Electrical – Purpose of backup fuse in SPD

fusessurge-protection

I am trying to understand the main purpose of backup fuse used in SPD (Surge Protection device). Is this used to protect the SPD from high AC current but still allowing surge current to pass or does it has different reason. I tried searching but with no luck I am positing it here.

I also found following picture which explains about the Fuse F1 and F2 but cant figure out much.

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Can anyone explain me about this or provide some links where I can read more about it.

Best Answer

From: Installation Instructions

Surge Protector

F2 is a parallel backup fuse. If I ≤ 250A F1 will open. But if I > 250A, F1 and F2 will open to protect circuitry.

From Overvoltage Protection of Low Voltage Systems By Peter Hasse:

For the TN-system overcurrent and residual protective devices are permitted for 'protection in case of indirect contact'. Lightning current and surge arresters (classes B and C) may only be installed behind overcurrent protective devices for 'protection in case of indirect contact' to safeguard measures of personnel protection also in case of an arrester fault.

There is more there in the Hasse link, but F2 is there to protect the circuit from a current surge (class C) or a lightning strike (class B). You also have over-voltage protection (class D). Relative Reference: IEC 61008-1.