| Title |
A Study on Discrimination between Short-Circuit and Overload based on the Characteristics of the Fusing Current of an Electrical Wire |
| Authors |
Kil-Mok Shong ; Young-Su Roh |
| Keywords |
Eletrical fire ; Overcurrent ; Onderdonk"s equation ; Short-circuit |
| Abstract |
In the case that an overcurrent flows through an electrical wire due to short-circuit or overload, the wire can be fused, thereby causing an electrical fire. In the present article the characteristics of the fusing current of an electrical wire have been studied to discriminate between short-circuit and overload In the experiment, the fusing time was measured as the currents determined by Preece"s equation were supplied to bare wires of various cliameter. As the results of experiment, the measured fusing currents well satisfied the Onderdonk"s equation. By comparing the measured results and the short current the IEC recommends, it is shown that the variable to determine the short current for a bare copper wire, k is approximately 300. The fusing current of an electrical wire which becomes a short circuit within 5sec can be expressed as a function of diameter based on the value of k. Consequently, the equation for the fusing current provides a criterion to discriminate between short-circuit and overload. |