fusible link questions

[Gary Derian]

I think most newer cars have done away with fusible links and use high amp
fuses.  Fuse size is determined by the wire gauge it feeds, not necessarily
the circuit load.  Of course, the circuit load determines the wire gauge.

Gary Derian <gderian at cybergate.net>

>> gents,
>>
>> Can somebody tell me why fusible links are all the rage now rather
>> than a fuse?  Is there some niffty piece of info on these things that I'm
>> missing?
>
>Fusible links are designed to take a brief overloads without failing.
>They're great for things like fan motors, which have high initial
>current draw.  According to a service bulletin, fuses can blow because
>of expansion/contraction of the element due to quick high loads.  I'm
>not making this up, they called it thermal fatigue.  And fuses need a
>fuse holder and extra wiring. (Co$t)
>
>>
>> Secondly, how do you convert fusible link guage to Amps?  i.e. 20 GA
>> fusible link will blow at what amperage?
>I don't know that, but a fusible link should be 2 AWG sizes smaller
>than the wire it's attached to.  10 ga wire should have 14 ga fusible
>link. Length should be kept to a minimum.
>Shannen
>>
>> thanks to all in advance
>> jw