Cleaning contact points on fuse block

J

jspriddy

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My fuse block is not really corroded, but does a have a blackish discoloration on all the metal parts. I've done the tests and it's not making contact at all points, i.e., power is not passing through as it should. What's the best way to clean it?

I've tried carburetor cleaner, baking soda, even some pepper sauce, with no results. The base is plastic, it's a simple 5 fuse (old cylindrical style glass fuses) and I have it out of the boat.


Thanks,

John
 
G

glenn property of pam

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

electrical contact cleaner but to be honest a can of contact cleaner is about $10 a modern 6 fuse block is not much more so why spend money trying to save a old glass fuse holder when its better to just replace it.
 
MH Hawker

MH Hawker

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

Its time for a new fuse block. Black is corroded btw thats how silver looks.
 
J

jspriddy

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

Yeah, I think you're both right. This style fuse block lasts forever in old automobiles, but that's not the same environment, is it? I'll have to change some wire terminals, since I can't locate a fuse block with spade terminals.

Thanks, I think we can consider this closed.

John
 
J

jspriddy

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

By the way, most fuse blocks I've found have screw terminals. Should I use crimp-on ring terminals or wrap the bare wire around the screw, as in house wiring?

John
 
gm280

gm280

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

jspriddy said:
By the way, most fuse blocks I've found have screw terminals. Should I use crimp-on ring terminals or wrap the bare wire around the screw, as in house wiring?

John
Click to expand...

I would go with the crimp terminals instead of just twisting the wires around the screw terminals... JMHO!
 
K

K9Deuce

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

Purchase the waterproof crimp connectors . Once crimped , heat the plastic. Now it is sealed and preventing moister from getting into the connection.
 
J

jspriddy

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

OK. Thanks, guys. MH, I really don't need a 10 fuse block, but may have to go with it if I can't find one smaller. Thanks to everyone.

John
 
MH Hawker

MH Hawker

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

You can find smaller ones but when you consider the price and shipping its nice to have a few extras and you all ways end up adding a few things. When I did my rewire I added a 16 circuit, and I may be using 8.
 
J

jspriddy

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Messages
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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

MH Hawker said:
You can find smaller ones but when you consider the price and shipping its nice to have a few extras and you all ways end up adding a few things. When I did my rewire I added a 16 circuit, and I may be using 8.
Click to expand...

That's a consideration. The block has to go in a tight place, but a 10 fuse isn't really much bigger than a 6.

Thanks,

John
 
2

2 Eagles

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

Posted twice not sure why.
 
J

jspriddy

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

2 Eagles said:
I had the same problem as you and these is what I found. I've had it for 4 years and not a problem with it.
Search: fuse panels | Fuse and Accessories | AutoZone.com
Click to expand...

This is what I'm looking for. By the way, I couldn't tell from the picture, but does it have a ground distribution bar on it? I doesn't really matter in my application at this point, but might be handy later.

Thanks,

John
 
2

2 Eagles

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Re: Cleaning contact points on fuse block

jspriddy said:
This is what I'm looking for. By the way, I couldn't tell from the picture, but does it have a ground distribution bar on it? I doesn't really matter in my application at this point, but might be handy later.

Thanks,

John
Click to expand...

No it dosn't have a Ground Buss. I found an old buss bar out a power panel at work and used it.
 
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