Melted fuse holder

[pragmatist]

Attempting to add photos before typing post and then losing it again..

I have an 80W solar panel mounted on stern arch wired to dedicate d controller and protected by 5A fuse (on the panel side of controller) . The fuse holder appears to have melted whilst fuse is still intact (has continuity). What could cause this ? I am loathe simply to replace fuse holder

 

[Daverw]

These inline fuses are poor, chop it out and replace a spade fuse holder, spring tension goes and leads to what you have seen

 

[VicS]

Attempting to add photos before typing post and then losing it again.View attachment 72244.

I have an 80W solar panel mounted on stern arch wired to dedicate d controller and protected by 5A fuse (on the panel side of controller) . The fuse holder appears to have melted whilst fuse is still intact (has continuity). What could cause this ? I am loathe simply to replace fuse holder

Bad contact with the fuse end cap !

Replace with a more suitable type, but do you need a fuse between the panel and the controller. The wiring will be more than adequate to safely carry the max current output from the panel if it sized to limit volts drop.

The wiring between battery and controller should have a fuse located as close as possible to the battery connection.

 

[pvb]

If you must have an inline fuse, the blade fuse is a better solution. Something like this one...



https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/inline-splashproof-standard-blade-fuse-holder-30a.html

 

[pessimist]

SWMO (pragmatist) has said that I must reply as it was my cock up. First thanks to all for replying, the fuse was superfluous - I must have had a mental aberration when wiring the controller. Secondly thanks for the advice on fuse holders.

 

[Amulet]

Been there, done that, blades are the way to go - as already said. I was slow to realise and felt a bit stupid.

 

[prv]

It’s a bit hard to tell because the photo’s out of focus, but the end cap of the fuse looks corroded. In that case there will have been poor contact and consequent heating. Was this fuse holder getting wet?

Either way, the blade holders are indeed better, and try a weatherproof one if it’s going in a damp place.

Pete

 

[William_H]

If you want to stick with glass tubular fuses then the holder type which clamps the sides of the metal cap are far better.
Blade fuses are really good. You do not need a holder if you use 2 spade amp connectors on the wire ends then just insulate the whole thing in tubular plastic or tape. (crude yes) ol'will

 

[sarabande]

C - why do you say the fuse is superfluous, please ? Are you using one in the controller ?

 

[VicS]

C - why do you say the fuse is superfluous, please ? Are you using one in the controller ?

what purpose would it serve.

One is needed in the battery connection to protect the wiring and controller from the high current the battery could deliver in the event of a fault.

The wiring between panel and controller does not need a fuse because, to minimize volts drop, it will be much heavier than required to safely carry the maximum current that the panel can deliver.

 

[andsarkit]

If you're passing by drop in and pick up a suitable fuseholder. I've got quite a selection in the garage/boat store.
Ed