COMPACT FUSE SUPPORT

摘要

Method and apparatus for mounting fuses in switchgear and similar electrical isolation equipment provide a nonconductive fuse support that allows the fuses to be mounted separately from the transformers. Two such fuse supports may be used to support a fuse, one fuse support for each fuse terminal. Each fuse support may support two fuse terminals so dual fuses may be supported by the same pair of fuse supports. The fuse supports substantially surround the fuse terminals to provide an insulating barrier that helps prevent electrical discharge and also ensure sufficient spacing between the fuse terminals and ground or other conductors in the switchgear. Such an arrangement allows the fuses and transformers to fit within a reduced space in the switchgear and similar electrical isolation equipment while complying with industry-standard performance requirements. The fuse supports are preferably noncontiguous, thereby leaving the nonconductive portion of the fuse physically unsurrounded.

主权项

1. A fuse support for mounting a tubular fuse in electrical isolation equipment, comprising:
an open-ended housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls forming a generally rectangular tube; an elongated support structure extending from an exterior surface of the bottom wall of the housing substantially perpendicular thereto; a terminal bracket attached to the bottom wall of the housing on an interior surface thereof over the elongated support structure; and a cup shaped end cap attached to the bracket for receiving a fuse terminal of the tubular fuse, the cup shaped end cap having smooth and rounded surfaces that minimize or prevent electrical discharge through the end cap.