Automotive fuse

Last updated
Mini / Regular / Maxi blade-type automotive fuses, side and top views. The top metal surfaces can be tested using multimeter probes. Electrical fuses, plug-in type, different sizes.jpeg
Mini / Regular / Maxi blade-type automotive fuses, side and top views. The top metal surfaces can be tested using multimeter probes.
Automobile electrical circuit breaker with resettable switch Resettable automobile circuitbreaker.jpg
Automobile electrical circuit breaker with resettable switch

Automotive fuses are a class of fuses used to protect the wiring and electrical equipment for vehicles. They are generally rated for circuits no higher than 32 volts direct current, but some types are rated for 42-volt electrical systems. They are occasionally used in non-automotive electrical products. Automotive fuses are typically housed inside one or more fuse boxes (also called an integrated power module (IPM)) within the vehicle, typically on one side of the engine compartment and/or under the dash near the steering wheel. Some fuses or circuit breakers may nonetheless be placed elsewhere, such as near the cabin fan or air bag controller. They also exist as circuit breakers that are resettable using a switch. [1]

Contents

There may be a fuse for ignition off draw (IOD), which controls the drawing of electric current in a vehicle while it is shut off; removing this fuse while the vehicle is shut off for more than a few weeks will prevent excessive depletion of the battery.[ citation needed ]

Blade type

Blade type fuses come in six physical sizes: Micro2, Micro3, low-profile (LP) Mini, Mini, Regular, Maxi Electrical fuses, blade type.svg
Blade type fuses come in six physical sizes: Micro2, Micro3, low-profile (LP) Mini, Mini, Regular, Maxi

Blade fuses (also called spade or plug-in fuses), with a plastic body and two prongs that fit into sockets, are mostly used in automobiles. Other common usage is in equipment with comparatively simple, low voltage DC electrical systems such as towed campers and marine applications such as sailboats and motor boats (typically smaller cabin cruisers).

Each fuse is printed with the rated current in amperes on the top.

These types of fuses come in six different physical dimensions:

Mount

Blade fuse holder on Citroen Jumper Blade fuses on Citroen Jumper.JPG
Blade fuse holder on Citroën Jumper

Blade type fuses can be mounted in:

Size groups

Blade sizeBlade groupDimensions L × W × HCommon ratings (maximum current)
Micro2APT, ATR9.1 × 3.8 × 15.3 mm5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
Micro3ATL14.4 × 4.2 × 18.1 mm5, 7.5, 10, 15
LP-Mini
(low profile)
APS, ATT10.9 × 3.81 × 8.73 mm2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
MiniAPM, ATM10.9 × 3.6 × 16.3 mm2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
RegularAPR, ATC, [3] ATO, [2] ATS [5] 19.1 × 5.1 × 18.5 mm0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
MaxiAPX29.2 × 8.5 × 34.3 mm20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120

Where space permits, a miniature circuit breaker is sometimes used to replace a blade-type fuse in the same fuse holder.

Blade fuses use a common coloring scheme for the Micro2, Micro3, low-profile (LP) Mini, Mini, and regular size fuses, and a partial color similarity with the maxi size fuses. The following table shows the commonly available fuses for each size group.

Color Current rating Micro2Micro3LP
Mini
MiniRegMaxi
 Dark blue0.5 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Black1 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Grey2 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Violet3 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Pink4 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Tan5 AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Brown7.5 AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Red10 AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgDark Red x.svg
 Blue15 AYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
 Yellow20 AYes check.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
 Transparent25 AYes check.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg Grey
 Green30 AYes check.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
 Blue-green35 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg Brown
 Orange40 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
 Red50 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg
 Blue60 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg
 Amber/tan70 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg
 Transparent80 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg
 Violet100 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg
 Purple120 ADark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgDark Red x.svgYes check.svg

Regular fuses (ATO) rated 0.5 A, 35 A and 40 A are not mentioned in the DIN standards, [6] but are available in some products from Littelfuse, among others.

Cartridge type

Several cartridge type fuses are used in automotive applications, including MCASE, MCASE+, [7] JCASE, [8] and low-profile JCASE types. [9]

Bosch type

Bosch type fuse (used in older cars) Electrical fuse, Bosch type.png
Bosch type fuse (used in older cars)
A Bosch fuse box for porcelain fuses in a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Castagna Drophead, fuse box (Greenwich 2023).jpg
A Bosch fuse box for porcelain fuses in a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750

Bosch type fuses (also known as ceramic, porcelain, continental, torpedo, European, or GBC type fuses) are used in old (often European) automobiles. The physical dimension of this type of fuse is 6×25 mm with conical ends. Bosch type fuses usually use the same color-coding for the rated current. The DIN standard is 72581/1.

