Fusible Link Replacement

[RKTJeep]

I'm diving into some preventative electrical work in my '88 Pioneer. I've already done the C101 elimenation, and i'll be going through and refreshing ground and haress connections.

 

The other item i would like to include is a replacement of the fusible links with a fuse panel which is fairly simple. The only hangup i'm having is the load ratings for the factory fusible link. I've searched through the wiring manual for the 88 MJ and i cannot locate an amperage rating.

 

One option would be to size the fuses based on the wire gauge for the circuit. This seems a bit risky to me given the already poor Renix electrical system design. The wire gauge may be overkill for one of the components in the system leaving me at risk for a short in component, but not enough current draw to blow the fuse.

 

The other option is to add up the amperage draw for all components in those circuits, based on the component fuses, and using that value for the fusible link replacement rating. I'd rather not have to do that...

 

Does anyone know the amperage raitings for the fusible links?

[Gene]

Rule of thumb for fusible links:

 

Fusible link is four numbers higher than the wire size it is protecting.

 

10 gauge wire protected by 14 gauge fusible link, 12 gauge wire protected by 16 gauge fusible link, and so forth.

 

Like most rules of thumb this is generally applicable, at least it's a starting point. I don't have any specific information on our MJ's, I've never had to replace one.

 

 

However, it looks like you are planning to replace fusible links with fuses. This is not a direct amp for amp swap. Fusible links will tolerate overcurrent much longer than a fuse will. 

 

So generally speaking, a fusible link is designed to prevent catastrophe, basically to prevent a wiring harness from burning up, causing extensive damage or even setting the vehicle on fire. A fuse, on the other hand, typically is designed to open quickly to protect an electrical component.

 

 Even if you could find an exact amperage for a fusible link, a fuse of the same amperage would be much more likely to burn out.

 

Gene

[Gene]

Here is a link

 

http://whiteproducts.com/fusible-faqs.shtml

 

that talks about some of this.

 

Gene