ATO vs ATC fuses in bilge

[RaceCarRich]

Have a fuse holder in bilge that’s always hot for bilge pump. It’s factory installed blade fuse holder with the weatherpack-like gasket. Do I need to use an ATC to prevent a spark hazard? I ordered a 25 pk of ATC’s but received ATO’s and would like to use.

 

[Bt Doctur]

The ATC has a fuse element that is closed (hence the “C” in the code) inside the plastic housing, sealing it from the environment to prevent corrosion from developing. The ATO fuse is open on the bottom, exposing the fuse element between the blades. ATC fuses are the best choice for use on machinery where they could be exposed to the weather. The high probability of corrosion build up could eventually interfere with current flow on an ATO type exposed to moisture.

 

[eric102]

If you have a gas engine ATO shouldn't be used because of the spark hazard, a 5 pack is only a few bucks so why risk it?

One time Amazon shipped me some ATO's that were supposed to be ATC's but took them back when I explained the problem even though the manufacture had mislabeled them as ATC's.

 

[achris]

If you have a gas engine ATO shouldn't be used because of the spark hazard, a 5 pack is only a few bucks so why risk it?

One time Amazon shipped me some ATO's that were supposed to be ATC's but took them back when I explained the problem even though the manufacture had mislabeled them as ATC's.

I'm having the same problem finding ATCs.. all the websites say ATC, but they are actually ATOs...

If you can find me a website that sells ATCs at a reasonable price (no more than about a buck a piece), I'd be very grateful.

Chris....

 

[Bt Doctur]

have you tried "Powerwerx" https://powerwerx.com/atc-ato-blade-type-fuses

 

[eric102]

I'm having the same problem finding ATCs.. all the websites say ATC, but they are actually ATOs...

If you can find me a website that sells ATCs at a reasonable price (no more than about a buck a piece), I'd be very grateful.

Chris....

First thing I do is get out my Bussmann fuse chart Bussmann fuse chart.pdf and make sure I only search using the Bussmann part numbers from table 2 (ignition protected). Table 1 fuses are open (ATO) even though Bussmann calls them ATC, I think that's where a lot of the confusion comes from when ordering.

Here's a 20 amp 25 pack I got from Amazon and they are the correct ATC fuses https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-VP-A...gateway&sr=8-9

 

[RaceCarRich]

Thanks. I understood the difference but was hoping the gasketted fuse holder would sufficiently insulate any spark from the bilge air that could potentially contain vapors. Wasn’t sure what the marine rules were on this.

Very annoying when resellers don’t know the difference and mislabel product. Auto store didn’t have any ATC’s so I used Amazon. Add to it that I needed a less common 7.5amp size and I feel like I’m looking for a unicorn.

Much appreciated.

 

[RaceCarRich]

Found them. Guess it’s easier once you have the Bussmann part #.

Bussmann (VP/ATC-7-1/2-RP) Brown 7-1/2 Amp 32V Fast Acting ATC Blade Fuse, (Pack of 25) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009WQPY6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NwazDbSDFE59W

 

[eric102]

Thanks. I understood the difference but was hoping the gasketted fuse holder would sufficiently insulate any spark from the bilge air that could potentially contain vapors. Wasn’t sure what the marine rules were on this.

I would assume if the the fuse holder manufacture certifies it as ignition protected ATO's would be OK.

I use this Blue Seas battery fuse block https://www.bluesea.com/products/5023/ST_Blade_Battery_Terminal_Mount_Fuse_Block which is ATO/ATC certified but only use ATC's in it just to be extra safe. In fact the included fuse was an ATC so maybe they are thinking the same.

 

[RaceCarRich]

My fuse holder was factory installed and is of this type. Not sure if keeping weather out equates to keeping spark in but I guess why risk it. I ordered some supposedly ATC’s.

 

[Lou C]

I recall discussing this last year...and was able to find the ATC fuses at my local West Marine...

 

[achris]

I recall discussing this last year...and was able to find the ATC fuses at my local West Marine...

We did discuss it last year, but nobody was able to give me a supplier in Australia... West Marine and the like aren't here, and at the time Amazon weren't shipping them to Oz... Just checked the link above (US Amazon) and it does ship here now, so I have a 25 pack on the way.

Chris.....

Are Boat Fuses and Car Fuses the Same? (Explained) - WaterCraft 101

If you’re familiar with boating, you probably already know that quality boat engines will hardly be affected by overcurrents; unfortunately, they’re just as

watercraft101.com