What kind of Fuse is a fusible link?
An electrical fusible link is a type of electrical fuse that is constructed simply with a short piece of wire typically four American wire gauge sizes smaller than the wire that is being protected. For example, an AWG 16 fusible link might be used to protect AWG 12 wiring. Electrical fusible links are common in high-current automotive applications.
What happens if you leave the fusible link out?
The circuit will work without the fusible link, but leaving it out removes the protection from current overload, which may cause something more expensive to get damaged – better to replace it with the proper link, or a fuse of similar resistance (if you can figure out what that is)
When to do a fusible link test first?
Do a Fusible link test first – YouTube Alternator problems? Do a Fusible link test first If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.
When to use an AWG 16 fusible link?
For example, an AWG 16 fusible link might be used to protect AWG 12 wiring. Electrical fusible links are common in high-current automotive applications. The wire in an electrical fusible link is encased in high-temperature fire-resistant insulation to reduce hazards when the wire melts.
What is a fusible link and how do they work?
Fusible links include mechanical and electrical devices. A mechanical fusible link is a device consisting of two strips of metal soldered together with a fusible alloy that is designed to melt at a specific temperature, thus allowing the two pieces to separate.
What is the purpose of a fusible link?
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).
Where is the fusible link located for?
There is a collection of fusible links located near the battery. These are referred to as the main fuse links. A second group of links are located in the box with the dedicated fuses.
Check the fusible link. A fusible link is just like any other car fuse, but instead of being plastic, it is a thin wire with a thick insulator.
Do you need crimp connector for fusible links?
Many fusible links now come with a crimp connector pre-installed, which simplifies the installation process. Remember to weather-proof your connections—cover your joints with heat shrink tubing or tightly wrap your connections with electrical tape. Need a good 101 tutorial on electrical wiring? Check this out.
What happens when a fusible link melts in a car?
If there’s a surge, the link actually melts, as its resistance to heat is lower than that of the circuits it’s protecting. This cuts off power while protecting the engine bay from a conflagration, thanks to its fireproof wrapping.
How does a fusible link work like a fuse?
Typically, a fuse burns out when a circuit attempts to transmit too much current, severing the connection before the electrical charge can have any ill effects. A fusible link acts much like a fuse; only it’s designed to handle a different type of potentially hazardous scenario.
What kind of wire is protected by a fusible link?
For example, a 14-gauge wire would be protected by an 18-gauge fusible link; an 8-gauge wire would be protected by a 12-gauge link, etc. Odd number wire gauge sizes like 19, 15, 13, and 11 are counted when sizing a link.
What happens when the conductor of a fusible link melts?
In an extreme current overload situation, the link’s conductor is melted while the ensuing flame and spark are contained within the link’s insulation. A dead, shorted alternator on the interstate could have burned our car to the ground if it wasn’t for the Fusible Link.
Why are fusible links difficult to diagnose and repair?
Fusible links can be frustrating to diagnose and repair because their damage can be impossible to detect with a simple visual inspection. When fusible links fail, they often lead to a no-start condition.
When do fuse links need to be replaced?
When a fuse link has melted to protect a critical system from damage, it needs to be replaced before you can start your vehicle again. If you suspect a fusible link is the reason for your repair, check out O’Reilly Auto Parts. We carry fusible links to repair most vehicles.
Can a fusible link be used as a fuse?
Fusible links are not rated in amps like fuses because each installation is unique and designed to meet specific circuit protection requirements. What size replacement fusible link should be used? The automotive service industry recommends using the same gauge and length as the blown fusible link after the cause of failure is corrected.
How big should a fusible fuse wire be?
Odd number wire gauge sizes like 19, 15, 13 and 11 are counted when sizing a link. The length of a fusible link should not exceed 9″. Can a fusible link be used to replace a fuse that blows frequently?
Can a SXL wire be used as a fusible link?
SXL wire would work as an emergency replacement, but it would not have the required “Fusible Link” markings and the insulation would not be designed to contain flame and spark in the event of a circuit failure. What size fusible link should be used in a new installation?
What kind of fusible link do I need for a 14 gauge wire?
A 14-gauge wire would be protected by an 18-gauge fusible link. A 6-gauge wire would be protected by a 10-gauge link, and so on. Odd number wire gauge sizes like 19, 15, 13 and 11 are counted when sizing a link.
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.
When did the fusible link first come out?
You’ve got to love the old-school fusible link. A study in simplicity that even a child could understand, the fusible link dates back to a simpler time before cars used junction boxes or complex computer controls.
What kind of wire does a fusible link break?
For example, a fusible link in a 10-gauge wire would be 14-gauge. The smaller-gauge wire handles less current than the rest of the circuit, so it will overheat first and, by doing so, will break the physical connection between the wire to which it’s inserted.
Where is the fuse on the brake light?
You will get the fuse panel under the dashboard and the PDC under the hood. The brake light switch is also to be found under the dashboard and check if its plunger touches the brake pedal arm. Any problem with the fuse box and light switch will affect the brake lights. In case if the fuse is blown, change it with a new one.
What should I do if I see a fusible link?
If this (or something similar happens), you should check for blown fuses in your fuse box first. If everything looks okay, pop the hood and inspect the wiring harness for melted, scorched, or broken wires. Don’t panic if you see one, as it may simply be the fusible link doing its job.
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.
Check the fusible link. A fusible link is just like any other car fuse, but instead of being plastic, it is a thin wire with a thick insulator.
Is the 120 amp fuse a PAL or PAL?
So the 120 amp fuse for the alternator is a PAL type fuse, and it is a bit of a PIA to remove. I’m a mechanic, so it wasn’t very difficult for me, just time consuming. However if you were an average Joe who somehow made the same mistake, you’d almost certainly be going to a shop.
What kind of Fuse is 120 amp alternator?
It must’ve been brief, because I didn’t see/hear/feel a spark. So the 120 amp fuse for the alternator is a PAL type fuse, and it is a bit of a PIA to remove. I’m a mechanic, so it wasn’t very difficult for me, just time consuming.
What to do if your alternator blows fuse?
From there, I had to push in all the tabs on the side of the fuse box to separate it so I could gain access to the screws holding the fuse blades to the terminals themselves. Once in half, I had to fish my a socket past the mess of wires inside the box, and unscrew both terminals.