What is this? (1 Viewer)

[dx379]

Guys,

Sorry for this very newb question - I am new to the world of older vehicles so am easily confused

What is this?

Is it a distribution block? A guy at Autozone told me it was a grounding block... I didn't think that made much sense.

Thanks,
Jonny

 

[Coolerman]

Looks like a circuit breaker to me. Where was it located and how was it wired in?

To use it you connect one terminal to the battery or fuse block the other to the device you want to protect. When the current exceeds the breakers rating, it 'kicks' or opens. That style usually resets itself after the short is removed. If the short remains, it will cycle on and off until it fails...

 

[dx379]

Looks like a circuit breaker to me. Where was it located and how was it wired in?

To use it you connect one terminal to the battery or fuse block the other to the device you want to protect. When the current exceeds the breakers rating, it 'kicks' or opens. That style usually resets itself after the short is removed. If the short remains, it will cycle on and off until it fails...

It was positioned right next to the fuse box underneath the dash area. It had 2 wires connecting to each of the bolts (each being held down by a nut.)

One of the 4 was going to an aftermarket horn, one was going to the headlight switch, one was going to the turn signal switch, and I am unsure about the 4th wire.

I am somewhat confused as to what it was used for based on which wires were attached to it...

Thank you for your time,
Jonny

 

[Coolerman]

A circuit breaker can indeed serve as a distribution block. That 4th wire had to go to +12V somewhere. This would work but one of the devices would not be protected as it would be one the same side as power.

 

[dargreg]

I ve found them a real pain in trying to trace shorts they get corroded on the out side and make me suspicious ive gone to 20 amp pop ups in other vehicels worked great you know what curcuit is at fault.Never needed them in the TLC however.

 

[dx379]

Edit - one of the wires was going to the ignition, not the headlight switch...

Jonny

 

[Coolerman]

Ah... then that was your power feed.

You can buy circuit breakers that replace the glass fuses. They are really cool.

Welcome to Waytek Wire
GLASS FUSE TYPE CIRCUIT BREAKERS 10 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER GLASS TYPE CIRCUIT PROTECTION* - Waytek Wire

Available in 10,15,20,30 and 40 amps. Clip right into the fuse clips.

When they 'pop' they stay open until the short is removed or +12V is removed.