The automotive wiring in a car may seem complicated to those who are unfamiliar with electronics. However, understanding the basics of how an electrical system in a vehicle may be helpful when it comes to maintenance and repairs. One important part of a car’s wiring system is the fuse panel. To better understand how a fuse panel works, one must know the main functions of a fuse and what they can do for an entire electrical system.
Fuses are not only found in automotive wiring systems. Fuses are installed in many types of devices or machines that perform electrical functions. Considered as a safety device, fuses protect the electrical system from excessive currents. It can stop the unnecessary flow of currents from damaging the entire system as a whole.
For cars, fuses act as safety devices that protect the automotive wiring system from overloading. The fuses that you’d find in a car are typically sheltered inside a fuse box or panel to protect them from external elements and damages. Since fuses have been considered as essential components in any electrical system, this small device has adapted to different types of applications. They can be classified into different types and categories which are as follows:
Blade Fuses- Blade fuses, or also referred to as spade or plug-in fuses, are commonly used for automotive applications. They are generally made with a plastic body with prongs that can be inserted into sockets. Blade fuses are often labeled according to their currents in amperes which indicates their threshold.
Bosch Fuses- For older European vehicles, their automotive wiring system often utilizes Bosch fuses. Initially, they are made of either plastic or ceramic material and have end caps that are often pointed. Within the fuse is a piece of wire that connects both ends. It is designed to stop excessive currents from passing through.
Limiting Fuses- From the name itself, a limiting fuse limits the current passing through by melting a fusible element. It abruptly stops or reduces the amount of current once the melting point is reached. They are often used in vehicles such as trucks, forklifts, and even electric cars.
Glass Tube Fuses- Before blade-type fuses were more commonly used in vehicles, glass tube fuses were the primary choice in the automotive industry. Understandably, glass tube fuses are made of glass cylinders with metal caps on each end. A thin wire runs across the cylinder which is supposed to fail when excessive current flows through.
Lucas Fuses- For old British vehicles, most of their automotive wiring systems contain Lucas fuses which are either made of glass or ceramic. Compared to American glass fuses, Lucas fuses come in different varieties when it comes to diameter. Because of this, they can sometimes be used to replaced American glass tube fuses.
Overview
When building your automotive wiring system, it’s always important to carefully consider the type of fuses that should be used for your project. This will ensure the safety of the automotive wiring system as a whole for a more convenient driving experience.
