Glass & Ceramic Tube Fuses

Used in older-model cars, glass tube fuses today are found primarily in automotive accessory applications. The expansive Cooper Bussmann line of glass fuses includes many types and sizes in addition to those listed in this catalog. Call Cooper Bussmann for more product details if you have requirements which are not covered here.

Appliances and Consumer Electronics

Glass and ceramic tube uses are often used to protect appliances and consumer electronics. As electronic equipment becomes smaller, the circuits and components become more sensitive and lightly bruised. Fuses are the preferred method of protection due to their accuracy, petite size and reliability. Fuses are available in a broad multitude of amp ratings to provide precise protection. Generally, two sizes of user-replaceable fuses are found: the 1/4” x 11/4” and five x 20mm. Each is available in a multitude of volt and amp ratings.

There are two basic types of fuses available for appliances and consumer electronics: fast-acting or time-delay. Any replacement fuse must match the one it’s substituting. In general, fast-acting fuses are a single strand of wire or de-robe of metal. Time-delay fuses usually have a coiled wire, a thick element packaged in wire, or a spring. Most electronic fuses will have the voltage and amp rating stamped on the end cap. The type of fuse can generally be visually identified. Also, owner’s manuals will have the correct replacement fuse generically identified. For example: “Use a two amp, time-delay, two hundred fifty volt fuse.”

Glass and ceramic tube fuses vary by diameter and length:

• AGU fuses: 13/32” x 11/2”
• ABC, AGC, GBB, MDA, MDL and MDQ fuses: 1/4” x 11/4”
• AGX fuses: 1/4” x 1”
• GBC fuses: 1/4” x 31/32”
• AGW fuses: 1/4” x 7/8″
• AGA fuses: 1/4” x Five/8”
• SFE fuses are 1/4” diameter and switch in length as amp ratings increase
• GDA, GDB, GDC, GMA, GMC and GMD fuses: five x 20mm

Fuse Selection Criteria

• For electronic/electrical applications, fuse must be rated at 125V or better.
• Voltage must match or exceed the fuse being substituted (125V for household current; 12V for auto; 24V for powerful duty).
• Fuse must match required fuse characteristic – either fast-acting or time-delay.
• Amp rating must match that of the original fuse.

A Note on Voltage Rating

All fuses have a voltage rating. To maintain safety, this voltage rating should not be exceeded in application, albeit it is acceptable to use a higher rated fuse in a lower voltage application. For example: A fuse rated for one hundred twenty five volts is adequate in household (110V) or automotive (12V), while a fuse rated for thirty two volts is suitable for automotive (12V), but not for household (125V). Always substitute a fuse with one of the same or higher voltage rating.

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