Fuses & Fuse Boxes
About Fuses & Fuse Boxes
A fuse protects a circuit by blowing before the wire does, so a blown fuse is often the first sign of a short or an overload. Owners keep spares for the trail, replace blown fuses, and add fuse panels when they wire in lights, radios and other accessories.
Match the fuse type and the amp rating exactly. The listings here include ATC and ATM blade fuses, which are two sizes of blade, in ratings from 5 to 40 amps, sold in 5-packs, as well as AGC glass tube fuses and an AGX assortment. There are also a 20 amp fuse holder and 6-slot and 8-slot fuse panels. A fuse holder protects a single added wire, while a panel gives several circuits a fuse each. Never fit a higher rating than the circuit calls for, since the fuse protects the wiring, and look for the cause if it blows again.
Brands here include Grote, XTC Power Products and Namz. Related categories are Relays, Wiring Harnesses, Cables & Connectors and Batteries. The whole group is Electrical & Ignition Components.
FAQs on UTV and ATV fuses
Can I use a higher-amp fuse if mine keeps blowing?
No. A fuse is rated to protect the wire, so a larger one lets the wire overheat before it blows. Find the cause, which is usually a short, a damaged wire or an accessory drawing too much current, and replace the fuse with the rating specified.
How do I tell which fuse my machine uses?
Look at the fuse box lid or your owner's manual for the type and rating. Blade fuses come in different sizes, such as ATC and ATM, and glass fuses are a separate style. A fuse must match both the size and the amp rating.
What is a fuse panel used for?
A fuse panel holds several fuses in one place, so each added circuit has its own protection. It is useful when you add accessories such as lights or a stereo. Choose a panel with enough slots, and fuse each circuit for its wire and load.
Should I carry spare fuses on the trail?
It is a good idea. Carry a few of each type and rating your machine uses, in a small container that keeps them dry. Spare fuses are sold in 5-packs and assortments, so check the listing for the contents.
What does an inline fuse holder do?
An inline holder puts a fuse in the wire running to an accessory, so that wire is protected. Fit it close to the power source, and use the fuse rating the accessory's instructions call for. Check the holder's own rating, such as the 20 amp holder listed here.
