There are many different types of fuses designed for a car suck as blade fuse, cartridge fuse, bosch fuse, glass tube fuse, EV fuse, Lucas fuse, Cable fuse, PAL fuse, Current limiting fuse, PPTC, and SMD. But most cars nowadays predominantly use blade fuses.
Like any other fuse a car’s fuse protects the electrical wiring of the car and consequently the components attached to it.
So you are wondering how many car fuse types are there in a car.
To know more about each fuse type and which car uses them, keep on reading.
Types Of Fuses
There are usually two fuse boxes in a car; one is located under the hood and another one is near the dashboard. The one under the hood protects ECU, ABS, etc. whereas the one near the driver protects cabin parts like the power window, stereo, etc.
Based On Working Principle
Depending on how each fuse works, we can divide them into four categories.
- Fast-acting Fuse
- Time delay or Slow Blow fuse
- Very fast-acting fuse
- Dual Element Fuse
Now let’s look into each type of fuse. Also, we have talked about the basic working principle of an electrical fuse here.
Fast-acting Fuse
Also known as a normal opening fuse, a fast-acting fuse opening time is 0.05 to 2 seconds. This fuse blows when 500% of the amp ratings current is flowing through it. These fuses provide short-circuit protection.
Time delay or Slow Blow fuse
Unlike fast acting fuses these fuses don’t blow as fast. Time delay fuse is also known as TD or just D sometimes and can withstand 500% of its amp rating for 10 seconds. TD fuses protect from short circuits as well as from overload.
Very fast-acting fuse
These fuses are designed for limited applications and are used to shield solid-state electronic components. Very fast-acting fuses are current-limiting and respond quickly to overload and short circuits.
Dual Element Fuse
Dual element fuses have two parts; one part is similar to a fast-acting fuse and the other one a slow-blow fuse. The TD part of the fuse shields from overload whereas the separate fast-acting fuse part protects from short-circuits with current limiting.
Based On Appearance
The easiest way to differentiate car fuses is based on their appearance. Car fuses look different based on their type and it’s quite distinct. You can look at the car fuses below and identify them yourself.
Blade Fuse
This type of fuse is most used in passenger cars. Any vehicle produced after 1986 uses blade fuses. Blade fuses are transparent and can be easily identified when blown due to LED technology. Blade fuses pass all OEM and SAE standards as well.
| Blade Fuse Type | Common Amp. Rating | Size L*W*H | Appearance |
| Micro2 | 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 | 9.1 × 3.8 × 15.3 mm | |
| Micro3 | 5, 7.5, 10, 15 | 14.4 × 4.2 × 18.1 mm | |
| Mini | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 | 10.9 × 3.6 × 16.3 mm | |
| Low Mini | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 | 10.9 × 3.81 × 8.73 mm | |
| Regular ATO/ ATC | 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 | 19.1 × 5.1 × 18.5 mm | |
| Maxi Heavy Duty | 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120 | 29.2 × 8.5 × 34.3 mm |
As you can see there are six types of blade fuses and they have amp rating as follows: Micro2 (5-30 amp), Micro3 (5-15 amp), Mini and Low Mini (2-30 amp), Regular ATO/ATC (0.5-40 amp) and Maxi Heavy Duty (20-120 amp).
These six types of blade fuses look different from each other but all of them have prongs and transparent bodies. Micro2 is the smallest blade fuse available.
Now let’s look at their color rating.
| Color | Amp. | Applicable Types of Blade Fuse |
| Dark Blue | 0.5A | Regular ATO/ ATC |
| Black | 1A | Regular ATO/ ATC |
| Grey | 2A | Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Violet | 3A | Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Pink | 4A | Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Tan | 5A | Micro2, Micro3, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Brown | 7.5A | Micro2, Micro3, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Red | 10A | Micro2, Micro3, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Blue | 15A | Micro2, Micro3, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini |
| Yellow | 20A | Micro2, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini, Maxi Heavy duty |
| Clear | 25A | Micro2, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini, Maxi Heavy duty |
| Green | 30A | Micro2, Regular ATO/ ATC, Mini, Low Mini, Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Green-Blue | 35A | Regular ATO/ ATC, Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Orange | 40A | Regular ATO/ ATC, Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Red | 50A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Blue | 60A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Tan | 70A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Clear | 80A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Violet | 100A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
| Purple | 120A | Maxi Heavy Duty |
These are the blade fuse color ratings available. The functionality of each blade fuse depends on the vehicle model, type, etc. For example, a 15A blade fuse can be used for a heated oxygen sensor as well as a powertrain control module.
