Fusible element for a current-limiting fuse having groups of spaced holes or notches therein

A fusible element for a high-voltage, current-limiting fuse, comprising:

• an elongated, thin, conductive ribbon having along its entire length a substantially uniform thickness and, between its edges, a substantially uniform width, the ribbon having a major longitudinal axis centered between its edges, and
• a plurality of groups of holes or notches formed through or in the ribbon, the holes or notches having similar transverse locations relative to the axis and to the edges of the ribbon, adjacent holes or notches of each group being separated therewithin along the ribbon by a first distance, measured parallel to the axis, which is substantially less than a second distance, measured parallel to the axis, between adjacent groups along the ribbon, so that both higher and lower voltage fault currents are effectively interrupted, and so that the arc voltage developed by the fuse during the occurrence of the lower voltage fault currents does not exceed a predetermined value.