Eaton Current Limiting Helix
Fuses (CLE, HLE and HCL)
Eaton Current Limiting Helix Fuses (CLE, HLE and HCL) are general purpose indoor or outdoor industrial fuses designed for limiting short circuits in high capacity applications. Voltage, Amperage, Interrupt Capacity and Current Limiting are key considerations when choosing a current limiting fuse for power distribution systems. Proper fuse selection depends on many factors, consult a professional engineer for your application. See Monster Fuses Fuse Current Ratings for Power Transformer Applications and Motor Starter Fuse specifications. You can Request a quote for Power Transformers or Motor Starters here.
You may also want to consider Fuse Resistance Values. A cold resistance test of a fuse [pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]As a factory authorized provider of all the major fuse lines, Monster Fuses has the inventory to deliver.[/pullquote]provides the primary indication of the fuse’s condition. At Monster Fuses we use a DLRO to test every fuse prior to shipment, and record the results of each test in our database. These values, measured in milliohms, are displayed in the table under the resistance heading in the lower right hand corner of our company website pages pages at monsterfuses.com. The values are displayed as Low, High and historical Average. These values are imported from the fuse manufacturer where available and built off of empirical test data if unavailable. Monster Fuses is proud to be the only company to offer an open database of resistance values.
Eaton Current Limiting Helix Fuses are found in feeder systems supplying power to transformers, busbar and other electrical apparatus. Wiring, insulation and other components are protected using the current responsive element
within the fuse that melts when current exceeds a specified range. Current limiting interrupts the current. Eaton offers a wide range of interrupting ratings in single barrel designs with ratings extended to higher currents in double, triple and quad barrel designs.
Select Tabs 1 through 4 below to see how a fuse extinguishes current. In the following diagram illustrate how melting in a Helix Current Limiting Fuse absorbs heat and extinguishes an arcing electrical current.
CLE, HLE and HCL Features
- Pure silver elements optimize performance and temperature conditions
- Double helix design provides additional elements, increasing surface area
- Higher continuous currents and superior arc control
- Blown fuse striker pin extension offers visual monitoring
- Inner Helix Thermal transfer for fast melting reduces fuse barrel stress
- Static design for quiet operation and flame discharge prevention
- Interchangeable with major brands for maintenance flexibility
HLE and CLE ferrule fuses mount in disconnect or non-disconnect configurations. BHLE type fuses may be directly “bolted-in” to switchgear bus bars. HCL type units mount in cam action clip-lock clips, simplifying replacement and installation. Helix fuses are semi-coreless, and are enclosed in high strength filament winding and epoxy tubes.
Current Limiting Vs. Expulsion Type Fuse
While there are many types of fuses, choosing between Current Limiting Fuses and Expulsion Type Fuses is a frequent consideration in circuit protection. Expulsion fuses are

Eaton’s Helix fuses (CLE, HLE and HCL) are general purpose fuses suitable for indoor and outdoor use
not current interrupting. An expulsion fuse is a vented “time delay” type fuse. Internal arcing causes gases to be expelled, resulting in current interruption. Expulsion fuses limit the current fault duration, not the magnitude as with Current Limiting Fuses. There are many types of industrial fuses. Choosing between Current Limiting or Expulsion Type fuses for limiting short circuits in high-capacity applications is critical in adequately protecting your power distribution systems.
Key considerations for choosing the right fuse:
Voltage rating: Maximum ac or dc voltage at which fuse is designed to operate.
Interrupting Rating: The highest alternating or direct current fuse is designed to interrupt under specified application.
Continuous Current Rating: Rating fuse can continuously carry current without exceeding temperature rise values.
Coordination: The fuse must be in ‘coordination” with the equipment line and load to ensure melting (overcurrent and arcing time) and clearing (fuse opening time).
[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Need it Now? Call 888.444.4335 or visit monsterfuses.com[/pullquote]
Contributing Author Greg Carter has been working exclusively in Industrial/Electrical Digital Marketing and e-commerce for over 15 years. His blog is electricalmarketing.net.
email: gcarter@electricalmarketing.net. | Direct 856.381.7834.