• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.38-43
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to secure the basis for judgment on the cause of an accident by analyzing the melting characteristics of a blade type fuse used for vehicles due to overload. In order to increase the reliability of the test, it was conducted by connecting the electrical system with conditions similar to those of an actual vehicle to apply the load. Carbonization pattern experiment of fuse by outside flame applied Korean Standard (KS). The fuse melted by the overcurrent showed a smooth cross-section while the test terminals, clear plastic body, etc., burnt out by the external flame was badly deformed. When 185% of the rated current (27.8A) was applied to a cable of 15A rated current onto which an over-capacity fuse (20A) was installed, the fuse melting time was 217 seconds. In addition, when a load current of 28.8[A] (139%) was applied, the fuse's test terminal and terminal blade were not burnt out although foam was observed on some parts of the plastic body. When a load capacity of 28.2[A] (141%) was applied to a cable of 15A rated current onto which an over-capacity fuse (30A) was installed, the fuse melting time was approximately 10 seconds. When a load current of 35.8[A] (119%) was applied, the fuse's test terminal and terminal blade were not burnt out, although some parts of the plastic body was swelled. However, it was observed that the switch terminal melted if approximately six minutes lapsed under such conditions. When a load capacity of 39.4[A] (131%) was applied to a cable of 15A rated current onto which an over-capacity fuse (30A) was installed, the fuse melted in approximately 69 seconds, and the test terminal and terminal blade were not burnt.