Blade Fuses Used in Jeeps

Three blade formats have been used in Jeeps starting as far back as the late 1970′s. Unlike the glass cylinder fuses which blades replaced, these new designs are flat, install via metal prongs and are constructed of clear plastic or tough translucent nylon.

The durability and compact size advantage offered by blades has allowed fuse boxes to expand in circuit count and current capacity with without themselves growing appreciably.

The primary difference between Blade Formats is sizes and to a limited degree current capacities.

Standard ATO/ATC Blade

The standard blade fuse has been around since 1976. By the early 80′s all US auto manufactures were using standard blades for most circuit protection. Standard blade fuses are found in XJ Cherokees through 1996. Most aftrmarket catalogs show ATC as the prefered part.

ATO vs ATC
ATC – Is the closed cased version of this blade fuse
ATO – Is the open version, so the fuse link is open to the air.

For the most part there is no performance difference between the ATO & ATC, other than it might be nice to use ATC blades in environments subject to combustible vapors and high moisture.



ATM/ATP Mini Blade

Mini (ATM/ATP) can be thought of as a smaller version for the standard blades (ATO/ATC). Initially available in the early 90′s they found their way into Jeep vehicles beginning in the mid 90′s. XJ Cherokees from 1995 onward included mini’s (as well regular) blades. New models like the TJ Wrangler introduced in 1997 employ minis for all low to moderate current circuit requirements.

Its worth noting when purchasing replacement fuses, look for the name ‘mini’ (or ATM/ATP) as there is another small but incompatible format known as ‘micro2′. One way to tell them apart is Minis have pointed blade leads while the micro2 blades are square.



Maxi Blade

The larger Maxi format is better suited to higher current carrying needs. While the practical limit for standard blade (ATO/ATC) is 40A, Maxi come in capacities well above 100A.

The Maxi format is physically and electrically more robust and has the added benefit of lower dropping voltage which is a measure of the voltage loss in the circuit as it passes through the fuse.

Related Information:
Sizes ad Capacities
Mini vs Mico 2 identification
Fuse Types Used in Jeeps