Overcurrent occurs when a current increases or surges, exceeding the normal current flow, creating an overcurrent. Short circuits and overloads are the main culprits that cause overcurrent.
An overload happens when an excessive number of different loads are placed a power source, exceeding its capacity to deal with the power draw. Overloads, if only short-lived and with a negligible accompanying rise in temperature,generally won’t cause too much damage to a power system. Unfortunately, prolonged overloads and their accompanying temperature rises need to be guarded against, as they can destroy different vital components in your off-grid power system.
Overcurrent Protection and Fuses
Fuses,fusible links (breakable failure points that stop short circuits or overloads from causing further damage) and circuit breakers are your first line of defense against a sustained current overload.
When it comes to power systems for emergency backup power or off-grid use, fuses offer an overcurrent protection tool by providing a safety link (used in combination with a breaker) that serves as a shutoff valve should an overcurrent begin to heat up the batteries, cables and wiring due to an overload or a ground fault.
A ground fault is a temporary (typically unintentional) electrical current connection to the ground that bypasses the circuit’s normal wiring. Ground faults can be viewed as another type of “short circuit.”
The Inverter Store’s Inline Fuses
The Inverter Store carries inline inverter fuses that offer overcurrent protection for your off-grid battery bank and inverter. Our ANL inline fuses help safeguard your power-generating equipment from overload, diminishing the likelihood of internal damage or heat-related fires.
With six different amperages of ANL inline fuses, our fuses can handle off-grid power systems big and small. For example, we carry an ANL fuse kit (fuse, holder, jumper cable) that runs in a range of 50 to 500 amps. These fuses help safeguard inverters. Select the inline fuse(s) that best match the wattage output of your particular off-grid power system. For example, 500-amp inline fuses can protect larger 12,000-watt power inverters.
We also stock the AIMS Power Solar PV DC Quick Disconnect Switch (Fuse) 1000V 64Amp, offering an extra later of overcurrent protection for solar power systems.
Why You Should Invest in Overcurrent Protection
ANL inline fuses are not expensive and are a sound investment to further protect your initial investment in batteries and inverters. Fuses will also help safeguard your equipment (and home) from accidental fires potentially caused by overcurrent.
By selecting the right fuse that pairs with your equipment’s output amperage, you’ll keep your power system from overheating and sustaining internal damage, while also increasing its overall efficiency at the same time.
Please get in touch with our power inverter experts today to see what type of fuse best suits your off-grid power needs.
