St Louis, MO, May 28, 2008 - Cooper Bussmann developed a full range of PV Fuses specifically for protecting solar panel photovoltaic (PV) cell strings.Sophisticated solar panel systems contain photovoltaic (PV) strings that consist of small solar power cells connected in series or parallel. Their recent, accelerated development has created a demand for high-performance fuses. The specific area of concern is the limited current condition that exists with a solar panel fault.
The short-circuit current levels associated with solar panels do not produce sufficient current to open standard fuses in a way that effectively isolates faulted photovoltaic cell strings.Fuses with full range low-fault current operation are recognized by design engineers as the tried and tested means for protecting PV arrays. With ratings from 8A to 15A at 1000Vdc, the new Cooper Bussmann PV Fuse line complies with the ‘gR’ operating Class and is manufactured to meet global standards of the 10 x 38mm fuse package for coordination with 4”, 5” and 6” solar cell panels.
The fuses are tested and approved to IEC 60269, and provide full-range protection with minimum interrupting ratings down to 1.3 x In.The popular 10 x 38mm cylindrical fuse package allows using off-the-shelf modular fuse holders, fuse blocks, PCB clips, bolt fixing blocks, and also come with available tabs for direct soldering onto a circuit board.Alternative power generating systems, like solar panels, were once considered impractical due to initial start-up costs. Cumbersome equipment required to sustain the continued supply of electricity and to convert the dc electricity into ac was also a deterrent.
However, the rapid advancements in solar panels and systems has made this alternative means a more viable solution for generating clean power. “These unique Cooper Bussmann PV Fuses will assist design engineers in ensuring worker safety and equipment protection without sacrificing performance in alternative energy applications,” explained Dan Dunlap, senior product manager for Cooper Bussmann.Cooper Bussmann is continually investing in the design of fuses for the protection of emerging technologies utilizing power electronics. Close global cooperation among the product and engineering teams ensures continuous component improvements, including fuses, to protect the next generation of “clean energy” equipment.
About Cooper Bussmann
Cooper Bussmann, the industry leader in downtime reduction, workplace safety and Code compliance solutions, is a division of Cooper Industries (NYSE: CBE), and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The company is committed to the development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative circuit protection products, and provides engineering, training and testing services globally for the electrical, electronics and transportation industries
About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries, Ltd. (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2007 revenues of $5.9 billion, approximately 87% of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs. The Company has eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products.
With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. Sixty percent of total sales are to customers in the Industrial and Utility end-markets and 34% of total sales are currently to customers outside the United States. Cooper, which has more than 31,500 employees and manufacturing facilities in 23 countries, is incorporated in Bermuda with administrative headquarters in Houston, TX, USA.