Fuse wire

[concepthomes1]

I live in Charlotte NC and am wondering where to get fuse wire. i have tried tractor supply company but they don't carry it and the little girl behind the counter "never even heard of it. Isnt that only for terrorists?" needless to say, i wont be going back there.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Google is your friend
fuse wire - Google Search

 

[ecam8000]

Are you speaking of fusible links (like an inline fuse) or resistance wire? Both of these can be sourced or replaced with inline fuses or resistors. I get them through automotive electrical supply houses. If fuse wire is stuff that goes bang or makes things go bang, then I have no idea.

 

[s&wchad]

Is it that much cheaper to make your own fuses?

 

[m1gunner]

If you want "fuse wire" that lights fuses, it is called Ni-chrome wire, available at hobby shops.

If you want "fusable link" wire, go to your local NAPA store, they sell it in 10 or 20' coils in little plastic bags. I keep some in my toolbox all the time, you'd be amazed how often you will use it if you have some.

 

[mountaingun629]

I haven't seen fuse wire since the 1960's. Think it was basically lead wire or an alloy something like solder. Might have to try some different sizes of wire solder, until you can figure out how much amperage it will take, as a substitute.
An electric supply company (not automotive or box store) might possibly be able to come up with some of the old style stuff.
If you know an older or retired electrician, he may have some good advice.

Myron

 

[Spotteddog]

Fusible link.
Any larger electrical supply house will have it available, but it is almost exclusively for automotive use. The older (if any still exist, just like "hardware stores") automotive stores will have it, or can get it. Typically, the OEM stuff have a "flag" tab on them indicating rated amp value. I used to even remember the values on them by color, but I can't remember where I left my memory today? Can still recall V-8 firing orders, but not breakfast!

 

[enfield]

With a pair of wire cutters, you can get fusible links at your local automotive junk yard.

 

[pred]

I just look up the amp draw and install a proper in line fuse.
Peter

 

[Stevie]

Hmmm....seems like I remember from a long ago training school(John Deere), that a fuse wire could be replaced with wire that was a minimum 2 gages smaller than the rest of the circuit.

 

[mick1213]

At least some Belarus tractors used a system of wrapping a fuse wire around two terminals rather than replaceable fuses. Spare wire of different gauges was stored under the panel cover.

Several times I've used a short spliced section of wire a gauge size below the wire to be protected. Seemed to work ok for me, but milage may vary.

Correction, Thinking back, seems Stevie is correct, 2 gauge sizes

 

[john3136]

Google is your friend
fuse wire - Google Search

Or even better: Try this

 

[mountaingun629]

mick1213 has it right - lead fuse wire was used before cartridge fuses were made - it was just wrapped around a couple of screws to install.
We still had it in the apartment fusebox where I lived while in the Navy, although that was a long time ago.
It was available in various amperage ratings, just like other fuses. Some of the electrical supply houses may still carry it or be able to order it.

Myron

 

[jkc]

Or, try, skylighter.com

 

[Spotteddog]

I guess having it in and around the starter solenoid and relay area's of about half of all American automobiles and P/U's made during the 60's/70's and some even into the 80's, doesn't count? It was utilized as an economical means of charging circuit protection. Trouble was, when circuit resistance went up due to dirty connections or grounds being bad. Or a battery was so toasted that it required 40 amps constant to keep it charged, POOF went the fuse link.
(Ask anyone with a mid 60's Ford that would "start", but not "run".)