Thread: How about some 'copper tubing' fuses...

...on an older home with service wires tied directly to meter base. But then again, I forgot, there is a fuse at the transformer.

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corrected spelling.

Mark, those obviously aren't copper tubing, they are copper colored fuses, also known as 400 amp fuses. From the angle of the picture they may look like copper tubing but obviously aren't. I see them all the time, you don't know what you are looking at. Nobody would ever replace a fuse with copper tubing any more than they would install a #12 for a neutral. You need to hit the books again.
Somebody pass the popcorn....

Copper's OK, it's the galvanized iron pipe fuses we have to watch for.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

Copper's OK, it's the galvanized iron pipe fuses we have to watch for.

I think those are 800 amp aren't they?

Originally Posted by Mark Brown

...on an older home with service wires tied directly to meter base. But then again, I forgot, there is a fuse at the transformer.

No, there is not a fuse on the X-former secondary, when the conductors burn up, then the "overcurrent protection" has cleared the fault. This is what makes some of the crap shown here & on other forums so frightening. It does not apply to the kludge in post #1 but Bussman does offer "dummy fuses" but they are more costly then scrap copper pipe.

If they didn't want us to use copper tubing as fuses why did they make it exactly the size of a fuse

On a side note, not condoning this by any means, but if the wire is fused properly in the panel this has basically become a jackleg non fused disconnect.

Looks like a home made non-fused condenser disconnect! If so, is there an appropriately sized breaker for the condenser and are the wires properly sized.

If it's for HVAC and there isn't a properly sized OCPD, shouldn't this then be soft copper... for a slow-blow?

Originally Posted by Tim Spargo

If it's for HVAC and there isn't a properly sized OCPD, shouldn't this then be soft copper... for a slow-blow?

These are extra...extra time delay single element! Designed to free you from that tedious job of having to replace fuses all the time.

Kit comes with 100-amp breaker and copper tubing for a one size fits all application!

***New AC requires 60-amp service but old unit only had #10 wire and a 30-amp breaker...no problem! Just install this kit and increase your fire insurance coverage and you're set!

That type of box looks like just an equipment disconnect, not a fuse. The breaker should be located in the main service panel.

Originally Posted by Ray Babcock

That type of box looks like just an equipment disconnect, not a fuse. The breaker should be located in the main service panel.

The fuses probably weren't required so if the circuit OCPD was the correct size then the real problem is that they weren't listed for use in that enclosure.

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

The fuses probably weren't required so if the circuit OCPD was the correct size then the real problem is that they weren't listed for use in that enclosure.

Those "fuses" are listed for use in what kind enclosure?

Someone makes listed fuse blanks. These are SOP (neutral disconnecting means) in NYC fire alarm power panels.

Fuse Blanks OR Fusible Links

I would think they are fusible links.

Originally Posted by ken horak

Fuse Blanks OR Fusible Links

I would think they are fusible links.

On the other hand, since they are on the neutral and it is fire alarm equipment, I think they are blanks.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

On the other hand, since they are on the neutral and it is fire alarm equipment, I think they are blanks.

Yes, those are solid copper blanks in the neutral conductors. I'm guessing that they listed as such.

Bussman makes dummy fuses......



http://www.cooperindustries.com/cont...Dummy_Fuse.pdf

Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers

Bussman makes dummy fuses......



http://www.cooperindustries.com/cont...Dummy_Fuse.pdf

And they are stamped "THIS IS NOT A FUSE" too.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

And they are stamped "THIS IS NOT A FUSE" too.

IMO, that goes without saying......

I don't see what the problem is, I mean water is heavier than electricity so the copper pipe should hold