Motor circuits require what type of fuses?

Motor circuits require time delay fuses because these fuses are designed to withstand temporary overload conditions that are common during the starting phase of an electric motor. When an electric motor starts, it draws a significant amount of current, often several times higher than its normal operating current. A time delay fuse allows for this brief surge of current, providing protection while preventing nuisance blows that could interrupt the motor's operation.

Additionally, time delay fuses are better suited for the inductive loads associated with motor circuits, as they can handle short spikes in current without blowing, thereby ensuring reliability in the circuit. This characteristic is especially important in commercial settings where motors may start and stop frequently.

In contrast, fuses that act quickly or without a delay might blow during these temporary surges, leading to unnecessary outages and potential damage to the motor. Current limiting fuses are more specialized for applications where very high fault currents need to be controlled, but they are not typically used in standard motor circuits.