Description
Overview
The Eaton Bussmann 120FEE is a high speed, double barrel, BS88-type semiconductor protection fuse rated 120A at 690V AC and 450V DC, belonging to the Class aR category which is specifically engineered to protect semiconductor devices rather than circuit conductors. Part of the proven Bussmann FEE series, this fuse delivers a breaking capacity of 200 kA, ensuring reliable and repeatable fault clearing in high-energy industrial power electronics systems. Its compact double barrel construction and compliance with IEC 60269-4 make it a trusted choice for panel builders and OEMs across India who need certified, fast-acting semiconductor fuse protection.
Key Features
- Class aR Rating — designed exclusively for semiconductor protection with fast pre-arcing characteristics that limit let-through energy and safeguard thyristors, diodes, and IGBTs
- 200 kA Breaking Capacity — handles extremely high fault currents, protecting equipment in high-power industrial installations
- 690V AC / 450V DC Dual Voltage Rating — versatile for both AC and DC bus protection in drives and converter topologies
- Double Barrel Construction — the twin-barrel body lowers arc energy per barrel and improves current-limiting performance during fault conditions
- BS88 Part 4 / IEC 60269-4 Compliance — internationally recognised standard ensures interoperability and reliable performance validation
- IEC Rated and UL Recognised — dual certification supports use in globally compliant panels and export-oriented machine builds
- CE Marked and RoHS Compliant — meets European safety and environmental directives, supporting green manufacturing initiatives
- Bussmann FEE Series Heritage — field-proven series widely specified by drive manufacturers, panel builders, and system integrators worldwide
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 120FEE |
| Series | Bussmann FEE |
| Amperage Rating | 120 A |
| Rated Voltage AC | 690 V |
| Rated Voltage DC | 450 V |
| Breaking Capacity | 200 kA |
| Fuse Class | Class aR |
| Fuse Type | High Speed British Standard |
| Body Style | Double Barrel |
| Standard | BS88 Part 4, IEC 60269-4 |
| Certifications | IEC Rated, UL Recognized |
| Compliances | CE Marked, RoHS Compliant |
| Application | Semiconductor protection, DC drives, VFDs, power converters, rectifiers, soft starters, thyristor stacks, DC common bus |
Applications & Selection Guide
The 120FEE is the correct choice when you need to protect semiconductor devices — not just cables — from destructive fault currents. Class aR fuses are characterised by their ability to operate only in the overcurrent range relevant to semiconductor damage, making them unsuitable as general-purpose branch circuit fuses but ideal as the first line of defence for thyristors, diodes, SCRs, IGBTs, and MOSFETs inside drives and converters. At 120A and 690V AC, this fuse is commonly specified for the AC input stage or DC bus of medium-duty variable frequency drives, soft starters, and rectifier bridges where clearing speed and I²t limitation are critical.
In India, industries including textiles, cement, steel, paper, water treatment, and automotive manufacturing rely heavily on VFD-driven motor systems and thyristor-controlled DC drives. The 120FEE fits naturally into MCC panels, standalone drive panels, and centralised DC bus architectures used across these sectors. Its 450V DC rating also makes it suitable for DC common bus drive systems and certain renewable energy converter topologies where DC-side semiconductor protection is required.
When selecting this fuse, verify the I²t let-through value against the semiconductor manufacturer’s rated I²t withstand, and confirm the fuse holder or fuse carrier matches the FEE double barrel body dimensions. For higher or lower current ratings within the same series, Eaton Bussmann offers the complete FEE range to suit your exact design requirements. Shansen Enterprises in Coimbatore maintains stock of the FEE series and can assist with selection across the full ampere range.
Why Buy from Shansen Enterprises?
