Circuit breaker? & Resistor unit Question

Tinker

Tinker

Well-known member
I have a Circuit breaker? and Resistor unit that I have a question about.

I don't have a question about the resistor but where the fuse usually is (32-39 i believe) there is a metal box, which I'm assuming is a circuit breaker.

Is there an advantage to this design? Is there possible issues with them? What years were they used?

Thank you
 

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Circuit breakers have the ability to re-set themselves, where-as when a fuse blows........well, there's no doubt the lights will not be operating again 'til the fuse is replaced. DD
 
They contain a bi-metallic strip that bends when it heats up and breaks the contact. When it cools back down, the strip straightens back out and re-establishes contact.
 
...so, if your headlight circuit overloads the thing you get a flashing view of the world while you get stopped rather than utter instant darkness.
 
Disco driving!

Thanks guys, I guess to test to see if it works correctly I'll have to add amps till it overheats.
 
Don't know the amperage for the CB off the top of my head, but it should be in the same range as the fuse was, it is protecting the same wiring.

Edit: The CB first appear in the wiring diagrams in 40, but don't have any idea when in the model year it was, late 1939 models or from the start of the 1940 models.
 
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On my '92 Explorer, the turn signal circuit kept blowing. Even had a mechanic look at it to see what was the cause. After the 3rd or 4th time, he said I could continue paying him $85/hr to find the culprit, or I could put in a circuit breaker for $10 or so. It's been about 10 years and still working like a champ.
 
bbrust said:
The 39 Deluxe that I'm working on has the CB.

100_3736_zpszly2b0fb.jpg
Click to expand...

The one I posted came out of a friends 39 truck. It had a 59a motor so was curious. The CB is original to the truck then I'd bet 10 too 1.

Thanks for everyone's input.
 
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