Fuse block wiring.

[arcturus]

Hi, is there a better way of connecting other than twisting the wire ends and stuffing them into the connectors? In some cases its a question of stuffing two wires into the same hole.

[swedishandgerman]

I thoroughly recommend a soldering iron there for many reasons. Firstly it protects against corrosion. It also gives a much tidier appearance as well as eliminates rogue wires. Lastly, it ensures where 2 wires are joined together, they are joined together properly!

Just because I enjoy really tidy wiring and I hate blue crimp connectors, I would get some tiny bullets, pins or spades and solder them to the wire ends with a 1 - 2cm heat shrink over the top. Those would secure nicely in the screws you've shown, wouldn't oxidise so quickly and ensure really good connection of 2 wires.

Something like this:

https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/...0pcs-no-covers

That's if you have loads of time available!!

[arcturus]

I have been having another look at my fuse box and it's not original. Does the original have a bus bar connecting all first four inlet connections? Trying to twist 2, 6mm wires together and stuffing them into the fixing holes is not ideal, as I had previously.
http://www.vp-autoparts.com/main.asp...g&artno=191349

[Ron Kwas]

Arcturus;

For optimal long-term service in the screw-type FB, I'd first "tin" the stripped wire ends (apply a bit of electronic solder to twisted strands to hold them together neatly, which makes a gas-tight-joint, and also strengthens them and increases the cross-sectional conductor area slightly, and helps them stand up to the compression they will be subjected to in the screw-type terminals)...then insert into their screw compression locations...but I'd also apply a bit of ACZP to the wire ends, and set-screw threads to lube and protect all connections. Wipe away excess for a clean final appearance. Please advise if you don't have a source for ACZP (and supply mailing address via private message), and I'll send you a sample for your restoration work.

Regarding originality...compare to wiring diagram...buss-bars connecting FB terminals will be indicated there...reference: http://www.sw-em.com/Fuses,%20Alloca...ng.htm#444_(6V)

PS...There is something wrong with link...it was supposed to take you directly to 444(6) area...and it's not...I'll have to correct, but if you scroll down manually, both types of FBs, as Derek mentions, are shown...

Cheers

[Derek UK]

This type of fuse box with 6 equal length fuses was used in the PV and the one currently supplied is the same. There are 2 earlier types that have 2 and 3 positions for the 25amp dumpy fuse. Later 12v boxes have male tabs instead of the screw terminals but they are only a 4 fuse box. I'd say stick with what you have and take a little extra time to get good connections. Ron will recommend anti corrosion paste...……………….

Search Google images for "pv544 fuse box"

Relevant read http://swedishrelics.blogspot.com/20...ing-wired.html

[arcturus]

I'm a bit confused. I was going to ask if it is necessary for the bridging wires from number one connection need to be 6mm as it would be easier to use 2.5 but when I measured the 6mm it isn't actually but only about 3.5 mm cross section. how exactly is the cable measured?

[Ron Kwas]

Arcturus;

For purposes of bridging from one FB terminal to another, as long as the gauge is similar, you will be OK...presuming the hole in the screw-terminal is big enough to accommodate both wires (if not, a slightly more creative solution most be arrived at).

Cheers

[arcturus]

Found this very helpful link which explains it all.
https://jaydeeautocables.com.au/pages/cable-size-chart

[Volvo_133]

Make a copper bus-bar to link the 4 "Live side" connections. The left connection screw must clamp the cable and secure the bus bar. The other 3 should be straight forward. Remember the anti corrosion paste.

[Derek UK]

Have you looked on the back of this FB? Bridging links are often on the underside. I know you are refitting it after the repaint but it might not have been that way up in your hand and you've never noticed it.