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NTE Thermal Cut-Offs (TCOs): Essential Safety Components in Electrical Equipment
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Overview:
- NTE offers a wide range of axial and radial lead thermal cut-offs, also known as thermal fuses or TCOs.
- A thermal fuse is a one-time use safety device that prevents overheating in electrical equipment.
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Function and Design:
- Operates differently from a thermal switch; it doesn't reset but permanently opens the circuit when triggered.
- Contains a thermal pellet or fusible alloy that melts at a preset temperature, breaking the circuit to prevent overheating.
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Typical Applications:
- Found in heat-producing electrical appliances like HVAC equipment, small home appliances (coffee makers, hair dryers, toasters), water heaters, and motors.
- Protects against fire hazards by disconnecting the current in case of a malfunction.
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Selection Criteria:
- Choose based on the maximum temperature experienced during normal operation, including short-term overshoots.
- Marked with opening temperature and/or part number for easy identification and replacement.
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Life Expectancy and Nuisance Trips:
- Life expectancy depends on the operating temperature relative to the fuse's rating.
- A rating too close to normal operating temperature may increase the risk of nuisance trips.
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Storage Precautions:
- Low-temperature TCOs, like the NTE8065, can be sensitive to high storage or transportation temperatures.
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Installation and Soldering:
- Careful soldering is crucial to avoid premature stress or damage.
- NTE recommends using heat-sinked soldering techniques or their crimp splices (P/N: TCO-SPLICE) to prevent damage from high temperatures.
NTE's thermal cut-offs are vital for ensuring safety in various electrical appliances, offering reliable protection against potential overheating and fire hazards.