Now, let’s briefly explain each type of blade fuse mentioned above.
Micro2: This is a fast-acting fuse that is used in cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. It has a shunt version available with an amp rating of 3A to 30A. The voltage rating is 32 VDC and it is known for reliable performance in a polluted and humid environment.
Micro3: This fuse has a low weight and miniature design with a 32 VDC voltage rating. The current rating is 3A to 15A with the Shunt version and color coding. This fuse has an automotive application and it has see-through housing.
Mini and Low Mini: Mini and low mini blade fuse has both 32 VDC and 58VDC voltage ratings. The current rating is from 2A to 30A for both mini and low mini blade fuses. Engineers use these fast-acting fuses for weight reduction and to save space.
Regular ATC/ATO: This is a fast acting fuse with a 32 VDC voltage rating and color coding to indicate voltage rating. It’s extremely lightweight and weighs about 1.4g per fuse. This type of fuse has see-through housing and silver, tin-plated terminals.
Maxi Heavy Duty: Maxi heavy duty fuse has both 32 VDC and 58 VDC voltage ratings. It can withstand adverse environments and protects automotive circuits. Maxi heavy-duty blade fuse has a slow-blow type of fuse as well.
Cartridge Fuse
These are rectangular fuses that can withstand higher voltages than blade fuses. There are two basic types of cartridge fuses found in cars and both of them provide protection in the current situation.
| Cartridge Fuse Type | Amp. | Speciality |
| Time – Delay/ JCASE, MCASE | 20,30,40,50, 60 | Enables low voltage drop for high current circuits |
| Fast-acting | 20,30,40,50, 60, 80, 100 | Endures high temp. And shields high current circuits |
Both time delay and fast-acting cartridge fuses have amp ratings starting from 20A. However fast acting fuses go up to 100A whereas JCASE only has an amp rating of up to 60A.
| Color | Amp. | Applicable Types of Cartridge Fuse |
| Light Blue | 20 | Fast-acting, JCASE, MCASE |
| Pink | 30 | Fast-acting, JCASE, MCASE |
| Green | 40 | Fast-acting, JCASE, MCASE |
| Red | 50 | Fast-acting, JCASE, MCASE |
| Yellow | 60 | Fast-acting, JCASE, MCASE |
| Black | 80 | Fast-acting |
| Blue | 100 | Fast-acting |
These are the cartridge fuses used in cars that include JCASE and MCASE cartridge fuse.
Bosch Fuse
This type of fuse is common in old European cars and is also known as a GBC fuse. They are usually 6×25 mm with cone-shaped ends.
| Bosch Fuse Amp. | Color |
| 5A | Yellow |
| 8A | White |
| 16A | Red |
| 25A | Blue |
| 40A | Grey |
Bosch fuses have these amp and color ratings and can be found in European cars made around 1980.
Glass Tube Fuse
Cars made before 1981 in the USA used this type of fuse. It is cylindrical in shape and has ratings with the letter AG or automotive glass.
| Glass Tube Fuse Type | Amp. |
| AGA | 1,1.5,2,2.5, 3,5,6,7.5, 10,15,20,25,30 |
| AGC | 0.5,1,1.5,2,2.5, 3,4,5,6,7.5,8,10,15,20,25,30, 35 |
| AGU | 1,2,3,4,5,10, 15,20,25,30,35,40,50, 60 |
| AGW | 1,1.5,2.5, 3,4,5,6,15,20,30 |
| AGX | 2,3,20,25,30 |
| SFE | 4,6,7.5, 9.14, 20,30 |
| 312 | 0.062A – 30A |
| 313 | 10mA – 30A |
Even though the glass tube fuses are rarely used in cars these days, you can find a crisp aftermarket counterpart of any of the fuses mentioned above.
