Other Ways to Reduce Risk

Using current-limiting fuses is only one way to reduce the risk of arc flash in your facility. Here are other steps you should take:

• Make sure you have the right fuses on hand. Mersen's Fuse Control inventory analysis and upgrade services help ensure that your spare fuse inventory is complete and up to date Obsolete and out-of-stock fuses increase the potential for dangerous misapplications. Our thorough analysis of your stores inventory and database of fuse spares will allow us to make recommendations to purge obsolete fuses, organize your storeroom bins, update your ordering database and consolidate general purpose and supplemental fuses to the AmpTrap2000 family of current limiting fuses. Frequently, the safety improvements from this consolidation process results in a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction.
• Provide safety training for your staff. Our fuse safety training sessions emphasize the importance of accurate fuse replacement. They can be customized for various targeted audiences, such as electrical workers, purchasing professionals and storeroom personnel. These sessions can be configured to include training on the fundamental hazards of arc flash.
• Learn more about mitigating arc flash hazards. Our regional engineering seminars are taught by knowledgeable engineers with expertise in arc flash protection and mitigation.
• Use finger-safe (IP-20) devices wherever possible. Mersen offers a complete line of IP20-rated products, including UltraSafe™ fuse holders, FSPDB power distribution block and low-voltage disconnect switches. By minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent contact with energized parts, IP-20 devices can reduce both the likelihood of shock and arc flash initiation. .

Inventory Analysis and Upgrade Services: The Right Fuse the First Time, Every Time

Current-limiting fuses can dramatically reduce the energy from an arc flash — but only if they're used correctly and consistently. Mersen's inventory analysis and upgrade services, Fuse ControlTM, will help you minimize the possibility of ordering, stocking and installing the wrong fuse.

An important part of any plant safety program, our inventory analysis and upgrade services takes very little of your time, yet they provide you and your facility with lasting benefits. Here's what we'll do:

• Perform a comprehensive review and analysis of your fuse spares inventory using our proprietary Fuse Usage & Storeroom Evaluation (F.U.S.E.) software.
• Conduct an onsite inspection of all spares.
• Recommend a plan to upgrade your circuit protection to Amp-Trap 2000® — current-limiting fuses that not only improve safety, but can provide the Type "2" (No-Damage) protection that safeguards critical plant equipment from damage and less tangible assets like productivity and profitability from costly downtime.
• Suggest more versatile fuses to consolidate your spare fuse inventory and reduce the number of fuses stocked — typically by 25% or more.
• Help you clean up the database of your ordering system.
• Identify fuses that are obsolete due to inadequate interrupting ratings.
• Recommend an organization of your fuse bins and provide clear, informative bin labels.
• Help you develop a plan to better control the flow of spares through your inventory.
• Deliver customized training in fuse selection and safety for your electrical team.
• Provide fuse safety training for your staff

To learn more about these services, download our Fuse Control brochure. Then e-mail us or call 978-462-6662 to request your FREE fuse inventory analysis.

 IP20-rated fuse holders, power distribution blocks and disconnect switches not only reduce shock hazards, they can minimize the chance of an arc flash being initiated by accidental contact. Consider these Mersen products for new designs or retrofits.

Disconnect Switches

Mersen offers an extensive line of UL 98 fusible and non-fusible disconnect switches from 30A to 1,200A. We also offer a line of UL 508 disconnect switches from 16A to 100A.

FSPDB

The industry's first finger-safe power distribution blocks feature a compact footprint, DIN-rail mounting and time-saving captive screws. FSPBDs are available with a wide range of openings, and their modular design allows for higher-density panels.

UltraSafe™ USJ Class J Fuse Holders

The finger-safe design of UltraSafe USJ Class J fuse holders offers greater safety and quick, easy fuse installation and replacement. These modular, compact units are available for both 30A and 60A Class J fuses and provide convenient DIN-rail mounting and a standard lockout/tagout feature.

UltraSafe™ USCC Class CC Fuse Holders

Like the UltraSafe USJ fuse holders, the UltraSafe USCC fuse holders provide an IP20-rated finger-safe design, a compact footprint and a standard lockout/tagout feature. In addition to a configuration for 30A Class CC fuses, there is also a USM version for midget fuses.

UltraSafe™ USM Fuse Holders for Midget Supplemental Fuses

Where superior short circuit protection is not a consideration, we offer the USM fuse holder for all Midget size fuses.

Learn from our experience

If you want to know more about circuit protection, ask the company that's been at the leading edge of the industry for more than 100 years.

In working with industrial customers and engineers around the world and developing innovative new products to meet their needs, our engineers have amassed an incredible amount of expertise. We're happy to share this knowledge with you through in-depth seminars designed for plant engineers and customized training courses for your electrical staff.

Click here to learn more about our seminars.