Fuses are crucial safety devices in vehicles, protecting electrical circuits from overcurrents and

short circuits. They come in various types and ampere (amp) ratings, with the rating indicating
the maximum current a fuse can handle before blowing and breaking the circuit.
Here's a breakdown of common fuse ampere ratings used in different vehicle applications, along
with their types and typical uses:
Common Fuse Types in Vehicles:
●​ Blade Fuses (ATO/ATC, Mini, Low-Profile Mini, Micro2, Micro3): These are the most
common fuses in modern vehicles. They are flat, plastic-bodied, and color-coded for easy
identification of their ampere rating. They vary in physical size, with smaller sizes used in
more compact circuits.
●​ Maxi Blade Fuses: Larger versions of blade fuses, designed for higher current loads.
●​ Glass Tube Fuses: Older style fuses, still found in many classic or older vehicles. They
have a visible wire inside a glass tube, allowing for easy inspection of a blown fuse.
●​ PAL Fuses: Block-style fuses often found in Japanese cars, known for their durability and
use in circuits like starters and alternators.
●​ Bolt-Down Fuses (e.g., MEGA, JCASE): Used for very high-current applications.
●​ Fusible Links: Essentially a section of wire designed to burn out and act as a fuse in
high-current, critical circuits, often found near the battery.
●​ High-Voltage Fuses: Specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid
vehicles, handling much higher voltages and currents than traditional automotive fuses.
Common Ampere Ratings and Their Applications:
Vehicle fuses typically range from 1 Amp to 500 Amps, or even up to 1000 Amps in some
high-voltage EV applications. The specific rating depends on the circuit it protects.
Here's a general guide to common ampere ratings and their typical applications:
●​ Low Amperage (1A - 15A):
○​ 1A - 5A (Black, Gray, Violet, Pink, Beige/Tan): Often used for very low-current
circuits, such as:
■​ Dashboard lights
■​ Small interior lights
■​ Radio memory
■​ Sensors (e.g., brake pedal switch, rain sensor)
■​ Some smaller control modules
○​ 7.5A (Brown): Commonly used for:
■​ Power windows (sometimes higher)
■​ Wiper motors (sometimes higher)
■​ Interior lights
■​ Accessory circuits
○​ 10A (Red): Very common for:
■​ Headlights (individual or low beam)
■​ Tail lights
■​ Horn
■​ Radio
■​ Electronic power assist steering
■​ Air conditioning clutch
■​ Various control module feeds
○​ 15A (Blue): Frequently used for:
■​ Headlights (high beam or combined)
■​ Fuel pump
 ■​ Accessory power outlets
■​ Ignition coils
■​ Some power windows/locks
■​ Transmission range control module
●​ Medium Amperage (20A - 40A):
○​ 20A (Yellow): Common for:
■​ Power outlets (cigarette lighter)
■​ Wiper/washer systems
■​ Blower motors (sometimes higher)
■​ Heated seats (sometimes higher)
■​ Headlamps (individual or pairs)
■​ Transmission control module
○​ 25A (Clear/Natural): Used for circuits requiring slightly more current than 20A,
such as:
■​ Larger power windows/locks
■​ Some cooling fans
○​ 30A (Green): Often found in circuits for:
■​ Blower motors (HVAC)
■​ Power seats
■​ Starter relay
■​ Anti-lock brake system (ABS) modules
■​ Wipers and washers relay
○​ 35A (Blue-Green/Aqua): Used for similar applications as 30A, but for slightly
higher current draw.
○​ 40A (Orange/Amber): Typically used for:
■​ Blower motors (heavy-duty)
■​ Cooling fans (main or high-power)
■​ Powertrain control module relays
●​ High Amperage (50A - 120A+): These are typically Maxi Blade fuses, PAL fuses, or
bolt-down fuses.
○​ 50A - 60A (Red, Blue): Used for:
■​ Anti-lock brake system (ABS) main power
■​ Electric power steering (EPS)
■​ Large cooling fans
■​ Some main power distribution circuits
○​ 70A - 80A (Amber/Tan, Clear/Natural): For higher current applications like:
■​ Main power feeds to fuse boxes
■​ Large accessory circuits
○​ 100A - 120A (Violet, Purple): Often found in circuits for:
■​ Alternators
■​ Starter motors
■​ Main power distribution (e.g., fusible links, main battery feeds)
■​ Electric power steering modules
●​ Very High Amperage (60A - 500A+):
○​ MEGA Fuses & Fusible Links: These are designed for the highest current circuits,
especially in electric and hybrid vehicles. They protect:
■​ Battery systems
■​ High-power motor circuits
 ■​ Inverters
■​ Main power distribution from the battery to the entire electrical system.
Important Considerations:
●​ Vehicle-Specific: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or the fuse box diagram
for the exact ampere ratings and locations of fuses for specific components.
●​ Color Coding: While color coding is generally standardized (e.g., 10A is red, 15A is
blue), always double-check the printed amperage rating on the fuse itself.
●​ Never Use a Higher Ampere Fuse: Replacing a blown fuse with one of a higher ampere
rating can lead to serious electrical damage, fire, or component failure, as it allows too
much current to flow through the circuit.
●​ Matching Fuse Type: Ensure you replace a blown fuse with the correct type (blade, glass
tube, Maxi, etc.) and size, as well as the correct amperage.