Cigarette plugs • Used in low-end automotive applications. • Not capable of carrying large currents. • Consider that the circuit in the car might only have a low fuse rating • Take care to insert the plug correctly, and deep enough, if not inserted correctly. the connector can heat up and melt. • Limit or avoid their use. Battery clamps
• These are only meant for temporary connections. • They often do not have a high enough current rating. • Should never be used as a permeant connection in a system. • Limit or avoid their use.
Always make sure all connections are tight, but not too tight. Look in the product manuals for the recommended torque moments. Most electrical connections are tinned brass nuts bolts and screws and they can get damaged when applying too much pressure when tightening.
4.4 Fuses
Each product that connects to a battery always needs to be fused. No matter how big or small the load is. The reason behind this is because batteries can potentially produce very high currents capable of cause a fire.
The fuse needs to be situated in the positive battery cable.
Traditionally, a fuse contains a wire that melts as soon as an unacceptable high current passes through this wire. When the wire in the fuse has melted, the electrical circuit has been broken and no additional current will flow. The fuse protects against: • Severe overload - when more current runs in the system than normally expected. • Short circuit - when one conductor accidentally comes in contact with another conductor. For fuse ratings always see the product manual. Most DC fuses are suitable for 12 and 24V, but they are not necessarily suitable for 48V and higher. Current rating and voltage rating normally is displayed on the fuse, or alternatively look in the fuse datasheet. In multiple phase systems use one DC fuse per phase. If a big single fuse is not available, use one fuse per unit. Use the exact same fuse per unit.
Some fuse types:
For low currents
Glass fuse + holder
Blade fuse (car fuses) many types Blade fuse holder
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