Protection Techniques and Common Failure Modes |
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Load | Load Example | Protection | Diagram | Common Failure Modes | Failure Mode Description |
Resistive (DC) | Indicator Lamp, Heaters | Current Limiting Resistor | | In-rush Current (Switching) | In-rush current exceeds rating and welds switch closed |
Over-Current (Carry) | Carry-current exceeds rating and switch welds or burns open like a fuse |
Inductive & Capacitative (DC) | Relay Coil, Solenoids, Motor | Reversing Diode | | Over-Voltage (Arcing) | Voltage arcing during switching weldscontacts closed |
Inductive & Capacitive (AC or DC) | Resistor & Capacitor Network | |
Resistive, Inductive & Capacitive (AC or DC) | Indicator Lamp, Heaters, Relay Coil, Solenoids, Motor | Varistor or MOV | | Over-Voltage (Arcing) | Transients voltage spikes exceed breadown voltage and weld switch closed |