Overview
ISO 8820-10:2020 specifies fuse-links with tabs (blade-type) Type L (high current miniature) for road vehicles. It defines the rated current range, mechanical and electrical dimensions, test procedures and performance requirements for fuse-links intended for 32 V automotive systems with a current rating up to ≤ 60 A and a breaking capacity of 1 000 A. The document is designed to be used in conjunction with ISO 8820-1 and ISO 8820-2; clause numbering follows ISO 8820-1 unless modified by Type L-specific requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and ratings
- Rated voltage: 32 V
- Rated current: ≤ 60 A
- Breaking capacity: 1 000 A
- Dimensions and marking
- Detailed dimensional requirements and tolerances for Type L fuse-links (see Table 7 in the standard)
- Colour coding by rated current (e.g., 20 A yellow, 25 A white, 30 A green, 40 A orange, 50 A red, 60 A blue) and marking/label requirements
- Electrical performance tests
- Voltage-drop measurements across fuse tabs with specified test fixture geometry and maximum connection resistance (0.5 mΩ)
- Breaking capacity tested at 1 000 A using specified test dummy
- Transient current cycling and current-steps tests per the sequences in the standard
- Operating time-rating tests (timing windows at multiple multiple-of-rated-current values) with post-activation leakage limits (≤ 0.5 mA)
- Mechanical and environmental tests
- Terminal strength tests with specified forces (force directions and magnitudes defined; deformation limits)
- Climatic, chemical and mechanical load tests referenced to ISO 8820-1
- Temperature-rise requirements (Annex A)
- Test protocols
- Defined test sequences, required sample group sizes (minimum 10 per rated current) and prescribed cable sizes for comparative testing
Applications and who uses it
- Automotive fuse manufacturers designing high-current miniature (Type L) blade fuses
- Vehicle OEMs and tier‑1 suppliers specifying in-vehicle overcurrent protection components
- Electrical design engineers validating fuse selection for 32 V systems (power distribution, battery and starter circuits)
- Test laboratories and conformity assessors performing type approval and comparative performance testing
- Aftermarket and replacement-part manufacturers ensuring compatibility with standard receptacles and extraction tools
Related standards
- ISO 8820-1: Definitions and general test requirements (used together with Part 10)
- ISO 8820-2: Additional fuse-link types and requirements
- ISO 2768-1: General tolerances for dimensions (referenced for tolerances)
ISO 8820-10:2020 provides essential, standardized criteria for specifying, testing and validating Type L automotive blade fuses-ensuring safety, interchangeability and reliable overcurrent protection in modern road vehicles.