Reducer Fuse Market block
Industrial

Reducer Fuses vs. Fuse Reducers: What's the Difference?

While Reducer Fuses and Fuse Reducers sound similar, there are key differences between the products. This page can help you determine when you should choose a Reducer Fuse and when you should choose a Fuse Reducer.

  • Mersen is the only fuse manufacturer that offers Reducer Fuses

    Mersen Class RK1 and Class J  Reducer Fuses are a safe, permanent solution for decreasing your current rating without using a Fuse Reducer accessory, which is designed for temporary use only. These special purpose UL Listed reduced rating Class RK1 and J fuses provide the same trusted protection levels as a traditional Class RK1 fuses and AJT Class J fuses, but in a larger body.


    Reducer fuses are ideally suited for start up or newly expanding manufacturing facilities ramping up production and electrical demand. However, reducer fuses are not just for industrial applications; they can also be suitable for commercial applications as well.


    Reducer fuses are designed for simplicity and ease of installation. With tool-less installation, reducer fuses save you time and money as compared to fuse reducers.

    Reducer Fuse - Fuse Reducer

  • Reducer Fuses

    Reducer Fuses are reduced rating Class RK1 and Class J Time Delay fuses designed to fit into larger fuse holders. They are a safe, permanent solution for decreasing your current rating without using a Fuse Reducer accessory. Reducer Fuses are designed for permanent use and are maintenance free. Reducer Fuses are ideal for increasing volume production, particularly in plant applications.

  • Reasons to Choose a Reducer Fuse

    • No tools required to install
    • Fixed ratings and sizes
    • Premium, highly reliable performance and durability
    • Very low mean-time-to-replace/install
    • Special purpose UL Listed Class RK1 and J-TD fuses
       

    Applications/Needs for Reducer Fuses

    • 110-200A Class RK1 and Class J-TD fuses to fit into an associated 400A fuse panel
    • 225-400A Class RK1 and Class J-TD fuses to fit into a 600A fuse panel
    • Maximum arc flash mitigation
    • Permanent use of reduced rating fuses
    • Out-of-the-box fuse installation to eliminate product set up
    • Standard fuse installation and replacement method without the need for special tools
    • Equipment downtime a critical concern
    • High-volume production, non-dispatchable loading, or emergent care environment
    • Low installation and replacement time
    • Premium quality, high reliability needs
    • Maintenance free - no need for periodic inspection
    • Class J reducer fuses can accommodate bolt-in applications
    Reducer Fuse Group

  • Fuse Reducers

    A Fuse Reducer is an adapter kit to alter the fit and form of a fuse while maintaining the same ampere rating. Fuse Reducers allow a reduced rating fuse to be installed in a larger fuse holder of the same fuse class.

    Fuse Reducers are designed for temporary use only, and must be periodically checked to ensure secure mounting attachment to fuses. Fuse Reducers are not well suited for high-volume production environments.

  • Reasons to Choose a Fuse Reducer

    • Requires tools to install
    • Wide range of ratings and sizes
    • Requires longer time duration to attach, install, and replace the fuse
    • Special purpose UL Listed accessories for Class R, J, H, K fuses and fuse holders
       

    Applications/Needs for Fuse Reducers

    • Multiple fuse classes required
    • Ability to change full range of fuse ratings
    • Temporary use of reduced rating fuse
    • Attaching adapter kit to fuse not a concern
    • Equipment down time not an issue
    • Low volume production, dispatchable loading, or office environment
    • Routine periodic inspection of fuses accepted
    • Low cost is important
    • Standard fuse reducers cannot accommodate bolt-in applications
    Fuse Reducers

  • A Typical Reducer Fuse Application

    Let’s consider a scenario where a facility is not yet running at its full capacity or electrical power demand but plans to do so in future. An electrician can use a Mersen RK Reducer Fuse, which has the same footprint as a standard fuse with reduced ratings. Once the facility is ready to ramp up production and run at its full electrical demand, the Reducer Fuses are replaced by a standard, higher rated fuse. This ensures no change in the infrastructure, no need to change fuse holders or bases, and no need to replace the fuse panel. 

  • Mersen Announces Expanded Ratings in Class RK1 Reducer Fuse Series

    Mersen recently expanded its line of 600V Class RK1 Reducer Fusess. The newly released 600V ratings provide a permanent and reliable solution and are designed to be used in all applications where standard UL Class RK-1, RK-5, K-5, and H fuses are typically employed. Certified as Special Purpose UL/CSA Listed Class RK1 fuses, these reduced current rating fuses are designed to fit into the next larger size fuse holders, providing the same high reliability performance, durability, and arc flash mitigation as standard Class RK1 fuses.

     

     

     

    Reducer Fuse New additions chart

  • Documents

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