Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

[Kirk M.]

Hey,

Blew a 20 A 32V BUSS AGC fuse last night and didn't have a replacement. I picked some up at the local car parts store. They read 20A 32V BUSS but are listed as SFE instead of AGC. Does that make a difference? Sorry if this is a really stupid question.

Kirk

[Robert M.]

Re: Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

If I remember right, the AGC fuse's are all 1/4" x 1-1/4" regardless of amp rating. now the SFE fuse's are different. The SFE's are 1/4" diameter like the AGC's, but the SFE's length varies with the amp rating. The shorter the fuse, the lower the amp rating, longer fuse, higher amp rating. I recall this was done to physically limit what amp fuse you could stuff in a SFE fuse block. It prevented the user from installing the wrong amp rating fuse in the block, so you didn't over or under protect the circuit.

Maybe old Jack will stop in and confirm or straighten me out.

[Gary C.]

Re: Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

SFE is automotive rated fuse and AGC is general purpose. They have different current flow i.e. blow rates meaning how much current over how long of a period before the fuse will blow. Sorry, don't have a comparison chart. Here's some info from Bussman. Gary....

http://www.bussmann.com/6/GlassTubeFuses.html

http://host1.publiquik.com/bussmann_web/family.cgi?familyUid=689

[Kirk M.]

Re: Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

Oddly enough I was going for the 20AMP fuses which are the ones that happen to be 1 1/4" even though they are SFE. They look identical in size and width as the AGC 20 AMP I took out. Guess they're ok to use? Someone please chime in if not. Thanks.

Kirk

[Gary C.]

Re: Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

Kirk, might send Jack Humphrey (17100) an e-mail & ask what the difference is. Here's info on the name differences; AGC, SFE. 20Amp fuse in SFE or AFC is a 20Amp rate fuse. Gary....
AG Fuses
Originally stood for “all glass.” The automotive industry uses the “AG” prefix (AGC, AGW) for most glass fuses. They vary in length, diameter and amperage rating.
Voltage Rating: 32V AC/DC

SFE Fuses
Glass fuses designed to specifications set by the Society of Fuse Engineers. All are 1/4 inch in diameter, but vary in length according to the ampere rating to ensure accurate fuse replacement. Both AG and SFE fuses were designed into North American vehicles prior to 1981. Glass fuses are also used for auto accessory applications.
Voltage Rating: 32V AC/DC

GBC Fuses
A ceramic type, torpedo shaped fuse that can be currently found in many European cars. Consisting of a heat resistant body, the fuse element stretches over the exterior of the body from end to end. The body varies in color to assist in proper replacement.
Voltage Rating: 32V AC/DC

[Jack H.]

Re: Difference Between AGC and SFE Buss Fuses?

I'd say those who've already responded have done an EXCELLENT job of answering your question. It's all a matter of 'spec' (whose construction/performance details do you comply with) and often the differences are gossamer.

Remember, with a fuse, it's the CURRENT handling profile (amerage and blow characteristics) that are important. The voltage rating is 'rather' meaningless since it simply indicates the MAX voltage of the branch circuit the fuse is installed on that the part can safely tolerate when it blows without arcing/leaking current...