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What Kind of Fuse?

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9Track

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I have a Kenwood 8360, that came with 15a, 250v fuses on the battery connection cables. They just look like standard, glass barrel fuses. One of them stopped working and I need to replace. It doesn't have any burned areas like other burned out fuses I've seen, it just has no continuity. It was a replacement wiring setup that just looks like a cheap, Chinese, no-name brand. (Has Chinese writing on the wires.)

I've been looking for something like a Bussman, but the only ones I've found are either 15 amp, 32v or 15 amp, 125 volt. (It's a 45-watt radio.)

Do I need to get the 250 volt version? Was it the correct rating to start with?

Thanks for any advise.

Steve.
 

littona

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It's quite common to use the 250v fuses worldwide. Just go with a 15A 125V if that's all you can find - assuming you're using 120V power!
 

mmckenna

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I have a Kenwood 8360, that came with 15a, 250v fuses on the battery connection cables. They just look like standard, glass barrel fuses. One of them stopped working and I need to replace. It doesn't have any burned areas like other burned out fuses I've seen, it just has no continuity. It was a replacement wiring setup that just looks like a cheap, Chinese, no-name brand. (Has Chinese writing on the wires.)

I've been looking for something like a Bussman, but the only ones I've found are either 15 amp, 32v or 15 amp, 125 volt. (It's a 45-watt radio.)

Do I need to get the 250 volt version? Was it the correct rating to start with?

Thanks for any advise.

Steve.

The stock DC wiring kits would have had a 15 amp ATC fuse. If you have a cheap Chinese power cable, you may want to replace it. Never been impressed with glass fuses in mobile applications.

You should be able to find 15 amp fuses at an auto parts store.
 

wtp

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the AMP setting is where it breaks.
the voltage is what happens after it breaks, the spacing between the now melted metal, and the contacts and if it will allow arcing.
 

9Track

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I am going to replace all of them (have five sets to replace). These are on 12v DC power supplies at base or will be in vehicles. To replace them with ATC fuses - I'm assuming there is some kind of kit or some parts I can replace in-line on the wires? Actually, I'm going to replace the wires, as well. I don't trust any of the cheapness of these wiring setups.

I guess I've never seen an in-line ATC fuse holder?

Will the 32v rating be a problem for now?

Thanks.
 

9Track

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Ah - just found the in-line ATC fuses on a Kenwood factory wiring harness for a TM-V71A. Can someone steer me towards where I can purchase several Kenwood factory wiring setups for the 8360s? The fuses for the TM-V71A are in an extension set for that radio. They are 20 amp fuses. Are those safe enough for the 8360? I thought you would use a 15 amp fuse for a 45 watt radio?

I'm just not sure who sells factory wiring for Kenwood?

Thanks.
 

cmdrwill

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One problem with the glass fuses is that the solder in the end caps melts due to poor contact to fuse holder not really clean that causes heat.

Use the ATC 15 fuses. Any good auto parts store.
 

9Track

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One problem with the glass fuses is that the solder in the end caps melts due to poor contact to fuse holder not really clean that causes heat.

Use the ATC 15 fuses. Any good auto parts store.

Okay. I guess I need to find quality fuse holders somewhere. What voltage rating is best for the fuses?
 

SteveC0625

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ATC fuse holders are readily available at auto parts stores. If you’re running a very short distance from PS to radio, get fuse holders that have 14 ga stranded wire. Consider 12 ga for longer runs, at least for a 45 watt radio.
 

9Track

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Is 8ga overkill? I saw a reference somewhere that mmckenna mentioned using 8ga. The cable coming out of the radio looks to only be about 14ga (or, 16ga?), as it is, though. I wouldn't want to burn up the radio end of the wiring.

Is there a particular brand of fuse and fuse holders that are good?
 

SteveC0625

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Is 8ga overkill? I saw a reference somewhere that mmckenna mentioned using 8ga. The cable coming out of the radio looks to only be about 14ga (or, 16ga?), as it is, though. I wouldn't want to burn up the radio end of the wiring.

8 ga or larger would typically be used to feed a fuse block from a battery in a vehicle or a large power supply, either for multiple radios or other items.

This chart maybe useful:
ABDD8BA9-7069-4CE6-BCB1-32D44A57EC81.png
 

cmdrwill

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I will also add:
ATC fuses are closed and meant to use under the hood. They are sealed so the spark when the fuse blows is not exposed to gas fumes ect under the hood.

ATO fuses are not sealed.
 

mmckenna

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Is 8ga overkill? I saw a reference somewhere that mmckenna mentioned using 8ga. The cable coming out of the radio looks to only be about 14ga (or, 16ga?), as it is, though. I wouldn't want to burn up the radio end of the wiring.

Is there a particular brand of fuse and fuse holders that are good?

Yeah, that was for feeding multiple radios, or for really long power runs. For one GMRS radio in a standard auto, 8 gauge would be overkill, unless you plan on adding more radios later on.

The Kenwood KCT-23M3 is the right cable. You should be able to find those fairly cheap.
 

9Track

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Thanks, everyone for the great help. There is a lot of knowledge among you guys.

And ramal121 - thanks much for that direct link! I placed an order with them. They seem to be a good resource for a lot of radio parts.

Steve C0625 - thanks for the chart. Saved it to my computer.
 
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