Going up in amps for a fuse... Good idea? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Atomicpunx · 12-05-2006, 08:25 PM

Hi fellas (and any ladies around).
I asked a similar question a week or two ago and got only one answer and was hoping for a little more input, if you have the tech-know-how.
Basically, I have a 2002 Panther 570ESR with stock handlebar hand and throttle thumb warmers. Had the dealer install the 12V accessory plug for either my cel phone or electric helmet shield. Added (myself) passenger hand warmers a few years ago. At idle the passenger hand warmers appear to do nothing. Have yet to have my girlfriend on it to test in real life. However the last time I rode the 7.5A fuse (stock) blew while I had just myself on the sled with my electric shield on. Should I put a 10A fuse in instead of the 7.5A or will that cause unwanted havoc with the other electrics on the system.
Generally I know (with cars) it is best not to put a higher-rated fuse in place of a blown fuse. Not sure how cranky a sled's electric system truly is?

Hate to have a fire...

Thanks guys!

Doug

**smallengineguy** · 12-05-2006, 08:36 PM

You need to try to figure the total current draw for everything in your system, and see if the current draw is too much for your sled to handle. If it'll put out enough power,make sure the wires are large enough to handle 10 amps, then change the fuse.

Atomicpunx · 12-05-2006, 08:52 PM

Any idea how many amps the passenger hand warmers want? Could not find it in the literature Arctic sent with the install instructions. The passenger warmers are spliced from the tail light wiring under the seat if that helps...
Thanks again for any help anyone can offer.

IndianRvrShiver · 12-05-2006, 09:13 PM

Just remember that the fuse is there to protect the wiring. If you know what gauge the wiring is, perhaps we add some insight. 7.5A fuse does not sound like much, tho!

mmrosshere · 12-05-2006, 09:50 PM

If you can find current (AMPS) or wattage for the units installed then you could figure out what your draw is. Also things like heaters are a high inductance loads. you may want to go with a slow blow fuse.
P=VxI
P=power=watts I=current=amps V=voltage