Color coding

Color Current rating
 Yellow5 A
 White8 A
 Red16 A
 Blue25 A
 Grey40 A

Lucas type

Lucas type fuses are used in old British-made or assembled automobiles. The physical length of the Lucas ceramic type of fuse is either 1 inch or 1.25 inch, with conical ends. Lucas glass tube fuses have straight ends. Lucas type fuses usually use the same color-coding for the rated current. Lucas fuses have three ratings; the continuous current they are designed to carry, the instantaneous current at which they will fuse, and the continuous current at which they will also fuse. The figure found on Lucas fuses is the continuous fusing current which is twice the continuous ampere rating that the system should be using; this can be a source of confusion when replacing Lucas fuses with non Lucas fuses. The Lucas 1/4" diameter glass tube fuse have a different length as compared to the standard US item. The Lucas 1/4" diameter glass tube fuse is 1+532 in (29 mm) long, while the US standard 1/4" glass tube fuse is 1+14 in (32 mm)] long. However, many Lucas fuse holders permit the longer US version to be installed easily.

Color coding

ColorContinuous ampere (=rated current)Instantaneous fusing ampere Continuous fusing ampere
Blue1.53.53
Yellow2.2554.5
Red on yellow2.565
Green376
Nut brown4108
Red on green51210
Green on black51210
Red on brown61412
Light brown7.51815
Pink12.53025
White17.54035
Purple on yellow256050
Yellow on red307560

Glass tube type

Glass tube type fuse Glassikring.jpg
Glass tube type fuse

North-American built automobiles up to at least 1976 had electrical systems protected by cylindrical glass cartridge fuses rated 32 volts DC and current ratings from 4 amperes to 30 amperes. These are known as "SFE" fuses, as they were designed by the Society of Fuse Engineers to prevent the insertion of a grossly inadequate or unsafe fuse into the vehicle's fuse panel. [10] [11] These SFE fuses all have a 14 inch diameter, and the length varies according to the rating of the fuse.

There are a number of lookalike fuses which can easily be confused with these. In general this type of fuse will have an "AG" label of some kind, which originally stood for "Automobile Glass". [12] There are at least seven different sizes of fuses with a 1/4 inch diameter. The fuses listed are the most common for the size, which is always a fast-acting fuse:

These and other fuses are still being manufactured for many applications, including for AC circuits and DC uses. Some are time delayed, slow reacting, or have leads for terminals used in circuits without a fuse holder. [14] [11] Many of the fuse dimensions and characteristics are published by the Society of Automotive Engineers as Standard SAE J 554.

Limiter type

Limiter fuses or fusible links consist of a metal strip for currents over 10 amperes. Also referred to as Current Limiting Fuses, they feature an internal fuse element that melts when current passing through the fuse element is within the specified current limiting range of the fuse. As the fuse element melts, it creates a high resistance to reduce the magnitude and duration of the current flowing through the fuse to protect the electrical circuit and connected equipment. [15] Frequently, these are used in close proximity to starter battery fuse boxes. They are used also in electric vehicles, e.g., in forklift trucks.

Smart Glow Fuse

Since 2004, CARAX® www.caraxfuse.com has been supplying fuses with smart illumination of fuses with diode indicator (light up fuses).

Industrial OEM standard. A bidirectional, patented LED indicator inside the fuse indicates a blown fuse. The terminals are made of zinc alloy, providing powerful corrosion resistance, increasing service life and improving conductivity. Made from opaque high-quality heat-resistant plastic PA66 (does not melt). Operates at voltages up to 32 VDC. There is no oversized bulb at the top of the fuse (the size corresponds to the automotive industry standard). Automotive industry color coding standard is followed. Detailed specification.

Smart fuses are produced in the following types: Standard (ATP) , Mini (ASP) , Low profile Mini/Micro (ASM) , Micro2 (APT), Cartridge JCase.

Completely replaceable with non-smart fuses.

