some applications like electric motors, special fuses like "slow blow" fuses are used due to the high current that remains for several seconds.

Therefore, the ampacity of a fuse is typically derated under normal operating conditions to handle unforeseen brief overloads without tripping. This is not the same as having an ampacity derated at a certain percentage above the operating current. The derating is considered in the design of the fuse and its specifications to ensure it operates safely within a defined range of currents and temperatures.

User Chris Ryding
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