Which characteristic distinguishes medium-voltage fuses from low-voltage fuses?

Medium-voltage fuses are distinguished from low-voltage fuses primarily by their voltage rating. Medium-voltage fuses are designed to operate within a specific range of voltages that generally exceeds that of low-voltage fuses. This difference in voltage rating means that medium-voltage fuses must be constructed to withstand higher electrical stresses and provide adequate protection against overcurrents in these higher voltage applications.

Low-voltage fuses typically operate at voltages up to 1,000 volts, while medium-voltage fuses can handle voltage ratings from 1,000 volts up to about 38,000 volts or more. This classification is crucial for ensuring that fuses are used appropriately in electrical systems, as using a fuse with an improper voltage rating can lead to inadequate protection, equipment failure, or hazardous conditions.

Other characteristics, such as physical size, response time, and application use, can vary but are not the primary factors that define the classification of fuses based on voltage levels.