Reducing Arc Flash Risk with Mersen Fuses: What You Need to Know

When it comes to workplace safety in electrical systems, arc flash remains one of the most serious hazards in our industry. At EB Horsman, we’re committed to helping our customers reduce risk—and that’s why we trust Mersen fuses to play a key role in lowering arc energy levels.

Here’s what you need to know about how current-limiting fuses can help you improve safety, stay compliant, and keep your systems running with less risk.

An arc flash happens when a high-power electric fault causes a flashover, sending intense heat, pressure, and energy into the air. It’s fast, dangerous, and potentially deadly. The key safety challenge is incident energy, measured in cal/cm². Lowering that number helps reduce the severity of potential injuries.

Many job sites and facilities now require arc flash studies, labeling, and PPE assessments based on IEEE 1584 standards and CSA Z462 guidelines. But PPE alone isn’t enough. The right overcurrent protection makes a huge difference—this is where Mersen’s current-limiting fuses come in.

Current-limiting fuses are designed to interrupt fault currents faster than standard circuit breakers. That speed matters. A faster response time means less energy is released during a fault, which lowers the incident energy significantly.

Here’s how Mersen fuses support arc flash reduction:

• Fast-acting performance: They limit both the duration and magnitude of the fault current.
• Lower peak let-through currents: This reduces stress on downstream equipment and improves safety margins.
• Clearing time under ½ cycle: In many cases, Mersen fuses clear faults before the arc has time to fully develop.
• Reliable operation at all current levels: Even during high fault conditions, Mersen fuses operate consistently and predictably.

The result? Lower arc flash boundaries, less required PPE, and safer working conditions for your team.

Using Mersen’s current-limiting fuses in your system design can:

• Shrink the arc flash boundary: This means more areas can be worked on safely, with lower PPE categories.
• Help meet CSA Z462 requirements: It supports easier compliance with Canadian safety regulations.
• Protect your investment: Less arc energy means less damage to your gear, which helps lower repair and replacement costs.
• Boost confidence for electricians and maintenance crews: Safer systems = better morale and productivity.

If you're planning to upgrade or specify fuses for arc flash reduction, look for:

• Class J, RK1, and L fuses (Mersen offers top-tier versions of all three)
• High interrupting ratings
• Time-current curves showing fast clearing times

Not sure what fits your system? Our technical team can help you select the right Mersen fuse for your application.

We’ve partnered with Mersen because they make safety-focused products that perform in real-world conditions. We carry a wide selection of their current-limiting fuses, fuse holders, and surge protection products in stock, ready for quick delivery across Western Canada.

Our customers count on us for solutions that work—and Mersen has proven time and again to be a brand we trust.

E.B. Horsman is proud to offer Mersen’s full range of industrial protection products to the mining industry across Western Canada.

Talk to Us About Arc Flash Solutions

Arc flash risk is serious—but the right protection makes a big difference. Let us help you make your system safer and more efficient with Mersen.