Thermal Links

    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.

    Thermal Link Application

    Battery Protectors

    SCHOTT SEFUSE® D6 battery protection devices are designed to protect Li-ion batteries from potentially damaging and dangerous overcurrent and overcharging circumstances. The components are thin/compact, surface mounted devices and are suitable for high currents and compatible with up batteries having up to 14 cells

    In cases of overcurrent situations, the fuse element will open and cut off the circuit. In cases of overcharging, a field-effect transistor (FET) is activated and the heater element in the D6S device disables the fuse element, resulting in the circuit being cut off. 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 design for a particular application

    Applications include battery packs used in rechargeable power / garden tools, cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners, E-bikes and E-motorcycles, energy storage systems, notebook PC’s, tablet PC’s and smartphones

    Battery Protector Applications

    Thermal Links / Resistors

    The Elcut brand of Thermal link / Resistors (A5MC, Y5JA and BZ05 series) combine a fusible alloy type thermal element and coil winding resistor heating element. They are attached electronic parts such as power supplies having high inrush current and require high insulating properties. Applications include power supplies, battery packs and other devices having high inrush current and require high insulating properties.

    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 design for a particular application