What do you need to know about a fusible link?
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. To properly connect a fusible link you need to use a crimp, solder, and shrink-wrap the connection.
Why does a fusible link melt during a surge?
These links must transmit high-current electricity, but also protect the rest of the electrical system from dangerous spikes that could cause a fire. If there’s a surge, the link actually melts, as its resistance to heat is lower than that of the circuits it’s protecting.
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.
Can you replace wire with a fusible link?
Once you locate it, you can replace the length of wire with a fusible link that matches the gauge of wire called for by the original design.
These links must transmit high-current electricity, but also protect the rest of the electrical system from dangerous spikes that could cause a fire. If there’s a surge, the link actually melts, as its resistance to heat is lower than that of the circuits it’s protecting.
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.
Why are fusible links impossible to diagnose?
Fusible links can be frustrating to diagnose and repair, because their damage can be impossible to detect with a simple visual inspection. Additionally, given that they’re designed to interact with high-current electrical components, when they fail, they often lead to a no-start condition.
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.
How big should a fusible wire gauge 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″.