Thursday, September 08, 2011

1000 Amps vs 30 amp fuse



After a recent work session, I forgot to reconnect the 12V signal to my front contactor, which is a backup unit that disconnects the pack when the key is switched off, but bypassed with a 30 amp ATO fuse in order to allow battery charging. Well, the car will drive just fine around the neighborhood at under 30 amps, but here's what happens when you stomp the go pedal!


The paint damage is permanent, but luckily, the overvolted body didn't blow my instruments.

And yes, Mr. Anonymous, I was using a dramatically under-rated fuse, having allowed a quick fix to remain too long, and this incident does demonstrate that any old fuse will carry the rated amps, but only a properly voltage-rated one will safely interrupt too many! There's a nice sand-filled cartridge in it's place now.