Each CARAX® fuse size is fully compliant with OEM SAE J-series, UL, EU RoHS and REACH standards.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varistor</span> Electronic component

A varistor is a surge protecting electronic component with an electrical resistance that varies with the applied voltage. It has a nonlinear, non-ohmic current–voltage characteristic that is similar to that of a diode. Unlike a diode however, it has the same characteristic for both directions of traversing current. Traditionally, varistors were indeed constructed by connecting two rectifiers, such as the copper-oxide or germanium-oxide rectifier in antiparallel configuration. At low voltage the varistor has a high electrical resistance which decreases as the voltage is raised. Modern varistors are primarily based on sintered ceramic metal-oxide materials which exhibit directional behavior only on a microscopic scale. This type is commonly known as the metal-oxide varistor (MOV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pyrotechnics</span> Science of creating combustibles and explosives for entertainment

Pyrotechnics is the science and craft of creating such things as fireworks, safety matches, oxygen candles, explosive bolts and other fasteners, parts of automotive airbags, as well as gas-pressure blasting in mining, quarrying, and demolition. This trade relies upon self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions to make heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound. The name comes from the Greek words pyr ("fire") and tekhnikos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Circuit breaker</span> Automatic circuit protection device

A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow to protect equipment and to prevent the risk of fire. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset to resume normal operation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phone connector (audio)</span> Family of connectors typically used for analog signals

A phone connector is a family of cylindrically-shaped electrical connectors primarily for analog audio signals. Invented in the late 19th century for telephone switchboards, the phone connector remains in use for interfacing wired audio equipment, such as headphones, speakers, microphones, mixing consoles, and electronic musical instruments. A male connector, is mated into a female connector, though other terminology is used.

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a logarithmic stepped standardized wire gauge system used since 1857, predominantly in North America, for the diameters of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. Dimensions of the wires are given in ASTM standard B 258. The cross-sectional area of each gauge is an important factor for determining its current-carrying capacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Table saw</span> Woodworking tool

A table saw is a woodworking tool, consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor, that is driven by an electric motor. The drive mechanism is mounted below a table that provides support for the material, usually wood, being cut, with the blade protruding up through the table into the material.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC connector</span> Electrical connector for carrying DC power

A DC connector is an electrical connector for supplying direct current (DC) power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surge protector</span> Protects electrical devices from voltage spikes

A surge protector (or spike suppressor, surge suppressor, surge diverter, surge protection device or transient voltage surge suppressor is an appliance or device intended to protect electrical devices in alternating current circuits from voltage spikes with very short duration measured in microseconds, which can arise from a variety of causes including lightning strikes in the vicinity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuse (electrical)</span> Electrical safety device that provides overcurrent protection

In electronics and electrical engineering, a fuse is an electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent protection of an electrical circuit. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows through it, thereby stopping or interrupting the current. It is a sacrificial device; once a fuse has operated, it is an open circuit, and must be replaced or rewired, depending on its type.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AC power plugs and sockets</span> Connector used to connect to mains power

AC power plugs and sockets connect devices to mains electricity to supply them with electrical power. A plug is the connector attached to an electrically-operated device, often via a cable. A socket is fixed in place, often on the internal walls of buildings, and is connected to an AC electrical circuit. Inserting the plug into the socket allows the device to draw power from this circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IEC 60906-1</span>

IEC 60906-1 is an international standard designed "to provide a standard for a safe, compact and practical 16 A 250 V AC system of plugs and socket-outlets that could be accepted by many countries as their national standard, even if not in the near future." The standard was originally published by the International Electrotechnical Commission in 1986; the current edition is ed2.0 published in 2009. Although it is almost identical to the Swiss SEV 1011 T12 plug for 10 A 250 V a.c. standardised in 1937, its dimensions are slightly different and its polarization is flipped. As of July 2014, only South Africa has introduced a standard based closely on IEC 60906-1. Brazil used it as the basis for its NBR 14136 standard, but this is not compatible with IEC 60906-1. In 2017 the European Union (EU) published recommendations advising against the harmonisation of domestic plug and socket systems in the EU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NEMA connector</span> Power plugs and receptacles used in North America and some other regions

NEMA connectors are power plugs and sockets used for AC mains electricity in North America and other countries that use the standards set by the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA wiring devices are made in current ratings from 15 to 60 amperes (A), with voltage ratings from 125 to 600 volts (V). Different combinations of contact blade widths, shapes, orientations, and dimensions create non-interchangeable connectors that are unique for each combination of voltage, electric current carrying capacity, and grounding system.

