are fuses voltage rated? - SV650.org

Stu · 31-01-09, 05:43 PM

Can you use a 13A household 240V fuse on your bike as still 13 A 12V?
Cheers

31-01-09, 05:48 PM

why would you want to? DD says probably not.

Stu · 31-01-09, 05:55 PM

cause the fuse holder I want to use for my heated gloves takes fuses that are bigger like a 5A one I have that would fit in a plug.

Actually the box of fuses I bought for my bike says 250V so I guess it's only rated for Amps 12V & 240V would both work
(wouldn't put 10,000 V through the same ones though I guess)

31-01-09, 05:56 PM

Fuses are made very carefully so that the fuse element heats up sufficient to melt the element & break the circuit.

I'm pretty sure that's due to the power flowing through the fuse element. Power is a function of both voltage and current.

So I suspect (but I've never had a reason to test it), that a 230V 13A fuse running at 12V would require more than 13A to generate enough heat to melt the element. How much more, I don't know.

EDIT: Thinking about it, it'd be energy dissipation, which is current & resistance.

So, I wouldn't try it, but I can't remember what effect it would have. Surely there's somewhere open near you that sells the right fuses?

31-01-09, 06:04 PM

are you needing heated gloves tonight? halfords open til 630 but you will get cold hands getting there.

Stu · 31-01-09, 06:11 PM

I reckon it will be fine

31-01-09, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu

I reckon it will be fine

Your heated grips will keep your hands warm, and if the bike sets alight, at least your bum will be warm too.

dirtydog · 31-01-09, 07:05 PM

Just go to Halfords and buy the right ones you tight lazy git

tigersaw · 31-01-09, 07:23 PM

No. Fuses are pretty precision items, designed for different applications, some allow a certain inrush current, some will not, some will reset. All will be designed for the safe protection of the application in mind without causing risk of fire.
That aside, any fuse is better than none, and so long as it still remains the weakest link in the wiring will offer some protection.

Stu · 31-01-09, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydog

Just go to Halfords and buy the right ones you tight lazy git

So when I went to Maplins and bought fuses specifically for the bike did they come in a box saying 250V?

31-01-09, 05:43 PM	#1
Stu Trinity Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Guildford Posts: 8,027	are fuses voltage rated? Can you use a 13A household 240V fuse on your bike as still 13 A 12V? Cheers

31-01-09, 05:48 PM	#2
kitkat Guest Posts: n/a	Re: are fuses voltage rated? why would you want to? DD says probably not.

31-01-09, 05:55 PM	#3
Stu Trinity Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Guildford Posts: 8,027	Re: are fuses voltage rated? cause the fuse holder I want to use for my heated gloves takes fuses that are bigger like a 5A one I have that would fit in a plug. Actually the box of fuses I bought for my bike says 250V so I guess it's only rated for Amps 12V & 240V would both work (wouldn't put 10,000 V through the same ones though I guess)

31-01-09, 05:56 PM	#4
Baph Guest Posts: n/a	Re: are fuses voltage rated? Fuses are made very carefully so that the fuse element heats up sufficient to melt the element & break the circuit. I'm pretty sure that's due to the power flowing through the fuse element. Power is a function of both voltage and current. So I suspect (but I've never had a reason to test it), that a 230V 13A fuse running at 12V would require more than 13A to generate enough heat to melt the element. How much more, I don't know. EDIT: Thinking about it, it'd be energy dissipation, which is current & resistance. So, I wouldn't try it, but I can't remember what effect it would have. Surely there's somewhere open near you that sells the right fuses? Last edited by Baph; 31-01-09 at 05:59 PM.

31-01-09, 06:04 PM	#5
kitkat Guest Posts: n/a	Re: are fuses voltage rated? are you needing heated gloves tonight? halfords open til 630 but you will get cold hands getting there.

31-01-09, 06:11 PM	#6
Stu Trinity Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Guildford Posts: 8,027	Re: are fuses voltage rated? I reckon it will be fine

31-01-09, 07:05 PM	#8
dirtydog Knob faced knobster Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Haslemere Posts: 5,422	Re: are fuses voltage rated? Just go to Halfords and buy the right ones you tight lazy git __________________ 2011 Speed Triple 1050

31-01-09, 07:23 PM	#9
tigersaw Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Llanwrtyd Wells Powys Posts: 1,146	Re: are fuses voltage rated? No. Fuses are pretty precision items, designed for different applications, some allow a certain inrush current, some will not, some will reset. All will be designed for the safe protection of the application in mind without causing risk of fire. That aside, any fuse is better than none, and so long as it still remains the weakest link in the wiring will offer some protection.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fuses	PaulSV	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	1	02-04-09 11:37 PM
Where to buy blade fuses?	Binky	Bikes - Talk & Issues	6	22-08-08 06:56 PM
Not a happy chappy. My SV doesn't like ignition fuses.	matt c	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	7	02-08-08 07:52 AM
99 Sv650s Keeps Blowing Fuses!	sv_rider1990	Bikes - Talk & Issues	6	16-01-08 05:56 PM
Blowing fuses	keltoi	Bikes - Talk & Issues	2	08-06-07 05:57 PM