Ceramic fuses, What are they worth to ya? Options

[914Wes]

I think there’s a small percentage of the 914 crowd that will be very interested. I would imagine the 356 and early911S crowd will be more enthusiastic.

With only a few hundred white 8 amp fuses available I would be offering them here first. If any extra sets are left I will share with the other crowds. I like Daves idea of a complete set for the vehicle and an extra spare 8 amp.

[Superhawk996]

With only a few hundred white 8 amp fuses available I would be offering them here first. If any extra sets are left I will share with the other crowds. I like Daves idea of a complete set for the vehicle and an extra spare 8 amp.

I apologize for making your thread go sideways with the aase nonsense.

You’re doing the community a huge favor with your proposal. I suspect you’ll have no trouble finding sufficient takers within the 914 community.

Great job (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[914Wes]

I have in an emergency wrapped a burned out fuse in aluminum foil to get going.

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.

If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.

[wonkipop]

Huh?

Maybe 10 for 4 bucks?

Would put you in the ballpark of current market rate

You must have missed the Aase pricing model that was posted a couple days ago.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

you under bid @Superhawk996 - the arse-ee price was $28.00 USD per fuse.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

@wonkipop

Must be showing you price in AUD based on your IP address? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)



But OK what the hell, since it’s all fiat funny money - sure let’s roll with $28 USD - that will eventually be the price anyway (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

could be was in AUD. think it was dennisV just posted a link rather than a screen grab.
i was seeing $140.00 did a quick check converting USD to AUD. 89 comes to 137 at present. makes sense.

if so its a first. usually its only been ebay and big retail sites do that automatically or you have to press a particular button. when i used to order from pelican etc you would get a total in USD and paypall whatever would do the conversion right at the end but all the prices advertised were in USD. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[wonkipop]

Hmmmm.... Now I'm starting to wonder if I can make the ceramic bodies for the fuses....

--DD

I think making the copper strip and installing it is the harder part. I was looking last nite how the strip wraps around the ends and back.

spot on.

if you look around you can still pick up whites and reds with the copper/brass filament.
they are plastic bodied but the filaments are still reasonable.

it seems even these are no longer made and whoever is making these has switched to an aluminium (thats al you min e um in english (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) type of filament. this filament is not so great. but if you were to grab some of the older brass/copper filaments then they could be transferred across to a ceramic core.

a good way to go would be grab a set of these on offer. to retain as cores.
or even just a few of each type to serve as cores.
and go out and get a bigger pack of the older plastic ones.
i think that would set most folks up for the future.

whats really being offered here are cores, that are valuable at this point in time.
but not at the kind of crazy prices.

i took a look at my fusebox on the weekend. its been a while, nothings fried anything for years. some (nearly all) the white 8 amp and all the red fuses are not only ceramic but they have the tin filaments. remember those. predates the copper/brass types.


in the workshop here we have a stack of the plastic core, brass copper filament types that mike got quite a while back, they are for the mercs he looks after. i asked him about the fuse bodies. he has been transferring them across to the ceramic cores whenever he has to replace a fuse. i never thought to ask him. he says he also checks out cars in old up country wrecking yards whenever he goes to them for other parts. always finds a few but they are getting to be a rare sight.

[wonkipop]

I think there’s a small percentage of the 914 crowd that will be very interested. I would imagine the 356 and early911S crowd will be more enthusiastic.

With only a few hundred white 8 amp fuses available I would be offering them here first. If any extra sets are left I will share with the other crowds. I like Daves idea of a complete set for the vehicle and an extra spare 8 amp.

yes there are two different fuse layouts i believe. which i didn't know.
came out of the original topic.

seems there are early cars. maybe up to end of 72. with more 25 amp fuses in the main fuse box. and then 73 on. which has 16 amp instead of 25 in the main fuseboard under the dash. don't think there is any difference between 4 and 6 but could be,
or any difference between 1.7/1.8 and 2.0 later on. except maybe in the engine bay board? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Lucky9146]

Agree, "You’re doing the community a huge favor with your proposal." and Thanks

Have no suggestions for you on packaging but will undoubtedly purchase some when you decide how many to provide. FWIW I just replaced a fuse in my 356 like these, it was not blown per se, but in fact the filament was broken and actually very hard to detect in place, only could see when removed. They do go bad.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/white914.jpg)

[JamesM]

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.

If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.

I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc

[wonkipop]

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.

If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.

I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc

first link looks interesting. do appear to be ceramic.
my guess - older stock.
or could even be an older image - but you buy em and plastic turns up.
the big giveaway on the ceramic fuses is that the red ones in particular are a dark red when ceramic. the thermoplastic are a much brighter less dark red. the whites also look a starker white when plastic.

probably worth getting a pack from that first link to see what happens.

a lot of advertisers have older images, but the stock they are selling is whats available now. which is not ceramic body and does not have brass/copper filament.

look closer at little fuse datasheets. just says heat resistant body. doesn't say ceramic.
all the plastic body fuses are marketed as heat resistant thermoplastic. maybe some are. some are definitely not. picture on data sheet seems to show aluminium filament.
i suspect those fuses are the newer stock and a bit inferior.

