Patent ID: 6859131

Claim:
A fuse having both a short circuit element and a current overload element, comprising: a short circuit indicator electrically communicating in parallel with the short circuit element, wherein the short circuit indicator is coated with a chemical composition that is adapted to vaporize after a short circuit occurs; a current overload indicator electrically communicating in parallel with the current overload element, wherein the overload indicator is coated with a chemical composition that is adapted to vaporize after a current overload occurs; and a single, rigid body that houses the short circuit element, current overload element, short circuit indicator and current overload indicator, wherein, (i) the body is fixed to conductive end caps that are exposed and configured to be fitted to mating connectors, (ii) the elements and indicators communicate electrically with the end caps, and (iii) the body defines at least one opening sized and shaped for a person to view both indicators located within.