EV Fuse
These types of fuses are designed for electric and hybrid vehicles. They are also known as high-voltage fuses. These fuses are cylindrical in shape and can withstand high voltages.
| EV Fuse Type | Amp |
| 30 EV | 150 A – 300 A |
| LC 10 EV | 10A – 50 A |
| HC 20EV | 60 A – 125 A |
| HC SHEV | 60 A – 125 A |
| LC HEV | 10 A – 40 A |
| LC HEV 50A | 50A at 275 VAC |
The voltage rating of these EV fuses are written on the prongs on both sides of the fuse. As you can see the ampere rating here is quite high compared to the previously mentioned blade fuse and cartridge fuses.
Lucas Fuse
Cars made in Britain before 1986 have Lucas fuses. There are two types of Lucas Fuses; Ceramic and glass tubes. Both of them are cylindrical in shape and have varying diameters to American glass tube fuses.
Lucas ceramic fuse is 1 to 1.5 inches in length. One interesting fact is Lucas glass fuse and the American glass tube fuses are sometimes interchangeable.
| Instantaneous fusing amp | Cont. Fusing Amp. | Rated Current | Color |
| 3.5 | 3 | 1.5 | Blue |
| 5 | 4.5 | 2.25 | Yellow |
| 6 | 5 | 2.5 | Red on Yellow |
| 7 | 6 | 3 | Green |
| 10 | 8 | 4 | Nut Brown |
| 12 | 10 | 5 | Red on Green, Green on Black |
| 12 | 10 | 6 | Red on Brown |
| 14 | 12 | 7.5 | Light Brown |
| 18 | 15 | 12.5 | Pink |
| 30 | 25 | 17.5 | White |
| 40 | 35 | 25 | Purple on Yellow |
| 60 | 50 | 30 | Yellow on Red |
Lucas fuse has three types of Ratings as follows;
- The continuous current they can carry without blowing.
This is the current they can safely carry steadily without blowing up.
- The instantaneous current will fail.
This is a sudden surge of current (amp) that will heat up the fuse and eventually blow.
- The continuous current they will fail at.
When exposed to a certain current rating for long enough, this is the amp fuse will blow.
Here this table shows the continuous current they can carry.
Cable Fuse
A cable fuse is a type of in-line fuse directly attached to the line of an electric circuit. They work like any other automotive fuse, by blowing up when excess current flows through them.
There are two types of cable fuses; cable pro and BF inline fuses. We will describe them in detail below. They look like the picture given below.
Cable Pro: These fuses are available in cars, buses, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles and can carry up to 60A to 200A. These inline fuses are attached to the insulated cable of matching size from 5 mm2 to 25 mm2
| Cable Pro Fuse Cable Cross-section in mm2 | Amp |
| 5 | 60A |
| 8 | 80A |
| 8 | 100A |
| 13 | 125A |
| 19 | 150A |
| 19 | 175A |
| 19, 25 | 200A |
BF Inline Fuse: These fuses are available in cars, buses, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles and can carry from 100A to 300A. These fuses are attached to the insulated cable of matching sizes from 10 mm2 and 35 mm2.
| BF Inline Fuse Cable Cross-section in mm2 | Amp |
| 10 | 100A |
| 10 | 125A |
| 16 | 125A |
| 16 | 170A |
| 25 | 170A |
| 25 | 190A |
| 35 | 300A |
These fuses work when both terminals are connected to 32V carrying wires. This fuse is time-delayed and protects connections as well as equipment. Time delay fuses allow momentary overloads and are also called slow blow fuses.
PAL Fuse
PAL fuses are rectangular fuses that are designed for slots of straight legs. PAL fuses are mostly seen on Japanese-manufactured vehicles. However, these days, US-based cars have them as well.
| PAL Fuse Type | Amp. |
| 283 Series | 30A-140A |
| 283B Series | 20A-140A |
| 293 Series | 20A-100A |
| 2935 Series | 25A-75A |
| 2938 Series | 20A-80A |
| 294 Series | 30A-120A |
| 294C Series | 20A-140A |
| 295 Series | 30A-120A |
These fuses protect alternators and starters from extreme temperatures. The amp range they can carry is given in the table as well.
