What type of fuses are also known as dual-element fuses?

Dual-element fuses are specifically designed to handle different overload conditions while providing effective protection. They consist of two elements: a time-delay element that accommodates temporary overloads, which allows the circuit to continue functioning without interruption during brief surges, and an instantaneous element that reacts quickly to severe short circuits.

The time-delay feature is essential in applications where motors or inductive loads may experience inrush currents that are higher than their normal operating current for a short period. This characteristic prevents unnecessary nuisance blowing of the fuse during normal operational peaks while still ensuring that serious faults are quickly addressed.

In contrast, the other types of fuses do not share this dual-element design. Instantaneous fuses, for example, react quickly to any overload conditions without delay and can blow immediately upon detecting a fault, which is unsuitable for certain motor applications. Rapid-blow fuses also act swiftly and provide little tolerance for overloads, making them more prone to blowing during normal operational conditions. Slow-blow fuses, while somewhat similar in that they can handle temporary overloads, do not feature the dual-element construction that characterizes dual-element fuses. Therefore, time-delay fuses are appropriately recognized as dual-element fuses for their ability to manage both temporary and permanent overloads effectively