We are designing a DC-to-AC inverter for which we will be seeking UL, CSA, and European approvals. The product gets its input power from the 12V cigarette lighter socket in a car, but requires approvals because it generates line voltage. The product's cigarette lighter plug will contain a fuse, so that we are not relying on the fusing provided to the lighter socket by the car manufacturer. This fuse needs to be an 8A slow-blow rating.
In North America, we have a wide choice of UL and CSA approved fuses suitable for this application. Fuses are available in 3 formats: the newer automotive "blade" fuses, 1-1/4in x 1/4in cartridge fuses, or 5mm x 20mm cartridge fuses. For Europe, we need a fuse approved by a European agency and commonly available to the consumer. Unfortunately, the first 2 of the above are not available with European approvals (as far as I know) and the 5x20mm fuses only go up to 6.3A with approvals (or can these be approved to something other than IEC127?). There is one other type of European fuse I am familiar with. Volvos and VW's come with fuses consisting of open links wrapped around a ceramic body about 1in. long. Does anyone know what the formal type designation is for these, what their voltage rating is, and whether they are available with approvals? What types of fuses are typically found in Europe in cars or in 12V products intended for cars? What agency approvals do they have, and which type is the most commonly available to the consumer? What European standard is used for fuses rated over 6.3A, and are those types of fuses readily available to the consumer? Any help the group can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jim Eichner Statpower Technologies Corporation [email protected] The opinions expressed are those of my invisible friend
