I don't know how many forum users have seen this:

http://www.generation-edge.info/topi...776&#56781

The above forum page claims that the fuses in the posting do
not blow even when connected directly across the car battery.
This could cause destruction of wiring and components that are
protected by these fuses. In a worse case it could cause the car
to catch on fire. These particular fuses are probably available
under other brand names from other sources.
I cannot verify or refute the above posting because I have
never used these fuses. This is also not meant to bash Harbor
Freight, there are many,many satisfied users of their tools and
other products.
When it comes to safety devices such as fuses I would recommend
purchasing from recognized manufacturers such as Buss, Littlefuse,
and others. There have recently been several examples of imported
products that were not safe. Fuses are cheap and the risks involved
do not justify the savings of a dollar or two IMO.

Best regards, John

 

Thanks for the heads up. What does "pop" mean?

The 15 amp fuse on this particular truck did not "pop" even at 50 amps. The fuse in the second picture still tests "good" even after a direct short across the battery. We tested six of these fuses and none of them pop.

or can you explain why this is bad?

Fuses are kind of expensive imo. I think a 3 pack is 2 bucks or something...But it's still 2 bucks.

 

A fuse is supposed to be the weakest link in an electrical circuit. If the current (usually measured in amperage) is higher than the fuse's rated limit, the fuse wire must melt and open the circuit to avoid the circulation of electricity and thus protect the rest of the components. If the fuse does not open then the excess current will be sent to other electrical components and there is definitely a fire hazard in that case. Wires can melt, short circuits can happen and fire can start.

 

Ooh. Thanks for the explanation.

 

Unrelated replies have been deleted. Notified the original posters.


JPN

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuse_%28electrical%29

Interesting article in Wikipedia

 

Hi axelm,

Good link! Anyone that wants to know about fuses should check
that out. The part about high voltage fuses was really interesting.

Best wishes, John