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FUSE getting HOT under LOAD - Is this normal? | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER

February 15, 2024 · 6 min · 4K views · Hamburg

What this video covers

ANL fuses operating near their rated amperage naturally generate significant heat, as they function as thermal devices that must reach high temperatures to melt.1:05 However, excessive heat often stems from improper installation where stainless steel washers or nuts become part of the electrical conducting circuit.Watch Because stainless steel has only 8% of the conductivity of copper, it creates high resistance and extreme heat when carrying 150 amps of current.2:48 This heat can melt fuse holders, cause arcing, or trigger nuisance fuse blows that risk damaging alternator diodes.3:54 To ensure a reliable connection, the fuse must maintain direct contact with the terminal lug, with fasteners serving only to clamp the conducting surfaces together.5:10 Installers should verify that no washers sit between the fuse and the terminal, a common error during final assembly on new boats.5:22 Proper installation prevents thermal degradation of the fuse holder and protects the charging system from failure.

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