What is the Continuous Current Rating of a fuse?

The Continuous Current Rating of a fuse refers to the current a fuse can carry continuously under normal operating conditions without overheating or failing. This rating is critical as it ensures that the fuse operates safely within its limits, protecting the circuit it is designed to serve.

In practical terms, if the current exceeds this rating for an extended period, the fuse may overheat and compromise its integrity, potentially leading to a failure that wouldn't adequately protect the electrical circuit. Understanding this rating helps in selecting the appropriate fuse for a specific application, ensuring reliable operation and safety.

Other options address different aspects of a fuse's functionality; for instance, the maximum interrupting current pertains to the highest current a fuse can safely interrupt without causing damage, while the current that causes a fuse to blow is related to the fuse's melting point but does not encompass its continuous operational capacity. The maximum overload current refers to a fuse's ability to handle brief surges without blowing, rather than its steady operational rating.