Color and Amp Rating
2935 Series Color and Amp Rating
| 2935 Series PAL Fuse Amp | Color |
| 25 | Light Brown |
| 30 | Light Green |
| 45 | Red |
| 65 | Black |
| 75 | Grey |
295 Series Color and Amp Rating
| Amp | Color |
| 20 | Light Blue |
| 30 | Pink |
| 40 | Green |
| 50 | Red |
| 60 | Yellow |
| 70 | Brown |
| 80 | Black |
| 100 | Blue |
| 120 | White |
| 140 | Reddish Brown |
High Current Fuse
High current fuses are capable of withstanding high current and they are known for their compact design. These are used in cars, Trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles.
| High Current Fuse Type | Amp. |
| Masterfuse | 30A-350A Full Range 300A-600A Short Circuit |
| ZCASE Masterfuse | 30 A to 500 A |
| Sealed M10 ZCASE | Max. 600A |
| ZCASE | Up to 600A |
| ZCASE M10 32V | 80A – 250A full range 300A-600A Short Circuit |
| ZCASE M10 Material Handling | 70A-600A |
| MEGA Slo-Blo 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 40A-500A |
| MEGA+ 32V | Up to 500A |
| MEGA HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down 51mm Fuse | 60A-500A |
| MEGA HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down 56mm Fuse | 60A-500A |
| MEGA 120V HP | 60- 650 A |
| MEGA Low Temp 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 125A – 275A |
| UL Recognized Mega Fuse Rated 32V | 80A- 175A |
| MIDI Time Lag 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 30A-200A |
| MIDI HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 30A- 200A |
| MIDI style BF1 Slo-Blo 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 30A- 200A |
| MIDI style 58V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 30A- 200A |
| MEGA style 32V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 100A- 500 A |
| MEGA style 58V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse | 100A- 300A |
| Fuse Strips 36V – Special Purpose Fuses | 25A-250A |
| Special Purpose Fuses | 30A – 150A |
| Fuse Strips 48V – Special Purpose Fuses | 35A-500A |
| Fuse Strips with Housing 48V – Special Purpose Fuses | 35A-500A |
| Battery Terminal Fuses 58V | 50A – 300A |
These fuses provide time-delayed protection as well as short circuit protection. Fuse strips are especially used in diesel vehicles to protect wires. The ZCASE series of fuses are used in electric forklifts and utility vehicles.
Masterfuse: This type of fuse is used in passenger cars and can operate up to 125°C temperature. Masterfuse is used for improved reliability and reduced cost of assembly. This fuse compiles Midi and Mega fuse types and provides wire protection from 30 A to 350 A.
Master Fuse provides protection against short circuits from amp ratings 300 A to 600 A. This fuse is compatible with tin-plated and silver-plated copper terminals. Masterfuse can be configured in more than one way.
ZCASE Masterfuse: This fuse is known for its compact and robust design making it the smallest high-current distributor. ZCASE Masterfuse is available in cars, trucks, buses, and SUVs.The voltage rating for this fuse is 32VDC and it works from -40˚C to +125˚C. Available fuse ratings are from 30A to 500A.
Sealed M10 ZCASE: This fuse is used in electric forklifts and utility vehicles and mounted on a female battery terminal. The maximum voltage rating is 80VDC and it is mounted using M10 stud mounts.
The maximum current rating of this fuse is 600A, but the continuous current rating is 450A. It provides high-speed protection against short circuits in electric vehicles. It is designed to be safe from battery acid fumes.
ZCASE: This is a bolt-down fuse that operates between -40˚C to +125˚C with a voltage rating of 32V. Compatible with tin-plated copper terminals this fuse is found in cars, trucks, SUVs, and Buses.
This fuse’s current rating is available from 40A to 600A with a SHUNT version. Its compact design saves space and it has one mount only. It provides full wire protection til 250A.
ZCASE M10 32V: This is a time delay or slow blow type of fuse used in commercial vehicles and buses. It has a tin-plated copper alloy terminal with a voltage rating of 32VDC. This fuse provides full wire protection from 80A to 250A and short circuit protection from 300A-600A.
ZCASE M10 32V has an M10 mount and one bolt connection. This fuse is generally used to protect starters. It can be mounted on a battery post, busbar, and starter.
ZCASE M10 Material Handling: This fuse is found in commercial vehicles only with an 80 VDC voltage rating. It has a current rating starting from 70A to 600A. However, full wire protection is available until 250A.
