What type of fuse is often used in distribution systems?

A current-limiting fuse is often used in distribution systems because it is specifically designed to handle overcurrents while minimizing the damage that can occur from fault conditions. These fuses can interrupt high fault currents and limit the energy that passes through during a short-circuit event. This characteristic helps protect downstream equipment from the damaging effects of excessive current, making them particularly valuable in distribution applications where reliability and safety are paramount.

Current-limiting fuses work by quickly disconnecting the circuit when an overcurrent is detected, effectively reducing the amount of thermal and mechanical stress on the distribution system. This makes them more suitable than other types of fuses for scenarios where quick interruption and protection from high-energy faults are critical.

In contrast, resettable fuses and standard glass or ceramic fuses do not typically offer the same level of protection against high fault currents, as they are not specifically engineered to limit the amount of energy that can pass through them during a fault condition. Thus, their performance in a distribution system may not meet the rigorous demands required for optimal protection.