A thermal links, also known as thermal cutoffs (TCO) are used in a variety of electrical products to prevent overheating. The ELCUT and SEFUSE® brand of thermal links are of the non-resettable type thermal protectors attached to the heat generating section of electronic parts such as motors, transformers, solenoids, power supplies, relays, transformers, surge protection devices. If the device overheats and the thermal link reaches its cutoff temperature, the thermal element within the thermal link melts and cuts-off the electrical circuit.
The Elcut brand of thermal links, are based upon a fusible alloy design. The high current capable SEFUSE® brand of thermal links are based upon a thermal sensitive pellet and mechanical spring actuated contacts. Elcut and SEFUSE® brand thermal links have most agency approvals, including UL/cUL, CSA, CCC, VDE and PSE.
Compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be followed. In addition, sufficient testing must be performed with review of all testing data to determine the optimal thermal link design for a particular application. It is very important to not use ELCUT and SEFUSE® thermal fuses in applications that exceed the electrical rating and temperature specifications, such as the holding temperature, normal/maximum use temperature and maximum temperature limit ranges.