Application Brief

Data centers stand as essential nodes, hosting servers, switches, and extensive data volumes. These hubs are vital for ensuring uninterrupted communication, cloud computing, and the functionality of the Internet of Things (IoT). With the exponential growth of data centers, the imperative for dependable circuit protection becomes increasingly critical. The Bussmann® series Low-Peak™ CUBEFuse™ emerges as a solution, offering a compact, current-limiting fuse tailored to meet the stringent requirements of critical power and data center applications.

The advent of more sophisticated AI models has led to a surge in the demand for advanced processors, such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), and specialized AI accelerators. This increase in processing power necessitates enhanced circuit protection mechanisms to manage the elevated fault currents characteristic of such high-demand environments. Conventional protective devices may fall short in effectively addressing these escalated levels, highlighting the necessity for solutions with high Short-Circuit Current Ratings (SCCR), like the Bussmann® series Low-Peak™ CUBEFuse™. By limiting fault current magnitudes, the CUBEFuse™ plays a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure from the adverse effects of high fault currents, ensuring operational integrity and reliability in power-intensive data center environments, particularly those serving AI computations.

The need for scalable and adaptable solutions, such as the Bussmann® Quik-Spec Coordination Panelboard (QSCP), becomes increasingly pronounced in light of the power demands driven by AI. As AI technologies advance and their deployment in data centers intensifies, it is crucial that the electrical infrastructure evolves accordingly, without compromising safety, efficiency, or reliability. The QSCP's capability to ensure selective coordination and provide high SCCR proves indispensable in scenarios where AI applications precipitate rapid shifts in power consumption and fault current levels, underscoring the importance of flexible and robust circuit protection solutions in the era of AI-enhanced computing.

1. Current-Limiting Performance:

• Challenge: Increasing Fault Currents

• As data centers expand, fault currents surge due to higher loads and increased power demand.

• Existing protective devices may struggle to handle these elevated fault levels.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™ limits fault current magnitude, preventing destructive energy release during faults. Its high interrupting ratings (IRs) ensure reliability even in high-fault-current environments.

2. Selective Coordination:

• Challenge: Coordination Complexity

• Data centers require selective coordination to minimize downtime during faults.

• Achieving this coordination across various circuits can be intricate due to the interconnected nature of systems.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™ can ensure selective coordination. When a fault occurs, only the affected circuit trips, leaving the rest of the system operational. This simplifies coordination efforts and enhances safety.

3. Compact Size:

• Challenge: Space Constraints

• Data center panels are often crowded, leaving limited space for protective devices.

• Traditional bulky fuses can exacerbate this issue, leading to inefficient use of available space.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™ offers a finger-safe, compact design. Its small footprint optimizes space utilization, allowing efficient panel layouts without compromising safety.

4. Reliability:

• Challenge: Continuous Operation Demands

• Data centers operate 24/7, and any interruption affects critical services.

• Circuit protection must be highly reliable to prevent downtime and data loss.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™, with its robust construction and proven performance, ensures uninterrupted data center operation. Reliability is inherent in its design, minimizing service disruptions.

5. Arc Flash Reduction:

• Challenge: Safety During Maintenance

• Data center maintenance may involves working near live electrical equipment.

• Arc flash hazards pose significant risks to personnel.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™ minimizes incident energy during faults, reducing arc flash hazards. By limiting energy release, it enhances safety for maintenance personnel, allowing them to work safely.

6. Flexibility:

• Challenge: Diverse Data Center Configurations

• Data centers vary in layout, load types, and distribution schemes.

• Circuit protection solutions must adapt to these diverse needs without compromising performance.

• Solution: The CUBEFuse™ offers flexibility. Available in indicating and non-indicating versions, it aligns with various data center setups.

7. Specifications:

   • Voltage: 600 Vac / 300 Vdc

     • Amps:

       • Indicating: 6-400 A

       • Non-indicating: 1-400 A

     • Interrupting Rating:

       • 300kA RMS Sym. (100A and below)

       • 200kA RMS Sym. (110 to 400A)

       • 100kA DC (1-400A)

     • Operating and Storage Temperature Range: -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F)

     • Watts Loss at Rated Current:

       • 30 A: 3.99 watts

       • 60 A: 6.23 watts

       • 100 A: 9.51 watts

       • 200 A: 18.6 watts

       • 225 A: 17.6 watts

       • 400 A: 35.2 watts

   • Key Features:

     • Smallest installed footprint of any UL Class CC, J, or R fuse solution.

     • Easy application using CUBEFuse holders, UL 98 Compact Circuit Protector switches, and Compact Circuit Protector Base.

     • UL Class CF with Class J time-delay electrical performance.

     • Indicating version features local easyID open fuse technology for faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.

     • True dual-element fuse construction with a minimum 10 seconds time-delay at 500% of rating.

8. Data sheet

The world's demand for power keeps growing

Today, the world runs on critical infrastructure and technology. Planes. Hospitals. Factories. Data centers. Vehicles. The electrical grid. These are things people depend on every day. And the companies behind them depend on us to help solve some of the toughest power management challenges on the planet. At Eaton, we’re dedicated to improving people’s lives and the environment with power management technologies that are more reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable.

We are a power management company doing business in more than 175 countries. Our energy-efficient products and services help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more reliably, efficiently, safely and sustainably. By giving people tools to use power more efficiently. Helping companies do business more sustainably. And by encouraging each and every employee at Eaton to think differently about our business, our communities—and the positive impact we can have on the world.