Blade ATO/ATC Fuses

[cheech]

Hi

I'm planning to use this type of fuse on the layout. When i check the electrical suppliers online, there are a huge number of them.  Can a Buss M31 10Amp VDC work with the AC/18Volt layout? are any blade fuses made for AC and do you know the part number/supplier?

 thanks in advance

Ralph

[lionelsoni]

I don't understand "M31 10Amp VDC ".  But automotive blade fuses are generally rated for 32 volts DC.  Interrupting an AC circuit is easier than DC; so these should work fine for toy trains.

Why don't you use circuit breakers instead?  The automotive breakers are very suitable for trains, virtually the same function as the originals built into the transformers.  I hope you're not counting on fuses to protect the electronics in newer locomotives.  The problem there is not overcurrent but overvoltage.  A fuse can help some by blowing early in a derailment, cutting off some of the voltage spikes that are likely to occur, but is not at all a sure protection.  I recommend transient voltage suppressors for that.  They're cheap, easy to use, and don't need to be replaced.

[cheech]

Thanks Bob

I am planning on both, the tvs for spikes and fuses for overcurrent from derailments.  I didn't think of circuit breakers, because they are 'mechanical' but maybe i'll examine those as well.  I am thinking about the blade fuses because some models come with a small light that lets you know which one has popped, so i can see from a bit away which fuse needs replacement.

thanks for confirming the DC will work

Ralph

[phillyreading]

In the long run circuit breakers are more economical because you re-set them instead of replacing them.

Lee F.

[cheech]

Lee

do you know a model number or manufacturer for circuit breakers?

[lionelsoni]

Bussmann, for one; but Littelfuse and others also make them.  They come in models that would plug into the same fuse sockets you were considering.  You can get them at most automotive parts stores.  I noticed the other day that they were in stock and only a few bucks at the local Advance.  They are auto-resetting, like the transformer circuit breakers, and come in a variety of current ratings useful to us, like 5, 10, 15, and 20 amperes.