Which is better BS1361 or BS88?

David345 · Nov 29, 2020

Was wondering why was BS1361 replaced by BS88 even though BS1361 tends to have a larger breaking capacity according to the on-site guide if I'm reading it right, however, I maybe wrong.

For example BS1361 breaking capacity can be 16.5kA to 33kA depending on what type you get, where BS88 is 16kA to 31.5kA depending on what type. However that was BS88-3, BS88-6 is 16.5kA at 240v. Also what is the difference between the BS88-2, BS88-3 and BS88-6, what is the newest version of BS88 fuse.

Pete999 · Nov 29, 2020

David345 said:
Was wondering why was BS1361 replaced by BS88 even though BS1361 tends to have a larger breaking capacity according to the on-site guide if I'm reading it right, however, I maybe wrong.

For example BS1361 breaking capacity can be 16.5kA to 33kA depending on what type you get, where BS88 is 16kA to 31.5kA depending on what type. However that was BS88-3, BS88-6 is 16.5kA at 240v. Also what is the difference between the BS88-2, BS88-3 and BS88-6, what is the newest version of BS88 fuse.

Different strokes for different folks as Willis used to say

DefyG · Nov 29, 2020

It hasn't!

Both Still current British standards.

David345 · Nov 29, 2020

DefyG said:
It hasn't!

Both Still current British standards.

Why is BS88 preferred to BS1361 though, even though BS1361 tends to have a higher breaking capacity.

telectrix · Nov 30, 2020

tell it to farmers. either is better than a bent nail.

westward10 · Nov 30, 2020

None is particularly better than another as BS88 2-6 serve different purposes, BS88-1 is general requirements for the fuses. BS1361 fuses are now referred to as BS88-3 so are essentially the same thing.

David345 · Nov 30, 2020

westward10 said:
None is particularly better than another as BS88 2-6 serve different purposes, BS88-1 is general requirements for the fuses. BS1361 fuses are now referred to as BS88-3 so are essentially the same thing.

So are there no difference between the BS1361 and BS88 fuses other than the BS number. If so why change the BS number if there is no change. Do they both still contain sillica or similar powder inside them? And if I'm right did the fuse history go like this BS88 fuses came first then the BS1361 fuses and then back to BS88 2010? Maybe I'm wrong. Sorry for being an annoyance with all the questions, just trying to get my head around this. Thanks.