Are main breakers always better than fusible panelboards?

[Murloc]

At a site I'm looking at there is a Fusible Panelboard - Eaton PRL4F installed https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...lboard-prl4f-fuse-design-guide-dg014004en.pdf

• support mentions the model is rather old, so there is worry that replacement parts would be difficult to find in the future.

I'm thinking of installing one of two options

1. Main circuit breaker panelboard using, JD breakers
   1. https://www.se.com/ca/en/product/HC...r-42in-w-x-59in-h-x-9-5in-d-cu-bus-w-neutral/
2. Fusible panelboard - Bussman QSCP12
   1. https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/e...es/data-sheets/bus-ele-ds-1171-qscp-1200a.pdf

For the most part, people say breakers are better since you can trip them more often without problems. Some say fuses are better since they are weaker and provide more protection.




Are there some other factors I'm missing? Thanks

 

[hillbilly1]

Fuse manufacturers say they are better at motor protection……..less downtime though with breakers, unless you have a stockpile of replacement fuses.

 

[augie47]

It is possible the existing board is fusible in order to address downstream equipment fault current ratings. If that;s the case you would need to
use fuses.
"Series Rating", if required, would not be an option with breakers if downstream equipment is a different manufacturer whereas it could be possible with fuses.

 

[brantmacga]

High aic rated circuit breakers are exponentially more expensive than an equally rated fuse.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk