If you’re a car enthusiast, you know the importance of protecting your hard work and investment. One way to do that is by installing a fusible link in your vehicle. In this post, we’ll discuss what a fusible link is, where to use it, and how it works.
A fusible link is a type of electrical protection device that is designed to protect your vehicle’s wiring harness. It’s typically installed on the power feed of your car, and it acts as a surge protector. If there is a short circuit in your car’s electrical system, the fusible link will burn out before the wiring harness does, preventing further damage.
Larry from Hagermeister Enterprises explains that fusible links come in many cars from the factory, but they’re not always included in old tractors, hot rod cars, or collector cars. Larry himself installed two 14 gauge fusible links in his 1950 Dodge with original cloth wiring, providing an extra layer of protection to his vehicle.
There are different types of fusible links for different types of vehicles. For example, a Ford fusible link has a 5/16 terminal that goes on the Ford solenoid for the power feed of the car. A GM fusible link has a 3/8 ring terminal that typically goes on the starter solenoid for the power feed of the vehicle.
Larry recommends using a smaller wire that is typically four gauges smaller than the wire you want to power and just a short piece of it to protect the vehicle. He also suggests using a temperature gun to check that the fusible link is the right size for your car. If it’s getting too warm, then it’s too light.
In a demonstration, Larry shows how a fusible link works to protect your car. He creates a direct short across a conventional 12-volt battery with a shut-off switch, just like it would do in your car if the yellow wire got shorted out against the frame. The fusible link burns out quickly, saving your wiring harness from damage.
In closing, Larry mentions that he’s seen burn-ups on cars before, and he encourages car enthusiasts to install a simple fusible link to protect their hard work. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste because of a short circuit – install a fusible link to protect your vehicle’s electrical system.