Menards Thermal Fuse (2024)

FAQs

How to know what fuse to buy? ›

First, you will need to determine the maximum fuse rating in amperages by applying this formula for calculation: P (Watts) ÷ V (Voltage) = I (Amps). Next, you will need to calculate the minimum fuse rating or amperage by multiplying that total (the maximum amperage rating) by 125%.

Type-TL and SL fuses are considered to be regular duty fuses. Type T and Type-S are heavy duty fuses for high inrush current applications and typically use a dual-element design.

Plug fuses are available in both heavy-duty and medium-duty types with standard Edison-type threaded bases and tamper-proof rejection-type bases.

The ampere rating is almost always shown on the fuse and is usually expressed in amperes (eg. 10A or 0.5A), but it could also be expressed in milliamps (eg. 100mA). Sometimes the ampere rating is incorporated into the fuse part number eg.

If a 12V circuit has a current flow of 8A, what size fuse must be used to protect the circuit? The fuse rating is designed to protect the wiring and the attached device. If your current flow is 8A then you need a fuse rated for at least 8A continuous that is lower than the continuous rating of the wires.

A type‑D fuse is similar to a type P, except that it also contains an element that absorbs a portion of the power for a short period of time. One can often read “dual element” or “time delay” to identify a type D.

Class R (“R” for rejection) fuses are high performance, 1⁄10 to 600A units, 250V and 600V, having a high degree of current-limitation and a short-circuit interrupting rating of up to 300,000A (RMS symmetrical).

Ever wonder what the “T” stands for when it comes to fuses? If you answered “Timed” – you are correct! Timed is the correct term for a “slow blow fuse” which are often called “time-delay fuses.” There is also a double “TT” rating which denotes very slow blow fuses.

How long does a fuse last? If the fuse does not operate then it will typically last 20 - 30 years as long as it is operating within its design limitations. If it is in a higher cyclic operating temperature i.e. very cold or very hot, then this can reduce its life.

At last, in the mid-1960s, the circuit breakers entered the game of electrical panels and been standard ever since. The reason circuit breakers were such an important advancement is that they came with the advantage of reset after any fault occurs, unlike fuses that needed to be replaced when tripped.

What are old fuses called? ›

Type-W fuses are an older style of fuse utilizing an Edison base and are all but obsolete today. They are general-purpose plug fuses and are fast-acting—that is, they have no time-delay fuse element and quickly interrupt the circuit once the fuse's rated amperage is exceeded.

Type S fuses are also called tamper proof fuses because each fuse size has a different base and thread size. These fuses also require the use of a special adapter which is screwed into the standard Edison base of the fuse holder.

The "Type SL" variation is for use with circuits that power motor-driven appliances, such as a refrigerator or dishwasher. The SL type has a time-delay feature that prevents the fuse from blowing under the momentary surge that occurs when a motor comes up to speed.

For example, a 30 amp fuse can fit in a 20 amp circuit, which is a dangerous fire hazard. To prevent this, Safety Fuses, also known as “S” type fuses can be installed.

To prevent mismatching or over fusing of the circuit, Fustat® fuses – also called type “S” tamper-proof fuses – should be installed for all screw-in fuse panels. These come in different amperage sizes, and each tamper-proof fuse will only screw into the correct tamper-proof base.