Description
Overview
The Eaton Bussmann 160FEE is a high speed, double barrel BS88 semiconductor protection fuse rated 160A at 690V AC and 450V DC, delivering 200 kA breaking capacity under Class aR duty per IEC 60269-4. Engineered specifically for semiconductor protection, it offers the ultra-fast current-limiting action required to safeguard power electronics against short-circuit damage in AC and DC drive systems. CE marked, RoHS compliant, IEC rated, and UL recognized, the 160FEE is a reliable choice for panel builders and OEMs across Indian industrial sectors.
Key Features
- Ultra-fast current-limiting action — Class aR rating ensures the fuse clears before semiconductor devices reach destructive I²t levels
- High breaking capacity — 200 kA AC interrupting rating handles severe fault currents in industrial distribution systems
- Dual voltage compatibility — rated 690V AC and 450V DC, suitable for both AC drive panels and DC common bus architectures
- Double barrel form factor — compact BS88 double barrel body simplifies installation in standard semiconductor fuse holders
- IEC 60269-4 compliance — internationally recognized standard for semiconductor protection fuses, ensuring consistent performance
- UL Recognized and CE Marked — meets global regulatory requirements for export-oriented machine builders and panel manufacturers
- RoHS compliant construction — suitable for environmentally regulated applications and European market equipment
- Bussmann FEE Series reliability — backed by Eaton’s proven engineering for demanding power electronics environments
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 160FEE |
| Series | Bussmann FEE |
| Fuse Type | High Speed British Standard Double Barrel |
| Fuse Class | Class aR |
| Amperage Rating | 160 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 160FEE is specifically engineered for semiconductor protection in high-power industrial drive systems. Its Class aR rating confirms it is designed solely for back-up protection of power semiconductor devices — thyristors (SCRs), IGBTs, MOSFETs, and diodes — in applications such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), DC motor drives, soft starters, rectifier bridges, and thyristor-controlled power converters. The 200 kA breaking capacity makes it suitable for use on high-energy distribution busbars common in large manufacturing plants and process industries.
When selecting this fuse, note that Class aR fuses protect semiconductors against short-circuit currents but are not designed to provide overload protection — a separate Class gG or thermal overload relay must be used in conjunction for full protection coordination. The 690V AC rating covers standard three-phase industrial supply networks in India, while the 450V DC rating makes it directly applicable to DC common bus drives and battery-backed power systems. Engineers specifying for Indian installations should verify fuse holder compatibility with the double barrel BS88 mounting dimensions.
Industries in Coimbatore and across India where the 160FEE sees regular application include textile machinery (VFDs on spinning and weaving lines), pump and compressor panels, CNC machine tool drive cabinets, steel rolling mill thyristor drives, renewable energy inverter protection, and crane and hoist drive systems. Panel builders supplying automotive, chemical, and cement plant automation projects also commonly specify Bussmann FEE series fuses for semiconductor protection duty.
Why Buy from Shansen Enterprises?
- Authorized Eaton Channel Partner in Coimbatore — 100% genuine Bussmann products with full traceability
- Genuine products supplied with original Eaton warranty and documentation
- Pan-India delivery to all major cities and industrial clusters
- WhatsApp technical support for fuse selection, sizing, and holder compatibility queries
- Bulk and project pricing available for panel builders, OEMs, and EPC contractors
Compatible Products & Accessories
- Eaton Bussmann BS88 double barrel semiconductor fuse holders (compatible mounting hardware)
- Eaton Bussmann FEE Series fuses in adjacent current ratings (100A, 125A, 200A, 250A)
- Eaton Bussmann Class gG back-up fuses for upstream overload protection coordination
- Eaton semiconductor fuse indicator / blown fuse indicators for panel monitoring
- Eaton DIN rail and busbar mounted fuse bases for BS88 double barrel fuses
- Eaton surge protective devices (SPDs) for VFD and drive panel integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Class aR mean for the Eaton Bussmann 160FEE, and how is it different from Class gG?
Class aR (current-limiting, restricted range) designates a fuse designed exclusively for short-circuit protection of semiconductor devices. Unlike Class gG fuses, which provide both overload and short-circuit protection for general electrical equipment, a Class aR fuse like the 160FEE is optimized for the extremely fast clearing speeds needed to protect thyristors, IGBTs, and diodes — devices that can be destroyed in milliseconds by fault currents. Class aR fuses do not provide overload protection on their own; they must be used alongside thermal overload relays or Class gG fuses in a coordinated protection scheme.
Can the Eaton Bussmann 160FEE be used in both AC and DC applications?
Yes. The 160FEE carries a dual voltage rating — 690V AC for three-phase industrial AC systems and 450V DC for DC drive buses, battery systems, and DC common bus architectures. This makes it versatile for panel builders who need a single fuse type across both AC-fed converter inputs and DC output bus protection. Always confirm that the actual circuit voltage does not exceed the applicable rated voltage (690V AC or 450V DC) for the specific application.
What is the breaking capacity of the 160FEE, and is 200 kA sufficient for Indian industrial installations?
The 160FEE is rated for a 200 kA breaking capacity, which is among the highest available for semiconductor protection fuses at this current rating. For most Indian industrial installations — including large manufacturing plants, steel mills, and process industries connected to 11 kV or 33 kV utility feeders — prospective short-circuit currents at the LV panel level are typically well below 100 kA. The 200 kA rating therefore provides a generous safety margin and ensures compliance with IEC 60269-4 requirements without any de-rating concerns in standard Indian grid conditions.
What fuse holder is compatible with the Eaton Bussmann 160FEE double barrel fuse?
The 160FEE uses a double barrel BS88 body configuration, which requires a compatible BS88 double barrel semiconductor fuse holder or fuse base. Eaton Bussmann manufactures a range of matching fuse holders designed for the FEE series. When sourcing a fuse holder, match the current rating, voltage rating, and physical barrel dimensions to the 160FEE specifications. Contact Shansen Enterprises via WhatsApp or email and our team will confirm the correct fuse holder part number for your panel design.
Is the 160FEE suitable for protecting VFDs and soft starters on Indian three-phase 415V supply systems?
Yes. The 160FEE is rated 690V AC, which covers the standard Indian three-phase 415V (line-to-line) industrial supply with a comfortable voltage safety margin. Its Class aR rating and fast clearing characteristics make it well suited for protecting the input rectifier stage of VFDs and the thyristor modules of soft starters. For a 160A application on a 415V three-phase system, verify the drive manufacturer’s recommended fuse I²t and peak let-through current (Ip) values against the 160FEE datasheet to confirm coordination before installation.
How do I order the Eaton Bussmann 160FEE from Shansen Enterprises?
Ordering the Eaton Bussmann 160FEE from Shansen Enterprises is straightforward. Click the WhatsApp button on this page to send us the catalog number (160FEE) and your required quantity directly, or use the Request a Quote button to submit your enquiry by email. Our team in Coimbatore will respond with pricing, availability, and estimated delivery timeline. We supply genuine Eaton Bussmann products pan-India — including to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and all major industrial cities. Bulk orders and project-based requirements receive priority pricing.
