The size and amperage rating of automotive fuse types often define them. As was previously stated, various fuse types and styles call for various ratings. To ensure effective operation and prevent future harm to the electrical system or the circuit, it is crucial to only select the correct rated fuse.
The amperage rating of any specific blade fuse can be determined in a number of methods. The simplest method is to just verify the fuse; normally, the amperage rating is marked on or near the top of the fuse. The second is to look at the vehicle’s fuse diagram to determine what type of fuse is located in each slot. The final approach is to utilize the fuse color coding table to determine the fuse type and amperage rating.
Different shapes and hues signify various qualities of a specific fusion. It is also important to keep in mind that not all sizes are created to function with every amperage rating that is offered. The current reference standard for gauging automotive blade fuse types is DIN 72581.
The blade fuse color coding system and associated amperage rating are shown in the accompanying chart:
In This Article...
What kind of fuses are frequently seen in automobiles?
Currently, the most prevalent fuse seen in contemporary automobiles is a little blade fuse. There is also the low profile Mini Blade fuse, which has a smaller plastic body but the same pin spacing as the Mini Blade fuse. Mini Blade fuses measure 10.9mm in width, 16.4mm in height, and 3.8mm in thickness. Low profile Mini Blade fuses are identical in width and thickness but only 8.73mm tall, saving space by 7.5mm. Current ratings ranging from 2 to 30 amperes are available for both of these fuse types.
What are the three different types of fuses used in cars?
- (APM/ATM) Mini. In the 1990s, micro fuses were created.
- Standard blade-type fuses, sometimes referred to as regular (APR, ATC, ATO, or ATS), were created by Littelfuse[2] in 1976 as ATO for low voltage use in automobiles. The ATC[3] is produced by Bussmann and adheres to the same SAE J1284 and ISO 8820-3 specifications. Regular (APR/ATC/ATO) fuses made by OptiFuse, a more recent competitor, meet the same criteria. [4]
- Low-profile micro (APS), also known as LP-mini. Since the term “Micro” signifies smaller than mini, it is frequently wrongly used to refer to the “low-profile mini” fuse, but recently, fuses bearing the name Micro have been developed.
What happens if the incorrect fuse is used in a car?
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Using a fuse with greater amps won’t only fail to address the issue; it’s also likely to lead to a number of other, more serious issues. Fuses are used to safeguard the electrical system’s parts. When there is an increase in power, the fuse blows to safeguard the circuit rather than damaging it. If the fuse keeps blowing, there can be an issue with the electrical system. If the improper amperage fuse is used, it won’t blow as it should, breaking the circuit and costing you significantly more to fix. Take the car to a repair shop to find out what is causing the fuse to keep blowing rather than taking the chance of blowing the circuit.
What kind of fuse should I use?
A safety feature, the fuse in a plug is intended to safeguard the lead rather than the appliance. It is a circuit’s purposefully weak link that will “bust” if an extension lead or electrical appliance consumes too much current owing to an overload or a failure. The electricity is turned off by the blown fuse to prevent the device and lead from overheating and catching fire.
Different types of fuses
Fuse ratings are often determined by the appliance’s power rating. It’s imperative to only replace a fuse with another of the same rating if it needs to be replaced after the cause of the fuse blowing has been identified and fixed. A 3A or 13A fuse is typically installed on a typical UK plug.
A 3-amp fuse should be installed in plugs for appliances up to around 700 watts in power (coloured red).
How long do automobile fuses last?
The lifespan of modern blade design fuses is very lengthy. They are theoretically limitless in duration. The following are the only things that could blow your fuse:
A short circuit: Your fuse will explode if a short develops in the headlight circuit. The new fuse will likely blow as well, and quickly.
Over voltage: Your fuse will blow if your headlight circuit has too much voltage.
Corrosion: Your fuse box may occasionally become damp. Corrosion may result from this situation. If this is the case, you will likely have more than one fuse blow. It should be noted that in-cabin fuse box moisture contamination is quite uncommon.
Fuse blowing is a common symptom of electrical system issues; all it takes to blow a fuse is a short to the ground wire on one bulb. Recognize that neither headlight will operate if the fuse does fail. The fuse is not the issue if one bulb functions but not the other.
Fuses should have a long lifespan. If your car’s lightbulb fuses are constantly blowing, there is unquestionably an electrical issue involved, and you should get it inspected and repaired right away by a qualified mechanic.
Which type of fuse do I require?
For typical operation while still blowing on overload, the fuse rating needs to be in the middle of these two values. For instance, if the cable size is 25A and the predicted normal current consumption is 10A, a fuse rated at 15A would be adequate.
Can blown fuses prevent a car from starting?
