Hydrostatic Testing Rig for Electrical Fuse Bodies

For over 80 years, Lawson Fuses - a UK based fuse-links and body manufacturer - has been supplying a large variety of fuses for a diverse range of applications. Over the years, they have developed a reputation as being a leading fuse body manufacturer.

The company plays a key role in formulating fuse standards and specification through its relevant committees of BSI, IEC, and CENELEC, amongst other standards organisations.

Essential to passing these standards is the development of their research and development department, ensuring that each fuse is designed and developed to meet these standards. This means that each fuse needs to be rigorously tested. Only once they are tested can they be sold to their customers.

Having found Hydrotechnik UK online and seen our previous test rigs enabling another valve, cylinder and hose manufacturers to safely proof test their products, they contacted us to provide the following:

  • A stainless steel, manually operated hydrostatic test rig
  • Capable of carrying out burst tests up to 5000psi
  • Custom made tool to hold a wide range of fuse body sizes
  • A data logger capable of logging peak pressures

As with all of our test rigs, safety is paramount, which is why each one of our test rigs is built in 316 stainless steel with a high-grade polycarbonate viewing window for the viewing area. The walls of the tank are bunded, providing that extra level of protection whilst hydrostatic testing is carried out.

How does the test rig operate?

Our own test rig expert Chris discusses our latest testing rig:

The hydrostatic function is operated via a hand pump, which purges water through the test piece, then increases pressure until the product bursts. Within the test area, we have designed a clamping arrangement that securely holds the fuse body in place, regardless of its size. Hydrotechnik utilises its highly accurate stainless steel pressure sensor, which is fully calibrated before installation. This captures the peak pressure with an accuracy of ±0.25%.
The rising and falling pressures are all logged and recorded in real-time, using our MultiHandy 2025 data logger. These tests can be analysed and archived for further analysis through the HYDROcom6 software.

What type of tests can be carried out?

The hydrostatic test rig can carry out high-pressure burst testing up to 5000 psi.

What are the key benefits for the customer?

Lawson Fuse can now burst test their full range of fuse bodies, testing their durability and strength. With this data, they can make design decisions, such as whether to redesign the fuse body or sell it to the market.

As with all of Hydrotechnik UK’s test rigs, we provide a complete solution, from concept to creation. No matter what type of test is required, from burst to cyclical for a manufacturer or a research and development department, we provide a complete custom-designed test rig, suitable for a wide range of applications.

What next?

If you have any questions about our test rigs or are looking to carry out testing on components, but don’t know where to start, feel free to get in touch with us on 0115 900 3550. Alternatively, email christopher.allwood@hydrotechnik.co.uk or head over to our other test rig case studies.

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