What is another name for a time delay fuse?

A time delay fuse is specifically designed to handle brief overloads without blowing, which makes it ideal for applications involving inrush currents, such as motors or transformers. The term "dual element" refers to the construction of this type of fuse, which includes two elements: one that melts under normal operating conditions (to protect against sustained overloads) and another that provides a time-delay feature, allowing it to withstand temporary surges without tripping. This distinctive construction distinguishes it from other types of fuses, such as quick acting or instantaneous fuses, which are designed to blow immediately when an overload occurs. In contrast, a dual element fuse effectively balances the need for protection against both overload and surge conditions, making it the appropriate choice in scenarios that involve variable loads.