Overview
IEC 60269-4:2024 - Low‑voltage fuses, Part 4 - defines supplementary requirements for fuse‑links used to protect semiconductor devices. It is Edition 6.0 (2024) and is to be used together with IEC 60269-1:2024 (General requirements). The standard covers fuse‑links intended for equipment containing semiconductor devices for circuits up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC (with some fuse‑links suitable for higher rated voltages). This edition updates the series by introducing requirements for voltage source inverter (VSI) fuse‑links, expanding AC operating characteristic tests, and refreshing examples of standardized semiconductor fuse‑links.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and conformity: Fuse‑links for semiconductor protection shall meet all applicable requirements of IEC 60269‑1 unless specifically modified by Part 4.
- Essential characteristics specified for semiconductor fuse‑links include:
- Rated values (voltage, current)
- Temperature rise in normal service
- Power dissipation
- Time–current characteristics (selectivity and coordination)
- Breaking capacity
- Cut‑off current characteristics and I²t (energy let‑through)
- Arc voltage characteristics
- Type tests and test methods: Part 4 defines supplementary tests to verify the above characteristics, including provisions for VSI fuse‑links and AC/DC breaking‑capacity verification.
- Markings and documentation: Requirements for legible markings on fuse‑links and the availability of manufacturer data (catalogue information and on‑request technical data) are provided - see normative Annex BB.
- Guidance and examples: Informative and normative annexes include coordination guidance (Annex AA), manufacturer information lists (Annex BB), and standardized fuse‑link examples and dimensions (Annex CC).
Applications and who uses this standard
IEC 60269-4:2024 is essential for:
- Fuse manufacturers designing semiconductor fuse‑links (gR/gS types and VSI variants)
- Power electronics designers (inverters, converters, rectifiers, motor drives, UPS)
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type and routine tests
- Safety and compliance engineers, procurement specialists and OEMs who need to specify or replace fuse‑links for semiconductor protection
The standard helps ensure safe, interoperable, and interchangeable fuse‑links with predictable let‑through energy and breaking behavior suited to semiconductor device protection.
Related standards
- IEC 60269-1:2024 - Low‑voltage fuses: General requirements (required companion document)
- IEC 60269-2, IEC 60269-3 - Other supplementary parts for different fuse applications
- IEC 60269-6 - Supplementary requirements for photovoltaic systems (related specialty)
Keywords: IEC 60269-4:2024, low‑voltage fuses, semiconductor fuse‑links, voltage source inverter fuse, time‑current characteristics, breaking capacity, I²t, fuse coordination.