Different types of fuses query

[macspring]

Can someone advise what is the difference between the regular transparent fuses in our cars' fusebox say in the scuttle, and the thin aluminum fuses in behind the driver’s plastic kick panel / shelf ?

Just curious !

Thanks.

[Tony Stark]

I think the aluminium ones are thermal fuses.

[macspring]

Agreed, thanks for reply, but looking for more detail.

[johne]

The aluminium bodied thermal fuses are used in the electric window and sunroof circuits so they can cope with the large current that flows when the motor is stalled, i.e. when the window is fully down or fully up until either: you take your finger off the switch or: the "auto down" timer times out.

If want to know how they work and what they look like inside search for a post by Jas11n who took one apart.

John

[UrS4boy]

Agree that they are slow blow-auto reset fuses/circuit breakers. When they work, they are beneficial. However, with age they can stick open OR closed, causing various types of grief. Here is a link to a photo montage of an examination of the thermal fuses by James M. (Jamu or emerald-UrS4) on my home forum.

https://plus.google.com/photos/117979369085854910207/albums/5631190765848614209?banner=pwa&gpsrc=pwrd1#photos/117979369085854910207/albums/5631190765848614209

[macspring]

All,

Thanks for the replies.

Curiosity now satisfied.