Engel Fuse Blowing

[bushbandit]

For the first time i had my Engel 40 ltr fridge fuse blow,the one that's in the end of the black cable that plugs into the cigarette style input.

Is it possible  to put another same type fuse from say Jaycar etc or do we have to use the Genuine Engel Fuse replacement.

I have just arrived back home after the trip and am yet to check my cable setup and battery box to find out why it blew in the first place the fridge works fine on 240v.

One thing i noticed when it blew was a electrical smell in the vehicle but im unsure if a fuse blowing gives of that smell.

[D4D]

Is it possible  to put another same type fuse from say Jaycar

Yes, get a couple, if it pops again then investigate further.

[KingBilly]

No smell from a fuse blowing.  The fuse is normally encased in glass or plastic.

KB

[HKB Electronics]

Electrical smell is usually caused by:

Overheating of a component or burning of insulation etc, as KB wrote fuses don't usually
smell unless they are over heating that is.

[Beachman]

I blow fuses about once every 8-9 months, but that's mainly because the fridge wasn't tied down properly and I went over a bump too fast. I just bought 6 pack packet from Repco/Supercheap and keep them in my fridge cover for when required.

[Steffo1]

I may be 100% wrong here but I thought that Engel fuses were thermo type i.e. blew (melted) when overheating occurred.
Steffo

[KingBilly]

From http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/about_FAQ.asp

Fridge - What is special about the Engel 12 volt fuse?
The 12 volt Fuse is designed to protect your vehicles wiring harness in addition to working as a normal fuse. The thermal fuse is unique as it measures resistance. Resistance generates heat (heat and wiring don't mix). The amount of resistance will vary depending on the length and thickness of the cable used in the installation. If the cable has too much resistance the fuse will blow, protecting your vehicle. These fuses are also directional, the arrow marked on the side of the fuse should point in the direction of the cigarete lighter socket. If you find that the fuse has blown we would suggest that you consider having your vehicles wiring tested and fitting an Engel pos-fit connection. (Please refer to the  "Posi-fit connection" under the fridge accessories category). Part Number # ASPAN, APAN, or BPAN. The fuse Part Number # 12VFUSE.

KB

[KingBilly]

I may be 100% wrong here but I thought that Engel fuses were thermo type i.e. blew (melted) when overheating occurred.
Steffo

If you're inferring that when the fuse "blows" it gives off a smell, I think that would not normally be the case as the part of the fuse which "blows" is encased in glass so no fumes should be noticeable.  But if the glass is broken, then I could undertsand you noticing a burnt smell.  Happy to be corrected.

KB

[Steffo1]

No KB just pointing out that they're Thermal fuses. No smell intended 
Steffo

[Beachman]

Sorry I just reread the original post and I have never broken one of the fuses in the power coard, just the red ones that plug into the back of the fridge. 

[wilson79]

sorry to rehash an old topic, but can any one tell me what size these fuses are in Amps? there does not seem to be anything written on them?

[fuji]

Mine blew in Daly Waters. Ended up asking a sparkie across the road and he picked it straight away. Daly Waters pub owner let us store meat etc till the next day and ended up in Katherine at the Engel dealer. Problem all fixed. Now I have two Trailblazas

[weeds]

I didn't realize there was a fuse in the ciggy if end......I have my two off and fitted Anderson plugs.

Just get the same size that is at the back of the fridge. From  it's red which is 10amp

[weeds]

Just dug out my old genuine engel extension lead and it has a 10amp inline fuse

[RWS]

Just checked the owners manual...says 10a special thermal fuse.

Received a spare with my purchase...looks a bit different from the normal fuse...seems to have a couple of diodes inside.

[CC2005]

Just a little bit more to add. 

If your wiring to the unit is adequate, a standard 10Amp fuse will suffice.

The other feature the fuse has is the thermal rupture (blow), of which is rated at 71 Celcius.  It will also blow on reverse polarity.

Generally a 10 amp standard fuse, like what is installed in the back of the unit is fine in most applications, just ensure the polarity is correct.  As others have pointed out it is to assist with protecting possible inadequate vehicle wiring; or owner wiring.

[wilson79]

I have recently removed the cigi end of the lead and fitted anderson plug and installed an inline fuse holder and have been using the engel thermal fuses but keep blowing them after about 4 hours use.

I have checked all my soldered connections and all seem fine

[CC2005]

I have recently removed the cigi end of the lead and fitted anderson plug and installed an inline fuse holder and have been using the engel thermal fuses but keep blowing them after about 4 hours use.

I have checked all my soldered connections and all seem fine

A long time since this thread, your post has had a reply.  Have you found out what the issue is?  I might have some information for you.

[wilson79]

A long time since this thread, your post has had a reply.  Have you found out what the issue is?  I might have some information for you.

I did thanks mate, turned out my fuse holder was dodgy. I replaced it with a blade fuse and now all good