1. Product Overview
The Bussmann LP-CC-20 is a Low-Peak, current-limiting, time-delay cartridge fuse designed for reliable circuit protection. This 20 Amp fuse is rated for 600 Volts AC or less and 300 Volts DC, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications where protection against both overcurrents and short circuits is critical.
Its time-delay characteristic allows for temporary overcurrents, such as those caused by motor starting, without nuisance tripping, while still providing fast-acting protection for short-circuit conditions.
Figure 1: Bussmann LP-CC-20 Time Delay Fuse. This image shows the cylindrical body of the fuse with end caps, typical of a cartridge fuse design.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Electrical work can be dangerous. Always follow local electrical codes and safety regulations. Improper installation or handling of electrical components can result in serious injury or death.
- Ensure power is disconnected at the main circuit breaker or switch before installing, removing, or inspecting fuses.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves and safety glasses.
- Only replace fuses with those of the exact same type, voltage, and current rating (e.g., LP-CC-20). Using an incorrect fuse can lead to fire, equipment damage, or inadequate protection.
- Do not bypass or tamper with fuses.
- If unsure about any electrical procedure, consult a qualified electrician.
3. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | LP-CC-20 |
| Brand | Bussmann |
| Fuse Type | Low-Peak, Current Limiting, Time-Delay Cartridge Fuse |
| Current Rating | 20 Amps |
| Voltage Rating | 600 Volts AC (or less), 300 Volts DC |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approximately 2.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 0.33 lbs |
| Compliance | RoHS Compliant |
| UPC | 653829011452 |
4. Installation and Setup
This fuse is designed for installation into compatible fuse holders within electrical panels, control circuits, or other equipment requiring circuit protection. Follow these general guidelines for installation:
- Power Disconnection: Before beginning any work, ensure that all power to the circuit where the fuse will be installed is completely disconnected and locked out according to safety procedures. Verify with a voltage tester.
- Identify Fuse Holder: Locate the appropriate fuse holder designed for CC-type cartridge fuses. Ensure the holder is clean and free from debris.
- Insert Fuse: Carefully insert the LP-CC-20 fuse into the fuse holder. Ensure it is seated firmly and correctly within the clips or terminals of the holder. Do not force the fuse.
- Verify Connection: Double-check that the fuse is securely in place and that there are no loose connections.
- Restore Power: Once installation is complete and verified, restore power to the circuit.
Note: Always refer to the equipment manufacturer's instructions for specific fuse replacement or installation procedures.
5. Operating Principles
The Bussmann LP-CC-20 fuse operates as a passive safety device. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds the fuse's 20 Amp rating for a sustained period (time-delay characteristic) or reaches a very high level instantaneously (short-circuit), the internal element of the fuse melts, opening the circuit and preventing damage to equipment or wiring.
- Time-Delay: This feature allows the fuse to withstand temporary overcurrents, common during motor startup or transformer energization, without blowing. This prevents unnecessary interruptions.
- Current-Limiting: In the event of a severe short circuit, the fuse acts very quickly to limit the peak current and the total energy let-through, thereby reducing the potential for damage to downstream components.
A properly functioning fuse will remain intact under normal operating conditions. It is designed to sacrifice itself to protect the circuit.
6. Maintenance
Fuses are generally maintenance-free devices. However, periodic inspection of fuse holders and connections is recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically inspect the fuse and its holder for any signs of physical damage, discoloration, or corrosion.
- Connection Integrity: Ensure that the fuse holder connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can lead to overheating and premature fuse failure.
- Replacement: If a fuse has blown, it must be replaced. A blown fuse indicates an electrical fault that needs to be investigated and resolved before installing a new fuse.
7. Troubleshooting
If a circuit protected by an LP-CC-20 fuse loses power, the fuse may have blown. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Disconnect Power: Absolutely ensure all power to the affected circuit is disconnected and verified off.
- Inspect Fuse: Carefully remove the fuse from its holder. Visually inspect the fuse element. A blown fuse will typically show a broken or discolored element. For non-indicating fuses, a multimeter can be used to check for continuity across the fuse. A good fuse will show continuity (near zero resistance), while a blown fuse will show an open circuit (infinite resistance).
- Identify Cause: A blown fuse indicates an overcurrent condition. Before replacing the fuse, investigate the cause of the overcurrent. Common causes include:
- Short circuit in wiring or equipment.
- Overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power).
- Faulty equipment connected to the circuit.
- Motor startup current exceeding normal limits.
- Correct Fault: Rectify the underlying electrical fault. Replacing a blown fuse without addressing the cause will likely result in the new fuse blowing immediately.
- Replace Fuse: Only after the fault has been corrected, replace the blown fuse with a new Bussmann LP-CC-20 fuse of the identical rating.
- Restore Power: Restore power to the circuit and monitor for proper operation.
If the fuse continues to blow after replacement and fault correction, consult a qualified electrician.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support regarding Bussmann products, please refer to the official Bussmann website or contact their customer service directly. Specific warranty terms may vary based on region and purchase location.
Manufacturer: BUSSMANN
Model: LP-CC-20
UPC: 653829011452
For further assistance, please visit Eaton's Bussmann Series website.