[914Wes]

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.

If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.

I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc

The first link red and blue fuses do appear to be ceramic. The hard to find 8 amp white fuses are no wheres to be found in large stock numbers. Checking the part number for the fuses from littelfuses on mouser they are listed as "Thermoplastic" not ceramic. If you can find a source for actual ceramic at retail I would love it but so far I have not.

I would love to have a little cardboard box made up similar to the 356 fuse packaging but with room for 15/16 fuses.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/det....php?id=1461791

[bdstone914]

@JamesM

' date='Aug 31 2025, 03:12 PM' post='3222092']
@914Wes

' post='3222059' date='Aug 31 2025, 10:27 AM']
[quote name. @Spoke . ' post='3222025' date='Aug 31 2025, 06:52 AM']

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.
[/quote]
If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.
[/quote]


I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc
[/quote]

[bdstone914]

@JamesM

' date='Aug 31 2025, 03:12 PM' post='3222092']
@914Wes

' post='3222059' date='Aug 31 2025, 10:27 AM']
[quote name. @Spoke . ' post='3222025' date='Aug 31 2025, 06:52 AM']

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.
[/quote]
If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.
[/quote]


I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc
[/quote]


These old stock Littlefuse pack were ceramic with aluminum filaments

[JamesM]

look closer at little fuse datasheets. just says heat resistant body. doesn't say ceramic.
all the plastic body fuses are marketed as heat resistant thermoplastic. maybe some are. some are definitely not. picture on data sheet seems to show aluminium filament.
i suspect those fuses are the newer stock and a bit inferior.

Littlefuse calls them ceramic in their product description for them so (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Objectively, what makes a fuse inferior anyways? Popping before its supposed to? Not popping when its supposed to?

Its a fuse, they are not to complicated. Ceramic or not if its getting hot enough to melt anything without popping an 8 amp fuse I suspect you have other issues/high resistance at connections adjacent to the fuse itself.

[wonkipop]

look closer at little fuse datasheets. just says heat resistant body. doesn't say ceramic.
all the plastic body fuses are marketed as heat resistant thermoplastic. maybe some are. some are definitely not. picture on data sheet seems to show aluminium filament.
i suspect those fuses are the newer stock and a bit inferior.

Littlefuse calls them ceramic in their product description for them so (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Objectively, what makes a fuse inferior anyways? Popping before its supposed to? Not popping when its supposed to?

Its a fuse, they are not to complicated. Ceramic or not if its getting hot enough to melt anything without popping an 8 amp fuse I suspect you have other issues/high resistance at connections adjacent to the fuse itself.

not popping when its supposed to.


-----

some of the heat that is supposed to go into severing the filament is absorbed by the core described loosely as heat resistant thermoplastic. delays the fuse breaking.
fuse hangs on. damage to components or wiring the fuse is designed to protect occurs.
best case scenario is plastic fuse distorts and drops out of holders. worst case it stays in there and plastic keeps absorbing heat while filament maintains integrity.

ceramic is more than heat resistant. its an extremely good insulator and non conductor.
in this application i wouid go so far as to describe it as inert.

you are correct. the fuses are remarkably simple - in original form and in original materials. i would not be so confident describing the copy as being as simple.

[JamesM]

not popping when its supposed to.

Then that would be a real problem if what they are selling as an 8amp fuse isn't actually an 8amp fuse.

I would be somewhat surprised if that is the case with the littlefuse part given fuses are sort of their thing. Cheap Chinese knockoffs not so much as their thing is making parts that look sort of like an original part but don't actually do anything.

It would be worth some real testing to see what current the plastic fuses pop at, but I still suspect anyone melting anything has other electrical issues. Specifically resistance at the connections around the fuse (either the fuse terminal or the spade connector) being higher than the resistance of the fuse element causing heat to be generated outside the fuse element and transferring to the body. Yes a proper ceramic fuse would be added insurance against this, but that doesn't fix the underlying issue.


This is all just assumption though, someone would need to actually test the fuse to know.

Two things:

1. Run more than 8 amps through one to see if (and at what amperage) it pops.

2. Run less than 8 amps though it for an extended period and see if it melts.

If those 2 pass than anyone melting fuses in their car has other issues and popping in a ceramic fuse just means they are more likely to melt their wire insulation instead.

I have some of the littlefuse parts coming to the shop. while I don't have a way to accurately load test them at the moment ill check out the fuse bodies and see what sort of heat they take.

[Superhawk996]

not popping when its supposed to.

Then that would be a real problem if what they are selling as an 8amp fuse isn't actually an 8amp fuse.

I would be somewhat surprised if that is the case with the littlefuse part given fuses are sort of their thing. Cheap Chinese knockoffs not so much as their thing is making parts that look sort of like an original part but don't actually do anything.

It would be worth some real testing to see what current the plastic fuses pop at, but I still suspect anyone melting anything has other electrical issues. Specifically resistance at the connections around the fuse (either the fuse terminal or the spade connector) being higher than the resistance of the fuse element causing heat to be generated outside the fuse element and transferring to the body. Yes a proper ceramic fuse would be added insurance against this, but that doesn't fix the underlying issue.


