What is the purpose of a fusible link?
(Image/CorvetteForum.com) Fusible links—also spelled fuseable and fusable—serve a similar purpose to a fuse. (You can read more about fuses here .) Just like a fuse, the link is designed to handle a lower current (amp) load than the rest of the system so, in the event of a short or overload, the link will be the first failure point.
Which is easier to install, fuse block or fusible link?
But certain automotive components require momentary higher peak current levels depending, so a fixed-rating fuse may not be ideal. Fusible links are also cheaper and easier to install than a dedicated fuse block, which is why you see them in OE applications.
What do fusible links look like in Pico?
Pico makes fusible links and is nice enough to give each one a plastic tab with the wire gauge and “fusible” written plainly to see. (Image/Summit Racing) Well, that’s the fun part. They look like wires, which can make troubleshooting a headache—we’ll get to that in a second.
Why are fusible links used in starter motors?
So while extremely high current in a regular wire may cause a fire, a blown fusible link is less likely to do so. Fusible links can be found in a variety of places in cars and truck, but they are commonly used in high-amperage applications like starter motors, which can draw hundreds of amps.
Purpose of the Fusible Link. If the battery shorts, all of the battery power will be trying to get to ground. Fusible link (or links on some models) will protect the rest of the wiring from damage if there is a short before any fuses or circuit breakers.
What does a fusible link look like?
A fusible link is like an in-line fuse. They usually looks like a thinner section of wire spliced into a normal section of wire. 1997-2001 there is a green one on the front of the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
How long should fusible links be?
The fusible link should also not exceed 9 inches; if the link wire is too long, cut it to its appropriate size. Short-circuits can happen any time, whether you are warming up the engine in the garage or in the middle of the freeway.
Where are the fusible links?
A fusible link is a short piece of insulated low-voltage cable within an automotive wiring harness that is designed to protect the harness in applications where a fuse is unsuitable. In an extreme current overload situation, the conductor within the link is melted while the ensuing flame and spark is contained within the link’s insulation.
(Image/CorvetteForum.com) Fusible links—also spelled fuseable and fusable—serve a similar purpose to a fuse. (You can read more about fuses here .) Just like a fuse, the link is designed to handle a lower current (amp) load than the rest of the system so, in the event of a short or overload, the link will be the first failure point.
How long does it take to replace a fusible link?
When it fails, it will break the continuity in the rest of the circuit, preventing damage to other components down the line. A fusible link typically costs a couple of bucks and can be replaced in 30 minutes. A starter motor or ECU? Not so much. But fusible links look much different than fuses and are used for different applications.
But certain automotive components require momentary higher peak current levels depending, so a fixed-rating fuse may not be ideal. Fusible links are also cheaper and easier to install than a dedicated fuse block, which is why you see them in OE applications.
Pico makes fusible links and is nice enough to give each one a plastic tab with the wire gauge and “fusible” written plainly to see. (Image/Summit Racing) Well, that’s the fun part. They look like wires, which can make troubleshooting a headache—we’ll get to that in a second.