I have seen a few project recently that have used switchboards and panelboards with fused switches instead of breakers in the distribution system. An example would be Cuttler Hammers FDPB fusible panelboard switches.
I was wondering if anyone could explain to me the reason or benefit of using this type of panelboard or switchboard in a distribution system?
I know these units usually have higher interruping ratings or 100kA or 200kA because of fuses, but you can achieve these same ratings with using currentl limiting breakers in a standard panelbaord. I have also seen these panels used in systems where there was not much fault current avaliable such as generator systems etc... So I'm wondering if higher interrupting rating is the reason?
My second thought was cost. I'm guessing that maybe because fuses are being used instead of molded case breakers that the cost of these panels would be cheaper. I'm not sure if the reduced cost would be that much of a benefit, considering when a fuse blows you have to replace the fuses rather than simply reset the breaker.
Was curious to hear what others had to say.
Thanks
I was wondering if anyone could explain to me the reason or benefit of using this type of panelboard or switchboard in a distribution system?
I know these units usually have higher interruping ratings or 100kA or 200kA because of fuses, but you can achieve these same ratings with using currentl limiting breakers in a standard panelbaord. I have also seen these panels used in systems where there was not much fault current avaliable such as generator systems etc... So I'm wondering if higher interrupting rating is the reason?
My second thought was cost. I'm guessing that maybe because fuses are being used instead of molded case breakers that the cost of these panels would be cheaper. I'm not sure if the reduced cost would be that much of a benefit, considering when a fuse blows you have to replace the fuses rather than simply reset the breaker.
Was curious to hear what others had to say.
Thanks