Some information on Links:
All About Fusible Links | Allied University - https://www.awcwire.com/allied-university/informatic/fusible-links
Long but interesting document on fuse characteristics that is a good starting point:
https://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/...nd_consideration_factors_application_note.pdf
The second link/document illustrates why just selecting any fuse or breaker to replace a fusible link is far more difficult than just looking at amperage. (Also, very important, this applies to AC wiring in the business and home, just plugging in a fuse or breaker because it fits or has the right amperage can be a HUGE safety issue!) Things to consider include, but are not limited to:
- A load study of the vehicle or circuit to be protected
- Time current curves and overcrurrent protective device (OCPD) properties in relation to the loads
- Temperature in the engine compartment (impacts the OCPD and selection greatly)
- Elevation (yes - this too plays a role)
- Location of the OCPD in relation to the conductor or systems to be protected (temperature difference between points)
- Size to protect the equipment downstream, not just the wire
- Withstand rating of the ocpd and/or fuse holder
- Durability
- Reliability
I did a little reading on links and many of the suppliers and manufacturers correctly note that just replacing the wire is not an accurate solution, these links are engineered, not just thrown in the system. Toyota's electrical engineers made a determination that the links, for this application, were the most reliable and dependable solution for the system for the masses who bought and used the vehicles. They engineered the link to properly protect the electrical system and made it "easy" to replace if they opened.
I still like fuses but, as stated before, it takes a lot of work to properly select a fuse size and type for an application. It is not nearly as easy as it appears and Toyota already has a solution. I still may jump down that rabbit hole in the future but, I have far more important things to do to my rig now, it has been sitting in the garage for 2 years as I try to break away to finish up the mods I started.
So, can you improve what Mr. T has done? - Yes. How hard is it? - If you are an automotive electrical expert, probably not too difficult. For the vast majority of the rest of us and do it right?
However, that is just my opinion...
