Sensing apparatus for blown fuse of rectifying wheel and associated methods

A blown fuse proximity sensing device is for use with a rectifying wheel of a type including rectifying diodes and associated fuses . Each fuse may include a housing , a fuse element carried by the housing, and a pop-out indicator movable between a normal position and a popped-out position. In the popped-out position, the indicator extends outwardly from the housing responsive to failure of the fuse element. At least one stationary proximity sensor is mounted adjacent the rectifying wheel for sensing positions of the pop-out indicators without contact therewith during rotation of the rectifying wheel to thereby sense at least one blown fuse. The sensing device may also include a local display , and a controller connected to the stationary proximity sensor for generating an indication of a blown fuse on the local display. The controller may also generate at least one remote output, such as to be monitored by other plant control equipment.