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Circuit Breakers

Fusible Disconnects

by Will Baum

Fusible disconnects are the sturdy, old-fashioned way of controlling the power coming into your office or home. With fusible disconnects, when the fuses blow, the power is out until fuses are replaced. Non-fusible disconnects, more common these days, have a fuse system included within the mechanism. When the current runs hot, the non-fusible system snaps off and needs only to be snapped back into place to restore the flow of electricity.

Just because non-fusible disconnects are a little simpler doesn't mean you should rush to replace your fusible disconnects. In fact, even a broken fusible disconnect system is sometimes worth reconditioning. You can potentially save money and maintain the classic look of your existing system.

Sometimes, the current you need to pull for certain applications is out of the field covered by standard HACR breakers. A large condenser, for example, may require fuses in the line. If you are installing fusible disconnects, there is something to learn from those who already have a system in place. In some locations--apartment buildings, for example--people will "borrow" a fuse from a neighbor when their fuse burn out, leaving the neighbor out of luck when his or her own fuse blows. The resulting conflict can remind us why "blow a fuse" is so appropriate in describing human behavior.

Finding Fusible Disconnects

You may discover that fusible disconnects are hard to come by. Don't panic and think that you're going to have to discard your old system or pay a lot for a new one. You can track down exactly what you're after on the Internet and pay a price that won't ruin your day.

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