Car fuses are essential safety equipment for any vehicle’s electrical system. Your automobile won’t start if something is broken or the fusible linkages are damaged.
The starting relay, which is required to supply the spark, the ignition, and the power to drive your car, might be cut off by a faulty or blown fuse.
What can you do about it?
To find the fuse box in your car, start by consulting the owner’s manual. Next, look for a blown fuse or any obvious wire damage.
If you see it, tow your vehicle to a shop to get the fuse changed. As an alternative, you can request a mechanic to visit your driveway and fix it!
Photo 5: Pull the fuse
Take out the fuse for the car component that isn’t working, such as the fan, radio, lighter, or marker lights. Use a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers (available at auto parts stores).
Photo 6: Burned fuse
To check if the fuse is burned out, hold it up to the light. If the fuse is functioning properly, a thin wire will connect the two sides. The fuse is faulty if some of that wire has burned away. A blown fuse can be seen in the image on the left.
Photo 7: Types of fuses
The three types of car fuses most frequently used nowadays are the tiny, regular, and maxi. The bulk of the circuits in your car, including the ones that power the lights and radio, are protected by the tiny and standard fuses, which act quickly. The anti-lock brakes, rear window defogger, and traction control circuits, as well as other circuits with high current demands, are protected by the slow-acting maxi vehicle fuses.
By amp rating, car fuses are color coded. Standard blue fuses, for instance, are rated at 15 amps, yellow fuses at 20 amps, and green fuses at 30 amps. Remember that the fuse panel lid frequently houses spare fuses and even a fuse puller before you purchase and replace automotive fuses. Just make sure to swap out the spares so they’ll be available when you need them again. They are available for purchase at all auto parts retailers and well-stocked service stations.
Remark: If your replacement fuse blows immediately after installation, there might be an issue with that circuit. Make an appointment with your dealer or service center for a professional diagnosis and solution to the issue.
In-Line Fuses
There may be a remote in-line fuse on some accessories that aren’t fitted at the factory. Depending on the circuit they are protecting, these fuses may be found under the dash, under the hood, or even in the trunk. They most likely guard an aftermarket addition like CD players or fog lights. Finding an in-line fuse is best accomplished by following the cable from the accessory to the fuse panel. You’ll pass a fuse container that resembles one of these on the way. To remove the fuse and inspect it, crack up the casing. Snap the housing back together after replacing it with one of the same size and amperage.
What distinguishes ATC and ATO fuses from one another?
Regular-sized automotive blade fuses like ATO fuses and ATC fuses are available. As long as the amperage rating is the same, they can be used interchangeably. Although the housing can be open or closed, neither option is watertight or sealed.
Are fuses in cars color-coded?
Using color to differentiate between fuse values is quite helpful because their physical dimensions and shapes are the same. (Summit Racing Photo)
In the case of an electrical overload or short, they are built to immediately fail, saving your wiring harness in the process.
It’s essential to utilize the correct amp rating for the circuit due to the nature of how fuses operate. If you use a value that is too low, your fuses will prematurely blow, and if you use a value that is too high, the fuse’s original purpose is defeated.
There are various sorts of automotive fuses, but today we’re discussing the blade-style fuses common to the majority of contemporary vehicles produced after 1980. Remember that there are a number of additional blade fuse kinds, such as the Micro, Mini, and Maxi designs, in addition to the common ATC size.
No matter the blade fuse’s design, those used in automotive (and other electrical component) applications normally adhere to a color-coding system that makes it simple to distinguish between the fuses’ various electrical current ratings.
At first, you might think, “Hell, these are obvious; the number is right there on them. I don’t require color information.
Though some fuses merely have the number engraved in the plastic rather than painted, that is somewhat accurate. More importantly, it might be challenging to read fuse boxes because they are frequently hidden in dusty engine bays or dark corners under dashboards.
That is why it is so helpful to be able to recognize them by their color. These helpful tips were put together with assistance from Bussman’s fuse specialists.
Do I need to unplug the battery before changing the fuse?
It’s crucial to turn off the engine and unhook the battery before beginning any automobile project, especially before performing any electrical work. While the battery is connected, any error in automobile wiring could result in more damage and possibly a painful zap.
Can a 20 amp fuse be used to replace a 15 amp fuse?
I have a 15-amp breaker; can I switch it out for a 20-amp breaker? My smaller breaker is tripping constantly!
The answer is yes, but it’s not advised until an electrician has assessed the problem.
Never replace a 15-amp breaker with a 20-amp one simply because the old one is tripping. If not, electrical fire could cause your home to burn down.
You need to grasp what the circuit breaker is for in order to comprehend why this is so risky.