This is all just assumption though, someone would need to actually test the fuse to know.

Two things:

1. Run more than 8 amps through one to see if (and at what amperage) it pops.

2. Run less than 8 amps though it for an extended period and see if it melts.

If those 2 pass than anyone melting fuses in their car has other issues and popping in a ceramic fuse just means they are more likely to melt their wire insulation instead.

I have some of the littlefuse parts coming to the shop. while I don't have a way to accurately load test them at the moment ill check out the fuse bodies and see what sort of heat they take.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Stop making sense. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) Don’t wreck the magic of ewektwicity. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[fixer34]

[quote name='bdstone914' date='Aug 31 2025, 10:46 PM' post='3222146']
@JamesM

' date='Aug 31 2025, 03:12 PM' post='3222092']
@914Wes

' post='3222059' date='Aug 31 2025, 10:27 AM']
[quote name. @Spoke . ' post='3222025' date='Aug 31 2025, 06:52 AM']

Now there's a guy with his feet on the ground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I'm missing the point of using ceramic fuses. I drive my 914 all the time and can't remember the last time I had to replace a burned fuse.
[/quote]
If you read the details they are plastic fuses offered for cheap. They often melt and lead to issues and often have a cheap aluminum conductor. I would be offering NOS fuses from 70s.
[/quote]


I guess im still confused as well?

https://memotronics.com/5-fuses-bullet-cera...losser-germany/

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMN171214?...ppid=ATMN171211



Littlefuse datasheets for their GBC fuses list them as being ceramic/heat resistant bodies as well?

https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-o...ducts-fuses/gbc
[/quote]


These old stock Littlefuse pack were ceramic with aluminum filaments
[/quote]
\
Definately old stock. Littlefuse hasn't been in Des Plaines in well over 20 yrs-building was demolished. I have a box (newer, but still 15+ yrs old) of GBC 16 red fuses, they appear to be plastic.

I also found stashed away some GBC8 glass enclosed torpedo fuses. They are a little shorter though, probably 30+ years old.

[fixer34]

I think there’s a small percentage of the 914 crowd that will be very interested. I would imagine the 356 and early911S crowd will be more enthusiastic.

With only a few hundred white 8 amp fuses available I would be offering them here first. If any extra sets are left I will share with the other crowds. I like Daves idea of a complete set for the vehicle and an extra spare 8 amp.

I would be in for the 'baggie' (fuses, not that other stuff.._). $40 +/- for a set sounds fair.

[wonkipop]

not popping when its supposed to.

Then that would be a real problem if what they are selling as an 8amp fuse isn't actually an 8amp fuse.

I would be somewhat surprised if that is the case with the littlefuse part given fuses are sort of their thing. Cheap Chinese knockoffs not so much as their thing is making parts that look sort of like an original part but don't actually do anything.

It would be worth some real testing to see what current the plastic fuses pop at, but I still suspect anyone melting anything has other electrical issues. Specifically resistance at the connections around the fuse (either the fuse terminal or the spade connector) being higher than the resistance of the fuse element causing heat to be generated outside the fuse element and transferring to the body. Yes a proper ceramic fuse would be added insurance against this, but that doesn't fix the underlying issue.


This is all just assumption though, someone would need to actually test the fuse to know.

Two things:

1. Run more than 8 amps through one to see if (and at what amperage) it pops.

2. Run less than 8 amps though it for an extended period and see if it melts.

If those 2 pass than anyone melting fuses in their car has other issues and popping in a ceramic fuse just means they are more likely to melt their wire insulation instead.

I have some of the littlefuse parts coming to the shop. while I don't have a way to accurately load test them at the moment ill check out the fuse bodies and see what sort of heat they take.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Stop making sense. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) Don’t wreck the magic of ewektwicity. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

ok

i've got old good fuses made of real stuff in my glovebox.
lead/tin filaments.
wes is offer.ing some real deal stuff up to same standard.
but all means debate.

they banned lead in germany back the late 80s/early 90s.
germans switched to copper/brass filaments. had to.
bosch even went to theromplastic cores in 90s. but its german thermoplastic.
i'd trust them - at least when relatively new and fresh out of the moulds.
but ceramic does not degrade. plastic does.
thats why its plastic. it changes as the years go by.

but you know, chinese know all about thermoplastics.
thats why you get 90 storey high flash burns up dubai skyscrapers off fire resistant aluminum cladding or poor souls perish when uk councils reclad council housing towers.
they are experts in b (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stromberg.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

take up wes's offer. it doesn't hurt. enough 914s have burned to the ground for other reasons.

[StarBear]

I think there’s a small percentage of the 914 crowd that will be very interested. I would imagine the 356 and early911S crowd will be more enthusiastic.

With only a few hundred white 8 amp fuses available I would be offering them here first. If any extra sets are left I will share with the other crowds. I like Daves idea of a complete set for the vehicle and an extra spare 8 amp.

I would be in for the 'baggie' (fuses, not that other stuff.._). $40 +/- for a set sounds fair.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) For a set for a 74 1.8, including the relay board. Can provide an inventory list if needed.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)