Breaking capacity or interrupting rating is the current that a fuse, circuit breaker, or other electrical apparatus is able to interrupt without being destroyed or causing an electric arc with unacceptable duration. The prospective short-circuit current that can occur under short circuit conditions should not exceed the rated breaking capacity of the apparatus, otherwise breaking of the current cannot be guaranteed. The current breaking capacity corresponds to a certain voltage, so an electrical apparatus may have more than one breaking capacity current, according to the actual operating voltage. Breaking current may be stated in terms of the total current or just in terms of the alternating-current (symmetrical) component. Since the time of opening of a fuse or switch is not coordinated with the reversal of the alternating current, in some circuits the total current may be offset and can be larger than the alternating current component by itself. A device may have different interrupting ratings for alternating and direct current.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edison screw</span> Lightbulb socket standard (E5-E40)

Edison screw (ES) is a standard lightbulb socket for electric light bulbs. It was developed by Thomas Edison (1847–1931), patented in 1881, and was licensed in 1909 under General Electric's Mazda trademark. The bulbs have right-hand threaded metal bases (caps) which screw into matching threaded sockets. For bulbs powered by AC current, the thread is generally connected to neutral and the contact on the bottom tip of the base is connected to the "live" phase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automobile auxiliary power outlet</span> Outlet for portable accessories

An automobile auxiliary power outlet in an automobile was initially designed to power an electrically heated cigarette lighter, but became a de facto standard DC connector to supply electrical power for portable accessories used in or near an automobile directly from the vehicle's electrical system. Such include mobile phone chargers, cooling fans, portable fridges, electric air pumps, and power inverters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuse cutout</span> Combination of a fuse and a switch

In electrical distribution, a fuse cutout or cut-out fuse is a combination of a fuse and a switch, used in primary overhead feeder lines and taps to protect distribution transformers from current surges and overloads. An overcurrent caused by a fault in the transformer or customer circuit will cause the fuse to melt and the switch mechanism to visibly open, disconnecting the transformer from the line. The device can also be opened manually by utility linemen standing on the ground and using a long insulating stick called a "hot stick".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Littelfuse</span> American electronic manufacturing company

Littelfuse, Inc is an American electronic manufacturing company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company primarily produces circuit protection products but also manufactures a variety of electronic switches and automotive sensors. Littelfuse was founded in 1927. In addition to its Chicago, Illinois, world headquarters, Littelfuse has more than 40 sales, distribution, manufacturing and engineering facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holiday lighting technology</span> Decorative lighting for festivities

Holiday lighting technology has been subject to considerable development and variation since the replacement of candles by electric lights. While originally used during the Christmas holidays as Christmas lights, modern electric light arrays have become popular around the world in many cultures and are used both during religious festivals and for other purposes unconnected to any festivities.

In electrical engineering, IEC 60269 is a set of technical standards for low-voltage power fuses. The standard is in four volumes, which describe general requirements, fuses for industrial and commercial applications, fuses for residential applications, and fuses to protect semiconductor devices. The IEC standard unifies several national standards, thereby improving the interchangeability of fuses in international trade. All fuses of different technologies tested to meet IEC standards will have similar time-current characteristics, which simplifies design and maintenance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AC power plugs and sockets: British and related types</span> AC power plug type

Plugs and sockets for electrical appliances not hardwired to mains electricity originated in the United Kingdom in the 1870s and were initially two-pin designs. These were usually sold as a mating pair, but gradually de facto and then official standards arose to enable the interchange of compatible devices. British standards have proliferated throughout large parts of the former British Empire.

References

  1. "OptiFuse - Circuit Breakers - Automotive Manual Reset Type III - MRCBP4-PL". www.optifuse.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  2. 1 2 "ATO Series - Blade Fuses Automotive Aftermarket Products from Fuses - Littelfuse". www.littelfuse.com. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  3. 1 2 "ATC blade fuses" (PDF). www.cooperindustries.com. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  4. "ATC blade fuses". www.optifuse.com. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  5. "Narva | Standard ATS Blade". www.narva.com.au. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  6. "FKS ATO® Style Blade Fuse Rated 32V" (PDF). littelfuse.com. 2006. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  7. "MCASE". littelfuse.com. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  8. "JCASE". littelfuse.com. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  9. "JCASE". littelfuse.com. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Aftermarket Glass Fuses
  11. 1 2 Glass Fuses
  12. "Fuse Holders Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications | Engineering360".
  13. 1 2 "OptiFuse - Common Fuse Sizes".
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Fuses".
  15. "Identifying Automotive & Car Fuse Types". Swe-Check.