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Posted By: Admin DIY Fuseholder - 04/25/05 11:56 PM
Quote
Was sent on service call, some outlets weren't working. Spent hours crawling over and under this large house, that had been converted into several apartments, trying to trace the circuit.

What I had faild to notice in my first examination of the fuses at the service panels was that this disconnect (for one of the water heaters) had had a lampholder added to its' side. (Old keyless lampholders did not have the largebases they have today). Sure enough- the lampholder was being used as a fuseholder- and some passers-by had stolen the fuse.

- renosteinke
[Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 04-25-2005).]
Posted By: tshea Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/26/05 04:51 PM
That was an option on those fuse boxes back in say '06 [Linked Image]
Posted By: mxslick Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/28/05 06:04 PM
IIRC, weren't the early keyless lampholders UL listed for use as fuseholders? Mainly for small motor protection?

I also recall seeing the rubber-encased with 8" lead sockets in a current "G-brand" wholesale house catalog as being suitable for small motor fuseholders...
Posted By: renosteinke Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/28/05 07:58 PM
MX...please post any such info you might have....it has been asserted by some that these lampholders are listed for only 600 watts.
Posted By: frenchelectrican Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/28/05 10:15 PM
John i know Bussman did make fuseholder of this verison but one is old style but most are newer style and they use the handibox or 4in sq box and the cover will hold fuse some time switch or outlet.

i have to dig that one and post it here if i can find that link

Merci,Marc
Posted By: Big Jim Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/29/05 06:56 AM
I came across this in answer to a similar question

According to Section 410.47, “Lampholders of the screw-shell type shall be installed for use as lampholders only.” Section 240.50(B) requires fuseholders for plug fuses to be marked with ampere ratings.

Looks like you would have to examine the device to see if it was a lampholder or a fuseholder.
Posted By: mxslick Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/29/05 06:56 PM
renosteinke:

With pleasure [Linked Image]

go to:
http://www.grainger.com/

search for catalog # 2X637 item called a "Socket fuseholder" , online they suggest as an alternate item cat. # 6LM91, "Pigtail Med. Base Lampholder"

In the old printed edition of the catalog (c. 1998) the 6LM91 was described as suitable for use as a fuseholder like the 2X637 (which if memory serves wasn't available at that time.)

Don't think I'd want a rubber-covered fuseholder in any event, too likely to degrade or melt in exposure to fault current or a loose fuse...
Posted By: renosteinke Re: DIY Fuseholder - 04/30/05 01:08 AM
Thanks, MX! I do note that the second item is described as "660 watts," which kind of limits its' use as a fuse holder.

I am quite sure that a given item, when presented to UL, will be tested to different standards, depending on whether it is described as a "luminaire" or a "fuseholder."

I will also concede that there are robust lampholders, and rather (shockingly) flimsy fuseholders.

I am not as enthusiastic in my condemnation of this practice (using a lamp holder as a fuse holder) as some are- but there are limits to the "field endineering" that is appropriate.

Just because the fuse fits doesn't make it right. One would hope to find branch circuit fuses in the fuse box, not tacked on to a remote disconnect. (BTW, the fuse holder was in no way associated with what the disconnect served). The holder, and fuse, are exposed to the weather. With the fuse removed, you had a live point directly exposed to passersby.

I suppose that, were one to mount such a fuse in a panel, controlling a circuit associated with the panel, I wouldn't think twice about it.

To borrow a phrase from TV: "Don't try this at home!" :-)
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