How many amps is a 14 gauge fusible link?

18 gauge fusable links are rated at 14 gauge wire or 15 amps , 16 gauge are rated at 12 gauge wire or 20 amps. The fusible link that protects the wire should then be two gauge sizes (or four numbers larger).

In respect to this, how many amps is a 12 gauge fusible link?

20-25 amps

Beside above, what size fusible link should I use for a 10 gauge wire? For AWG sizes (wire gauges), each fusible link is four wire gauge sizes smaller than the wire it is designed to protect. For example: to protect a 10 gauge wire, use a 14 gauge link (or for metric, to protect a 5mm wire, use a 2mm link).

Likewise, how do you size a fusible link?

Typically, a given harness segment is protected by fusible link that is four gauge numbers smaller. 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.

How do I know if my fusible link is blown?

The fusible link is essentially an in line fuse on the positive terminal of the battery. To determine if the fusible link has been blown , one test lead of your ohmmeter should be on the positive terminal of the battery and the other test lead should be on the end of the fusible link going to the circuit it protects.

23 Related Question Answers Found

Can you replace a fusible link with a fuse?

It is difficult to replace fusible links with fuses. Fusible links are compact and handle a lot of current before they blow. To replace the fusible links with fuses you will have to use mega fuses, the smallest will most likely be about 50 amps. And this will take up a lot of room, and be more connections to go bad.

How do fusible links work?

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.

Why are fusible links used?

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.

Where does a fusible link go?

They are placed in-line between delicate harnesses and large sources of electrical current in your car—between the battery and alternator, for example. These links must transmit high-current electricity, but also protect the rest of the electrical system from dangerous spikes that could cause a fire.

What is a fusible link on a car?

A fusible link is essentially a fuse set directly in line with the wiring and works as much like a literal weak link in the chain as you can imagine. Electricity never passes through anything but a superconductor with a zero loss of energy; some of it's always going to turn into heat.

Why use a fusible link instead of a fuse?

Fusible links—also spelled fuseable and fusable—serve a similar purpose to a fuse. 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.

Are fusible links necessary?

There are a few fusible links scattered throughout the harness, so my question is are they really necessary? They are slightly hard to diagnose if you blow them, but they are generally like 100 amps or something protecting a circuit that doesn't go through the fuse box (like the starter or alternator to battery).

What temperature does a fusible link melt?

Fusible link | Fire safety equipment

The melting point of the alloy can be engineered to release at temperatures ranging from 135F/57C to 500F/260C.

What causes a fusible link to burn out?

Sometimes the spring in the solenoid sticks, causing the starter to heat up and melt the link. Also if brushes in the starter motor are worn the hot and ground contacts in the motor come into contact, that will melt the link. Or the winding in the starter or relay ground out causing the fusible link to melt.

Can blown fuse drain battery?

a fuse blows to keep current from going through the circuit. in other words, there's no way a blown fuse can drain the battery. take the battery in to get checked, it might just be a bad battery.

What is an in line fuse?

A fuse is a protective device for electrical and electronic equipment, usually replaceable, that creates an open circuit if the current through it exceeds some value for a particular duration. Inline simply means that the holder for the fuse is fitted into a cable, rather than inside a piece of equipment.

How often do fusible links need to be replaced?

once a year

How do you change a fuse?

How to Change a Fuse

Locate your car's fuse panel.
Take off the fuse panel's cover.
Locate the blown fuse.
Remove the broken fuse.
Insert a replacement fuse of the correct amperage—make note of the fuse panel and your owner's manual on this one.
Keep a few extra fuses of various amperages in your glove box.

How do you fix a fusible link?

To repair any blown fuse link use the following procedure:

Determine which circuit is damaged, its location and the cause of the open fuse link.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Cut the damaged fuse link from the wiring harness and discard it.

Is there a fuse for the alternator?

#3 – Blown Fuse

There are certain models of car which have alternators dependent on a particular fuse to operate. However, these fuses can blow due to a power surge or simply from old age. Once that happens, the alternator will no longer charge the battery.

Can a blown fuse prevent a car from starting?

Usually, a blown fuse just causes a minor car electrical problem, like backup lights or interior lights not working, not being able to use your radio, losing a turn signal, or some of your climate control features not functioning properly. In rare cases, though, a blown fuse can mean that your car won't start.