Blew a fuse for 12v fridge, replacement so I jammed a small wire in there. Question.

[gwave]

I think that title makes this sound worse than it is. Here's the set up:

12v fridge is plugged into a 12v outlet. That outlet has an inline fuse and it's running into my fuse box with another fuse. The fridge also has a fuse, so 3 fuses involved here.

I noticed the fridge was off and checked the fuse box. That fuse was blown. When I replaced it I blew the inline fuse, it's a cylinder-type which I don't have extras for (I'll get some!). So I cut a short piece of wire and jammed it in to hold me over until I get to town in a couple days. Is this terrible, is there a risk short term? It seems like it'll be fine to hold me over for a couple days but I wanted more opinions.

Thanks

 

[user 2252]

You have increased your risk to fire.

 

[gwave]

You have increased your risk to fire.

Thanks. Out of curiosity if I removed the entire fuse part on the 12v outlet so it's a straight wire would that be better? Not planning on it, just wondering

 

[picopat]

Thanks. Out of curiosity if I removed the entire fuse part on the 12v outlet so it's a straight wire would that be better? Not planning on it, just wondering

Hi gwave,

As long as you have at least one appropriately sized fuse (probably 10A or less) you're protected from fire risk.

In an ideal system you would normally only have one fuse between the power source and the load, refrigerator in this case. Makes troubleshooting easier. But as we piece our systems together sometimes we end up with another fuse in-line like you did. Worst thing with this you're 2x more likely to experience "nuisance fuse blowing" when current draw from the appliance is near the fuse rating.

Just to be clear - Don't wire straight from the battery to the refrigerator! But one fuse is enough.  

Patrick

 

[gwave]

Hi gwave,

As long as you have at least one appropriately sized fuse (probably 10A or less) you're protected from fire risk.

In an ideal system you would normally only have one fuse between the power source and the load, refrigerator in this case. Makes troubleshooting easier. But as we piece our systems together sometimes we end up with another fuse in-line like you did. Worst thing with this you're 2x more likely to experience "nuisance fuse blowing" when current draw from the appliance is near the fuse rating.

Just to be clear - Don't wire straight from the battery to the refrigerator! But one fuse is enough.  

Patrick

Thank you for the helpful comment, much appreciated. That's what I thought, but wanted to hear it from someone that's not in my own head

I realize I bought the wrong 12v outlets (didn't realize they had an inline fuse at the time), but i installed it anyway thinking if I matched the fuse in the box it's connected to all would be good.

 

[AuricTech]

As others have pointed out, since there are multiple segments of wire involved (fuse box to outlet, then outlet to refrigerator), this does increase the risk of a segment of wire overheating (as fuses are used to protect the wire). While I have no way to quantify the increased risk, one thing that could help mitigate the risk is to reduce the load on the wiring by adjusting the refrigerator's thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature.

Of course, should you do so, you still should keep food safety issues in mind.

 

[rvwandering]

I deleted one comment and reply. Please follow Bob's request -" Every post should somehow make members' lives better. We are here to be helpful, kind and supportive."

 More from Bob's Vision Statement can be found here: https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=6554&pid=73910#pid73910

 Also dangerous suggestions will be deleted. Fuses are necessary for safety.

 

[B and C]

The correct size fuse for the wire placed closest to the battery end is all the fusing needed to get to the outlet. The devices (fridge) plug will have a fuse to protect the wire going to the device. Now if the wiring to the outlet is undersized for the load, the fuse will blow as you are protecting the wire. Use a wire that will carry the current needed by the device (fridge), don't just put in a bigger fuse without the wire size to support it.