Description
Overview
The Eaton Bussmann 45FE belongs to the Bussmann FE Series of high speed, BS88-pattern semiconductor protection fuses engineered to protect thyristors, IGBTs, SCRs, and diodes in demanding power electronics applications. Rated at 45 A and 690 V AC (450 V DC) with a 200 kA breaking capacity, this single barrel Class aR fuse delivers the ultra-fast current limitation required to protect silicon devices that cannot withstand the thermal and electrical stress of conventional slow-blow fuses. It meets BS88 Part 4 and IEC 60269-4 standards and is certified for use in global and Indian industrial installations.
Key Features
- High Speed Current Limitation — Class aR action interrupts fault current before it reaches the let-through level that damages semiconductor junctions
- 200 kA Breaking Capacity — handles extreme prospective fault currents found in industrial power systems up to 690 V AC
- Dual Voltage Rating — 690 V AC and 450 V DC ratings make it suitable for both AC drive input stages and DC common bus architectures
- BS88 Single Barrel Form Factor — direct replacement for existing BS88 Part 4 fuse holders without panel redesign
- CE Marked and RoHS Compliant — meets European and Indian import compliance requirements for hazardous substance restrictions
- IEC Rated and UL Recognized — dual certification simplifies approval for export panels and multinational OEM projects
- Low I²t Characteristic — minimises thermal stress on semiconductor devices during fault clearing
- Wide Application Coverage — protects DC drives, VFDs, soft starters, rectifiers, power converters, and thyristor stacks with a single fuse family
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 45FE |
| Series | Bussmann FE |
| Fuse Type | High Speed British Standard, Single Barrel |
| Fuse Class | Class aR |
| Amperage Rating | 45 A |
| Rated Voltage AC | 690 V |
| Rated Voltage DC | 450 V |
| Breaking Capacity | 200 kA |
| Standard | BS88 Part 4, IEC 60269-4 |
| Compliances | CE Marked, RoHS Compliant |
| Certifications | IEC Rated, UL Recognized |
| Application | Semiconductor protection, DC drives, VFDs, power converters, rectifiers, soft starters, thyristor stacks, DC common bus |
Applications & Selection Guide
The Eaton Bussmann 45FE is the correct choice when protecting semiconductor devices rated at or above 45 A in circuits operating up to 690 V AC or 450 V DC. Typical installations include the input or output stages of variable frequency drives, SCR-based DC motor drives, three-phase rectifier bridges, IGBT power converters, and soft starter bypass circuits. In all these cases, conventional gG or gM fuses are too slow to protect the semiconductor junction; only a Class aR high speed fuse with proven I²t characteristics can reliably limit fault energy below the withstand rating of the device being protected.
When selecting this fuse, verify that the continuous current rating of the fuse does not exceed the semiconductor device’s rated current, and that the fuse’s I²t let-through value is lower than the I²t withstand of the semiconductor. Eaton’s coordination charts, available through Shansen Enterprises, simplify this selection process for Indian panel builders and OEM design engineers working to IS, IEC, or UL standards.
Across India, this fuse is widely used in industries including steel and metals, textile manufacturing (prominent in Coimbatore’s spinning and weaving sector), automotive assembly, water treatment, chemical processing, and renewable energy inverter panels. The BS88 form factor is especially common in Tamil Nadu and southern India, where British-standard switchgear infrastructure remains prevalent in older industrial facilities and continues to be specified in new projects for consistency.
Why Buy from Shansen Enterprises?
- Authorized Eaton Channel Partner in Coimbatore — genuine products with full manufacturer traceability
- 100% genuine Eaton Bussmann stock backed by manufacturer warranty
- Pan-India delivery to all major cities and industrial zones
- WhatsApp technical support for fuse selection, coordination, and replacement queries
- Bulk and project pricing available for panel builders, OEMs, and system integrators
Compatible Products & Accessories
- Eaton Bussmann BS88 Part 4 Fuse Holders — compatible single barrel fuse holders for the FE Series
- Eaton Bussmann FE Series fuses — other current ratings (e.g., 32FE, 63FE, 80FE, 100FE) for coordinated semiconductor protection
- Eaton Bussmann Striker Indicators — blown fuse indication accessories for remote fault detection
- Eaton DIN rail and panel mount fuse bases — for integration into MCC and drive panels
- Eaton Bussmann NH Series fuses — for upstream back-up protection coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Class aR fuse and a Class gG fuse for semiconductor protection?
A Class gG fuse is a general purpose fuse designed to protect cables and equipment through their full operating range, but it operates too slowly to protect semiconductor junctions from fault current damage. A Class aR fuse, such as the Eaton Bussmann 45FE, is a partial range current-limiting fuse optimised for the ultra-fast response required to keep the let-through I²t below the withstand rating of thyristors, IGBTs, SCRs, and diodes. For semiconductor protection in VFDs, rectifiers, and DC drives, a Class aR fuse is mandatory — a gG fuse will allow the device to fail before it clears the fault.
Can the 45FE be used on both AC and DC circuits?
Yes. The Eaton Bussmann 45FE carries a rated voltage of 690 V AC and 450 V DC. This makes it suitable for AC input protection on drive systems as well as DC bus protection in common DC bus drive architectures and battery-backed converter systems. Always confirm that the circuit voltage does not exceed the applicable AC or DC rating for the installation type.
What fuse holder is compatible with the Eaton Bussmann 45FE?
The 45FE uses the BS88 Part 4 single barrel form factor. It is compatible with Eaton Bussmann BS88 Part 4 single barrel fuse holders designed for the FE Series. When replacing fuses in an existing installation, verify the fuse holder’s current and voltage ratings match or exceed those of the 45FE. Contact Shansen Enterprises in Coimbatore for holder cross-reference support and availability.
Is the Eaton Bussmann 45FE approved for use in Indian industrial installations?
Yes. The 45FE is IEC 60269-4 rated and CE marked, which aligns with the international standards adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards and accepted by electrical inspectorates across India. UL recognition additionally supports use in panels destined for export or for multinational customers requiring North American compliance. Shansen Enterprises can provide product documentation and test certificates on request for project approvals.
How do I verify the correct fuse current rating when replacing a semiconductor protection fuse?
The replacement fuse current rating must match the original design selection — do not upsize the fuse rating without re-verifying coordination. The fuse I²t let-through value at the prospective fault current of your system must be lower than the I²t withstand rating published in the semiconductor device’s datasheet. Eaton provides I²t and peak let-through current curves for the FE Series. Shansen Enterprises can assist with coordination calculations and supply the correct rating from the FE Series range.
How do I order the Eaton Bussmann 45FE from Shansen Enterprises?
You can request a quote directly from Shansen Enterprises by clicking the WhatsApp button on this page or by sending an email with the catalog number 45FE and your required quantity. Shansen Enterprises is an authorized Eaton channel partner based in Coimbatore and supplies genuine Eaton Bussmann fuses with pan-India delivery. For bulk orders, project requirements, or urgent dispatch, WhatsApp contact is recommended for fastest response.
