At what temperature does a fusible plug typically melt?

A fusible plug is a safety device used in steam boilers and pressure vessels to prevent explosions by allowing steam to escape when the temperature exceeds a safe limit. It is designed to melt at a specific temperature, which is critical to ensure that the device functions properly to release pressure without risking an explosion.

The common melting point for fusible plugs is around 280°F. This temperature is carefully chosen to balance the need for the plug to melt at a temperature that signifies a dangerous situation without compromising the normal operational limits of the boiler or pressure vessel. If the temperature rises to this level, it indicates that there is a failure in the system that requires immediate pressure relief to prevent catastrophic failure.

Understanding the melting point is essential for engineers and maintenance personnel because it helps them ensure that safety devices are functioning as intended and that they can properly respond to overheating issues in a timely manner.