Can ATX Blade Style In Line Fuse Holders Be Used For 110V?

[Diggin It]

Pretty much the question in the title. I have an application where I need to put LED pilots on a 110V line. The lines have 20A breakers and 12G wire, a couple are set for higher ratings. The LEDs leads are 18G at most. I'd like to put 1 or 2A (maybe less) fuses on them, but all of the inline fuse holders I can find (either blade or glass tube style) show maximum voltage ratings of around 30V, obviously intended for automotive applications. I understand they rate them based on what they're intended to be used for. But is there any functional reason why they won't work on 110V?

Yes, I'm aware than an LED pilot is highly unlikely to overload and cause a problem, but one never really knows these days.

 

[Mendonsy]

The problem (at least in theory) is that at higher voltages the ATx style fuse can short out instead of opening when an overload occurs. This totally defeats the purpose of the fuse. You can get inline fuse holders for AGC glass fuses which are rated for 115 volts at places like NAPA.

 

[Diggin It]

OK. I can use the glass fuses also, but the blade style just seem more compact. They'll be behind a cover and out of the weather, so no issue there.

 

[CobyRupert]

I wouldn’t trust the material (insulation) that operates at 12vdc (and rated for 30vdc) to withstand 120vac.

 

[Diggin It]

The feed wires will be 300V rated. There would only be an inch or three on either side of the fuse holder itself rated lower and that will be inside a metal enclosure.

 

[Mendonsy]

OK. I can use the glass fuses also, but the blade style just seem more compact. They'll be behind a cover and out of the weather, so no issue there.

Yes, the ATx fuses are more compact but that is actually what causes the problem with higher voltages. The higher voltages can arc across their fusible link because the air gap is too small.

 

[i7win7]

Besides insulation issues, fuses are controlling power
1A at 12V = 12 watts of power
1A at 120V = 120 watts of power (10x voltage, 10x power)
use fuses rated for the voltage your controlling

 

[hosspuller]

All the above posters are correct. Using a 30 volt fuse is worthless, besides fooling yourself.

Here's a link to get the proper rated fuse. Electronic Fuse | Fuses Unlimited

Or you can continue with DIY fuses ...

 

[bunyip]

It would be illegal here and if there is a fire insurance would welcome a way out of paying a claim.