Fuse Size Calculator

Determine the appropriate fuse size for continuous and motor loads

Fuse Size Calculator

Compliant with NEC Guidelines

Results:

Recommended Time-Delay Fuse (A): 0.00

Recommended Non-Time-Delay Fuse (A): 0.00

Notes:

How to Use the Calculator

AC Continuous Loads

  1. Select "AC" as System Type and "Continuous Load" as Load Type.
  2. Enter the continuous operating current in Amps.
  3. Click "Calculate" to get the recommended fuse sizes.
  4. This applies to resistive loads, lighting, heating, etc.

AC Motor Loads (Inductive)

  1. Select "AC" as System Type and "Motor Load" as Load Type.
  2. Enter the Motor Full Load Current (FLC) from the motor nameplate.
  3. Click "Calculate" for the recommended fuse sizes (both Time-Delay and Non-Time-Delay).

DC Loads (All Types)

  1. Select "DC" as System Type. The Load Type field will hide.
  2. Enter the load current (continuous or motor FLC) in Amps.
  3. Click "Calculate" for the recommended fuse sizes (both Time-Delay and Non-Time-Delay).
  4. Always verify calculations with local electrical codes (e.g., NEC).

Fuse Sizing Fundamentals

Continuous Loads

For continuous loads (operating for 3 hours or more), the overcurrent protection device must be sized at 125% of the continuous load current for AC systems [^NEC_210.20(A)].

Motor Loads

  • Motors have high inrush currents during starting.
  • For AC motors, Time-Delay fuses are typically sized at 300% of FLC, while Non-Time-Delay fuses are at 175% [^NEC_430.52].
  • For DC loads (both continuous and motor), a 150% factor is commonly applied for both fuse types.
  • Fuses are sized higher than FLC to prevent nuisance tripping.

Key Sizing Rules:

AC Continuous Load: Fuse Size = Current × 1.25

AC Motor (Time-Delay Fuse): Fuse Size = Motor FLC × 3.00

AC Motor (Non-Time-Delay Fuse): Fuse Size = Motor FLC × 1.75

DC Loads (All Types): Fuse Size = Load Current × 1.50

Calculation Formulas

AC Continuous Load:
Fuse Size (A) = Current (A) × 1.25

AC Motor Load (Time-Delay Fuse):
Fuse Size (A) = Motor FLC (A) × 3.00

AC Motor Load (Non-Time-Delay Fuse):
Fuse Size (A) = Motor FLC (A) × 1.75

DC Loads (All Types):
Fuse Size (A) = Load Current (A) × 1.50

Example Calculation

AC Motor Load Example:

Motor FLC: 20 Amps

System Type: AC

Time-Delay Fuse Size = 20A × 3.00 = 60 Amps

Non-Time-Delay Fuse Size = 20A × 1.75 = 35 Amps

Recommended Time-Delay Fuse: 60A

Recommended Non-Time-Delay Fuse: 35A

Related Power Calculators

Star-Delta Starter Component Calculator

Calculate components for star-delta motor starters.

Try Calculator

Busbar Amps Calculator

Determine current carrying capacity of busbars

Try Calculator

VFD Selection Calculator

Select the right Variable Frequency Drive for your motor.

Try Calculator