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RE: Fusible links

To: <Carmods@aol.com>, <tigers@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: Fusible links
From: "Theo Smit" <theo.smit@dynastream.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 08:53:12 -0600
Hi John,

They do different jobs, which is why most modern cars use a combination of
fusible links, resettable circuit breakers, and fuses, to protect the car's
electrical system. Fusible links are good in circuits where you may be
operating near the rated load for an extended period of time, and/or where
it's impractical to install a fuse holder. Fusible links are also used (as
Tony suggested) as a last-ditch protection mechanism to prevent electrical
overload of the main battery charging circuits in the event that the cable
somehow becomes shorted to the chassis.

In the case of the Tiger, the large cable between the starter solenoid and
the battery will always present some risk, and the only thing you can do
about it is to make sure that the cable is not stretched, and that it's not
chafing on any sheetmetal. However, the 10-gauge wire running from the
starter solenoid to the remainder of the electrical system can be protected
by a fusible link, and if you do install one, it should be installed at the
solenoid itself (i.e., under the hood, not inside the passenger
compartment). A second fusible link at the alternator or generator output
will provide additional insurance against before-the-fuse shorts. Beyond
that it's dependent on the whims of the electrical system designer.

Best regards,
Theo Smit

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-tigers@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-tigers@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Carmods@aol.com
Sent: July 20, 2004 8:03 AM
To: tigers@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Fusible links 

Why is a fusible link better than a replaceable fuse?

                                                                        John
L





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