- Authorized Eaton Channel Partner Coimbatore — genuine products sourced directly through official distribution
- 100% genuine with warranty — no grey market or counterfeit risk
- Pan-India delivery — reliable dispatch to all major industrial cities and Tier-2 locations across India
- WhatsApp technical support — quick assistance for product selection, cross-reference, and application queries
- Bulk pricing for panel builders — competitive rates for OEMs, system integrators, and panel fabricators ordering in volume
Compatible Products & Accessories
- Eaton Bussmann FEE series fuse holders and carriers compatible with double barrel body
- Eaton Bussmann FEE series fuses in adjacent current ratings (80FEE, 100FEE, 160FEE, 200FEE)
- Eaton Bussmann semiconductor fuse monitoring and blown-fuse indication accessories
- Eaton DIN rail and panel mount fuse bases for BS88 Type 4 high speed fuses
- Eaton variable frequency drives and soft starters requiring Class aR input protection
- Surge protection devices for VFD and drive panel assemblies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Class aR fuse and a Class gG fuse, and why does the 120FEE use Class aR?
A Class gG fuse is a general-purpose current-limiting fuse designed to protect cables and conductors across the full overload and short-circuit range. A Class aR fuse, such as the 120FEE, is a partial-range current-limiting fuse engineered specifically to protect semiconductor devices. Class aR fuses operate only in the high overcurrent region where semiconductor damage occurs, delivering extremely fast clearing with very low I²t let-through energy. They are not intended to handle sustained overloads or low-level overcurrents and must always be used in conjunction with an upstream overcurrent protective device that covers the lower fault current range. Using Class aR is mandatory when protecting thyristors, diodes, and IGBTs in drives and converters to prevent catastrophic device failure.
Can the Eaton Bussmann 120FEE be used on a 450V DC bus in a common bus drive system?
Yes. The 120FEE carries a rated DC voltage of 450V, making it suitable for DC bus protection in common bus drive architectures, rectifier outputs, and DC-fed converter stages. When applying any fuse on a DC circuit, it is important to verify that both the rated DC voltage and the DC breaking capacity are adequate for the application, as DC arc quenching is inherently more demanding than AC. Always confirm the system’s maximum available DC fault current does not exceed the fuse’s rated breaking capacity of 200 kA.
What fuse holder or fuse carrier is compatible with the 120FEE double barrel body?
The 120FEE uses a double barrel BS88 Part 4 body style as defined in IEC 60269-4. Compatible fuse carriers and holders must be rated for the FEE series double barrel dimensions and for the 690V AC / 450V DC voltage levels. Eaton Bussmann offers matched fuse carriers and holders for the FEE series. Contact Shansen Enterprises in Coimbatore with your current rating and panel layout details and we will confirm the correct carrier part number to ensure a safe, compliant installation.
Is the 120FEE suitable for protecting the input of a 90 kW VFD operating at 415V AC in India?
The 120FEE at 690V AC and 120A is electrically suitable for a 415V AC system since its rated voltage exceeds the system voltage, providing an additional safety margin. For a 90 kW VFD at 415V, the full-load input current is approximately 160–170A, which means a 120A fuse would be undersized for the nominal drive current unless the VFD’s semiconductor I²t withstand data specifically supports the selection. Fuse sizing for semiconductor protection should always be validated against the VFD or drive manufacturer’s fuse selection table and the semiconductor’s rated I²t. Shansen Enterprises can assist with Eaton’s selection tools to confirm the correct FEE rating for your specific drive.
What certifications does the 120FEE carry and are they accepted for industrial panels in India?
The 120FEE is IEC Rated and UL Recognized, and it carries CE Marking and RoHS compliance. IEC 60269-4 is the relevant international standard accepted by Indian regulatory authorities and referenced in IS standards for low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. CE Marking and UL Recognition are additionally valuable for export panels and OEM equipment destined for European or North American markets. For Indian domestic installations, IEC-rated components are widely accepted by electrical inspectors and end-users in industrial sectors.
How do I order the Eaton Bussmann 120FEE from Shansen Enterprises?
You can request a quote for the 120FEE directly from Shansen Enterprises by clicking the WhatsApp button on this page or by sending an email through the contact form. Please mention the catalog number 120FEE, the quantity required, and your delivery location so we can provide accurate pricing and lead time. As an authorized Eaton channel partner based in Coimbatore, Shansen Enterprises supplies genuine Eaton Bussmann products with full warranty and delivers pan-India. Bulk orders for panel builders and OEMs receive priority processing and competitive pricing.
