Which type of fuse is typically used where a high interrupting capacity is necessary?

Silver-sand fuses are specifically designed for high interrupting capacity applications, making them the appropriate choice in situations where the potential for high fault currents exists. These fuses contain a mixture of silver and sand, which acts as an effective medium to extinguish the arc that forms when the fuse elements melt due to an overload or short circuit. The unique composition enables them to handle and interrupt larger amounts of electrical current safely and efficiently.

In contrast, ceramic fuses, glass fuses, and polymer fuses are generally not designed to manage the same high interrupting capacities as silver-sand fuses. Ceramic fuses are durable and can withstand high temperatures, but they are better suited for lower interrupting capacity applications. Glass fuses offer visual indication of a blown fuse but are typically limited in their interrupting capabilities. Polymer fuses may provide durability and resistance to certain environmental factors, yet they also do not match the interrupting capacity that silver-sand fuses can offer in high fault situations.