The Full Form of HBC is High Breaking Capacity.

High Breaking Capacity ( HBC ) fuses are suitable for industrial installations and motor starting circuits. They can distinguish between a starting surge and a short circuit. Their operating characteristics are such that they can disconnect short circuits much more rapidly than any other protective device. For example the HBC fuse can clear a high fault current in 0.01 seconds, while the mechanism of a circuit breaker could take 0.1 seconds to operate.

This type of fuse is also known as a High-Rupturing-Capacity ( HRC ) fuse. Its fuse element is enclosed in a robust cartridge of heatproof material. The cartridge is packed with chemically treated silica sand to quench the arc which occurs as the fuse element ruptures. This ensures that there is no fire risk. They do not deteriorate with age.

The barrel of the HBC fuse is made from high grade ceramic to withstand the mechanical forces of heavy current interruption.

The end caps ( tags ) are plated thus ensuring good electrical contact.

The fuse element is accurately shaped and machined to give precise characteristics. Most HBC fuses are fitted with indicator beads, which show when it has ruptured.