Active Safety for High-Voltage Systems
Posted to News on 3rd Nov 2025, 13:00

Active Safety for High-Voltage Systems

The new APO Pyrofuse from SCHURTER provides active safety for high-voltage systems up to 1000 V / 400 A. A micro gas generator disconnects the circuit within less than 2 ms in case of a fault signal - ensuring maximum safety and protection of downstream components.

Active Safety for High-Voltage Systems

Electrification is advancing across all industries - from electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to energy storage, aviation, and fuel cells. This trend increases the demand for reliable protection mechanisms in high-voltage systems. The new APO pyrofuse from SCHURTER delivers active safety - compact, robust and highly efficient.

Unlike conventional fuses, the APO fuse operates actively. In the event of a short circuit or accident, the control unit sends a trigger signal to an integrated micro gas generator. Within milliseconds, the generator produces high pressure that drives a piston to mechanically sever the solid copper busbar. The resulting arc is safely suppressed in a dedicated extinguishing chamber. The outcome is a complete galvanic isolation in less than two milliseconds - with measured values as fast as 0.9 ms.

High breaking capacity

The APO pyrofuse is rated for operating voltages up to 1000 V and continuous currents up to 400 A. With an ultra-low internal resistance in the range of only a few dozen micro Ohms, power losses and temperature rise remain minimal. Its high breaking capacity ensures safe interruption even under extreme short-circuit conditions, while the fully encapsulated design prevents the release of gases or particles.

This combination of speed, robustness and efficiency guarantees maximum system safety. At the same time, the compact design allows for seamless integration into existing architectures and relieves downstream components such as contactors.

With the APO pyrofuse, SCHURTER strengthens its position as a technology partner for e-mobility and the energy transition. Whether in electric vehicles, aviation, or stationary energy storage systems - the APO fuse ensures that high-voltage systems remain reliably protected even under extreme conditions.

SCHURTER Electronics Ltd.

Unit 3, Mildshires Business Park
Smeaton Close
HP19 8HL
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0) 1296 319 000

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