Fusing BMS Sense Wires - EV3.6.4

[ireson75]

Hi All,

Tom from the University of Leicester here! According to EV3.6.4 the AMS voltage sense wires must be appropriately fused using either fusible link wire or conventional fuses. The conventional fuse method is not an option but does anyone have any leads on fusible link wire?

I have found a few options from AWC, Lawson and White Products but they are all only rated to a maximum of 50V, does this not then conflict with the FSAE rule stating that all wires in the container must be rated to the maximum system voltage EV3.3.8 (in our case being 88V)?

http://www.awcwire.com/part.aspx?partname=j156-awg22
http://www.lawsonproducts.com/lawson/Fusible-Link-Wire-22-AWG/55821.lp
http://whiteproducts.com/fusible-specs.shtml

Any pointers on the topic would be deeply appreciated!

Many many thanks,

Tom

University of Leicester

[Adam Farabaugh]

Just letting you know that we have tried and failed to justify using lower voltage rating components inside the pack. You will have to find a 88V+ rated option.

[B757]

There are some small 250VDC rated SMD fuses (http://www.schurterinc.com/en/Components/Circuit-Protection/Fuses-Fuseholders/Non-Resettable-Fuses/UMT-H) (5.3x5.3x16mm size) that might work if can solder them on a small PCB in-line with your BMS sense wires. You can also find in-line 5x20mm fuse holders and use a 5x20mm glass fuse (which you can find in up to 125VDC), though those are much larger.

[mech5496]

Glass fuses might be a bad idea in an automotive application due to bumps/vibrations.

[ireson75]

Thanks everyone for your help, really appreciated