Just like ZCASE M10 32V, this fuse has one bolt and mounts on M10 while it protects the starter.
MEGA Slo-Blo 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This is a time delay fuse with diffusion pill technology with a 32 VDC voltage rating. It is used in cars, trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles. This fuse has a colored voltage rating from 40A to 500A.
From 300 A to 500 A, this fuse provides short-circuit protection only. However, this fuse can handle the continuous current flow from 40A to 250A.
MEGA+ 32V: This fuse is similar to the MEGA Slo-Blo 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse and has the same voltage and current rating. It has a see-through cover that makes visual inspection easy in case of failure.
MEGA HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down 51mm Fuse: This type of high-current fuse is found in batteries, and alternators in buses, trucks, and SUVs. This high-performance bolt-down fuse is used in heavy gauge wire harnesses as well.
The voltage rating of this fuse is 70 VDC and the current rating is available from 60A to 500A. However, for shielding against short circuits use fuse with amp ratings 350 A-500 A. It’s a predictable time delay fuse.
MEGA HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down 56mm Fuse: This is exactly like the previously mentioned MEGA HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down 51mm Fuse in terms of current and voltage ratings. The only difference is this high-performance MEGA fuse is compatible with a 56mm pitch instead of 51mm.
MEGA 120V HP: This Mega high-performance fuse is found in cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles and provides time-delayed protection. The voltage rating for this fuse is 120VDC with current ratings from 60A to 650A.
However, it only protects against short circuits with the 450 A and 650 A-rated fuses. At the same time, this fuse has a 56mm pitch.
MEGA Low Temp 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This is a time-delayed bolt-down Mega-type fuse with a voltage rating of 32VDC. Available amp rating starts from 125A and goes up to 275A. This fuse is specially designed for a low-voltage drop.
UL Recognized Mega Fuse Rated 32V: This is a time-delayed fuse with a 32VDC voltage rating with current ratings from 80A to 175A. This fuse protects starters, alternators, and heavy gauge cables in buses, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. The amp rating for this fuse is color coded.
MIDI Time Lag 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This Midi-type bolt-down fuse is found in vehicles and has a 32VDC with available current ratings of 30A to 200A. The amp rating for this fuse is color coded. To protect against short circuits use fuses with amp ratings 150A and 200A.
MIDI HP 70V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This high-performance bolt-down fuse offers time-delayed protection and has a voltage rating of 70V. The amp rating for this fuse is 30A to 200A with color codes. This fuse is used in vehicle heaters, fans, batteries, and starters.
MIDI style BF1 Slo-Blo 32V Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This high-current fuse is used to protect wiring harnesses in vehicles. This is a time delay type of fuse with a 32 VDC voltage rating. The amp rating for all Midi fuses is the same.
MIDI style 58V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This Midi fuse has a voltage rating of 58VDC and it works on the slow blow principle. Users can see broken wire when the fuse gets blown because it has clear coverings.
MEGA style 32V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This is a bolt-down fuse that works on the time delay principle with a 32 VDC voltage rating. The amp rating for this fuse is 100A-500A with color codes. It is found in buses, trucks, SUVs, and offroad vehicles to protect wiring harnesses.
MEGA style 58V Slo-Blo Automotive Bolt-Down Fuse: This fuse has a voltage rating of 58VDC with a current rating of 100A to 300A. It is a time delta type of fuse that provides reliability. Only the 300A fuse of this type provides short-circuit protection.
Fuse Strips 36V – Special Purpose Fuses: These fuse strips are used in diesel vehicles with a 36VDC voltage rating. You cannot use these fuses in gasoline-powered cars or electric vehicles. The amp rating for this fuse starts from 25A to 250A.
Special Purpose Fuses: This is a high current fast-acting fuse, used in only diesel vehicles. EVs or gasoline cars cannot use this fuse. The voltage rating of this fuse is 36VDC and the current rating starts from 30A and goes up to 150A.
Fuse Strips 48V – Special Purpose Fuses: This fuse has a voltage rating of 48VDC with a current rating of 35A to 500A. It can only be used in hybrid and electric vehicles. This is a time delay type fuse. Do not use this fuse in gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.
