Unidentified fuse size

[stevehertz]

For several weeks I've been sorting all my components into a labelled storage drawers system and last night I did my fuses. I found 20mm, 1" and 1.25" types. But I also came across a couple of fuses that were between 1" and 1.25" in length - an 'odd' size. It's the one in the middle in the photo.
What is that fuse size or format? What were/are they used in? It seems some kind of rare format/style to me. Anyone know what it is? Just for the record the one in the photo is marked '2.5A continuous, 5A blow'. Just to be clear, I'm asking about the fuse style/format, not possible uses for this rating of fuse.

[richrussell]

By any chance is it 30mm?

I wouldn't say that 30mm fuses are an unusual size really. Similarly 20mm fuses are quite common outside of the UK and USA.

[AC/HL]

I've only seen internal paper labels like this in old car electrics. Later ones, of course use plug-in types, either way they're quite different from standard Electronics applications.

[kalee20]

I'd have said a car fuse too. But the current rating 2.5A looks rather low. I don't think i've seen a car fuse less than 5A.

[broadgage]

Agree, probably a car fuse.
Old style car fuses were rated by the current at which they would blow reasonably quickly, unlike household or appliance fuses that are rated by the current that they could carry indefinitely.

Later types had both ratings marked as in this example.

A running current of 2.5 amps is small by vehicles standards and would probably have protected a radio or an instrument such as the petrol gauge.

[Lucien Nunes]

Yes it is 30mm 'Lucas type' automotive fuse, from the typeface on the label it is genuine Lucas. The colour of label and print is coordinated with the rating too.

[thermionic]

And also printed out of sight on the label will be ....'5A blow'


SimonT.

[McMurdo]

Some radios /record players also used that size although I've seen both other types jammed into the holder with varied success. I've also seen them with 'radio fuse' printed on the little bit of paper inside.

[stevehertz]

Thanks guys. So essentially it's a fuse type that was used in cars, a Lucas automotive fuse. Oh well, I think I have three of them, I'll keep em with others in the 'oddments' draw. You never know..