Common questions

Do fusible links melt?

Do fusible links melt?

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. For example, an AWG 16 fusible link might be used to protect AWG 12 wiring.

Can a wire be replaced with a fusible link?

Once located, you can replace it with a fusible link that matches the gauge of wire called for by the original design.

When did the fusible link first come out?

You’ve got to love the old-school fusible link. A study in simplicity that even a child could understand, the fusible link dates back to a simpler time before cars used junction boxes or complex computer controls.

What are fusible links and what do they look like?

They look like wires, which can make troubleshooting a headache—we’ll get to that in a second. When you’re combing over your wiring harness, you’ll want to look for a short section of wire (usually a few inches long) that has a smaller diameter than the wire into which it’s connected.

What causes the fusible link to blow on a car?

How much depends on the wire’s resistance, which correlates to its size. A fusible link is a “narrow spot” in your wire, a portion of higher resistance that will overheat, melt and break before the rest of your wiring does. Wiring has a certain amount of resistance — rated in ohms — per foot.

When does a fusible link fail what happens?

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. When it fails, it will break the continuity in the rest of the circuit, preventing damage to other components down the line.

What kind of wire is protected by a fusible link?

For example, a 14-gauge wire would be protected by an 18-gauge fusible link; an 8-gauge wire would be protected by a 12-gauge link, etc. Odd number wire gauge sizes like 19, 15, 13, and 11 are counted when sizing a link.

What do fusible links look like in Pico?

Pico makes fusible links and is nice enough to give each one a plastic tab with the wire gauge and “fusible” written plainly to see. (Image/Summit Racing) Well, that’s the fun part. They look like wires, which can make troubleshooting a headache—we’ll get to that in a second.

How much depends on the wire’s resistance, which correlates to its size. A fusible link is a “narrow spot” in your wire, a portion of higher resistance that will overheat, melt and break before the rest of your wiring does. Wiring has a certain amount of resistance — rated in ohms — per foot.

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Ruth Doyle