1930 (and many other years) fuse block

Posted by Thomas Wilcox On 2010/10/3 12:29:48

I just took apart the fuse block from my 7th series. It was fairly corroded, so I thought I would clean it up.

It is an interesting construction (see photos). There are three layers of mica sheets (multiple mica sheets per layer) within the block assembly. The middle layer is wrapped with a few turns of very stiff steel wire that form a path for current when the fuse is blown. This is the 'get home' feature of these blocks.

I am not familiar enough with electrical stuff to explain the purpose of the mica. Anybody that knows, please chip in.

Also, for anyone that knows, one of the mica sheets within each of the the first and third layers disintegrated. Is it critical that the mica layer be an exact thickness? If so, anyone know where to get mica in sheets?

Thanks,

Tom

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