Author Topic: Why are radial fuses square?  (Read 1287 times)

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Offline crgarciaTopic starter

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Why are radial fuses square?
« on: June 05, 2022, 11:58:39 am »
Maybe this is more of an english question, and I don't really understand what does radial actually mean. I'm asking here becaue I have the feeling it has more to do with some of the internals of the component:

Why is this a radial fuse?
1503811-0

https://ch.farnell.com/bel-fuse/0697a5000-01/fuse-radial-time-delay-5a-250vac/dp/2848627?mckv=_dc|pcrid|586863766079|plid||kword||match||slid||product|2848627|pgrid|131580399982|ptaid|pla-1586519166231|&gross_price=true&CMP=KNC-GCH-GEN-SHOPPING-SMART-Test873-Low_ROAS

Thanks!
 

Offline Alti

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2022, 12:06:11 pm »
Hi. Radially in this context comes from the construction of cylindrical electrolytic capacitors which can have leads oriented radially (not in axis but offset, both on same side) or axially (in axis, one per side).

Other components can also have same/similar construction. Most popular fuse designs with leads are actually axial, usually 5x20 with leads. The advantage of radial design is that you do not have to shape the leads to populate the board. You just cut the leads and put into THT holes. With radial design you need lead shaping (which comes at a cost and creates problems of its own).
 
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Offline eti

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2022, 10:08:01 pm »
Why are triangles round?
 

Offline TimFox

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2022, 10:14:43 pm »
With square or disc-shaped capacitors, for example, "radial" means two leads in parallel (as in your picture) and "axial" means two leads diametrically opposed (like an old-fashioned resistor).
The "axial" usage is obvious, and "radial" is a reasonable convention for the other thing.
 
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Offline vu2nan

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #4 on: July 17, 2022, 03:25:55 pm »
The terms 'axial' and 'radial' are used to describe the orientation of the leads of cylindrical components like resistors, capacitors, fuses etc.



The fuse in question is one with radial leads, that has been moulded in an enclosure.
« Last Edit: July 18, 2022, 01:49:11 am by vu2nan »
 
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Offline Brumby

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2022, 05:20:43 am »
The origin of the term "radial" has faded into insignificance and has evolved into its own meaning.

As such, radial leads now refers to those which come out of the same side of a component, with no dependence on the shape of that component.  Radial leaded components are typically seen on PCBs or large components that are chassis mounted.

Axial leads retain the descriptive element of the term - sharing a common axis.
« Last Edit: July 18, 2022, 05:22:47 am by Brumby »
 
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Offline Jeff eelcr

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Re: Why are radial fuses square?
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2022, 02:34:33 am »
Some are round.
Jeff
 


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