Fuse Strips with Housing 48V – Special Purpose Fuses: This is a time-delayed fuse with a voltage rating of 48VDC and a current rating of 35A to 500A. This fuse is not made for automobiles or trucks and can be used in battery-powered vehicles only.
Battery Terminal Fuses 58V: This is a fast-acting battery terminal fuse with a voltage rating of 58VDC. The available current rating of this fuse is from 50A to 300A. This fuse is made for automotive applications and it has clear coverings.
Current Limiting Fuse
A current limiting fuse reduces the amount of damaging current that passes through the circuit. This type of fuse is capable of limiting the amount of current within a half cycle. This fuse creates a significant resistance level after the fuse element has melted, which helps to mitigate the impact and duration of short circuits and overloads.
This type of fuse is used in battery-operated trucks and forklifts to limit the overflow of current. This fuse is available from the amp range of 10A to 800A. This fuse is a fast-acting and bolt-down type.
| Current Limiting Fuse Type | Amp |
| ANN very fast acting limiter fuse | 10A- 800A |
| ANL non-time delay fuse | 35A- 750A |
The ANN type of current limiting fuse acts very fast to short circuit currents and has a voltage rating of 125VAC and 80VDC. The ANL is the low voltage non-time delay fuse that is used to find faults in battery-operated systems with <=80VDC voltage rating.
PPTC Fuse
A polymeric positive temperature coefficient device (PPTC), is an electronic component used to safeguard against overcurrent faults in electronic circuits. It is also referred to as a multifuse, polyfuse, or polyswitch.
A polymeric PTC device is made of a material that is conductive when cold. When too much current passes through it, the device heats up and the material expands, breaking the conductive pathways and raising the resistance. This reduces the current flow, protecting the circuit.
This type of fuse is used in cars for small to medium electric motor applications such as window lift motors, fuel door actuators, seat motors, etc. They are available in voltage ratings from 16VDC to even 60VDC.
These fuses are resettable and their motor temperature doesn’t rise as much as circuit breakers. These devices are found in Trunk actuators, sunroof motors, Door lock actuators, convertible top actuators, and lumbar support motors.
SMD Auto fuse
An SMD (surface mount device) fuse is a type of circuit protection device that is soldered directly onto a printed circuit board, rather than being installed in a separate fuse holder.
SMD fuses work in a similar way to traditional fuses by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level. Instead of a wire-like fusible link, SMD fuses use a thin layer of conductive material that is designed to melt and break the circuit when the current exceeds the fuse’s rating.
Surface mount fuses are specially designed for high-voltage components in electric vehicles. Surface Mount Fuses offers two types of products: Thick Film chip fuses on ceramic substrates, and Surface Mount ceramic tube/end cap fuses.
This surface mountable fuse is used instead of blade fuses in situations when replacing a fuse is not desired. The current rating of the SMD auto fuse is 5A-30A with a voltage rating of 18VDC.
RTP Fuse
Reflowable thermal protectors or RTP is found in passenger cars’ HVAC, power steering, and ABS systems. These are surface mountable fuses with high current flowing ability. These can be found in converters, diesel heaters, cooling fans, BCM, and PCB heaters as well.
| RTP Fuse Type | Interruption Rating |
| RTP mini | 500A at 16VDC |
| RTP mini B | 500A at 16VDC |
Both of these fuses are designed for high-temperature demanding environments and can withstand vibration, shock, and cyclic temp. and exposure to humidity. These fuses work together with the SMD devices mentioned above.
FAQs
Are Automotive Fuses AC Or DC?
Automotive fuses are DC and they use direct current from the battery. Car fuses are specifically designed for DC applications and blow after a certain amp is crossed.
Are All Car Fuses 12V?
No, all car fuses are not 12V. There are many fuses with higher voltage ratings such as 32V. However, the most used fuse type nowadays is a blade fuse that fits a 12V electrical system.
Can I Use Any Fuses In My Car?
No, you cannot use any fuse in your car. Depending on the application, you must use different fuses. For any fuse replacement, you must match the amp. Rating and the voltage.
Bottom Line
Hopefully this article was able to clear all your confusion about car fuse types. With electric vehicles emerging, we will probably see another transformation in the fuse market which is dominated by blade fuse now.
