In the 1950s a change in vehicle electrical system voltage from 6V to 12V occurred to provide more electrical power in road vehicle systems. Once again a need to increase the voltage has arisen based on the building of lighter, smaller and more complex components for even safer vehicles with lower fuel consumption and increased functionality. A system with a nominal voltage of 42V, but peak values of 58V is currently being investigated to accommodate the increasing electrical demand.
The Automotive industry has established forums such as MIT in USA and SICAN in Germany to define the outlines of a global standard. While SICAN is hosting the European industry, MIT is hosting the US industry, and representatives of Europe and Japan. It is apparent this change is of such a magnitude, that it needs the commitment of the majority of the Automotive industry to be economically and technically successful. This is true for automotive fuses as well.
The automotive Industry is targeting introduction to market by model year 2003 - 2005. It is apparent that detailed electrical component specifications for starter/ alternators, batteries, end users, cables, clips and fuses need to be defined as soon as is possible. Specifications need to be established to ensure globally acceptable standards.
This paper addresses the potential problems of 32V rated fuses when used in a 42V system; it also introduces newly developed fuses for 42V rated systems.