So I got a low mileage Shop Vac that is out of warranty, the wife let the filter get clogged and it doesn't work. I tore it apart tonight and I found a fuseable link in the motor that is shot. Question, do you think it would be safe to use a fuse like out of a car to replace the thing? The unit says it draws 11.5 amps. If I got a spade type fuse out of a car and soldered it in the motor would that be safe and still let the fuse fry with out burning the thing up?

 

Doesn't sound like thats a bad idea I'd probably plug it in in my drive way first.

 

It may work, See if you can find out what the fuse in the shop vac was first, because if you just use a 15 amp fuse, it will most likely blow because when you start it up, it draws more than 11.5 amps, somwhere around 16 or 17 because of the load. Most home breakers have a delay fuse in it for this purpose. See if you can find a delay bus fuse or some sort, or contact shop vac and see if you can get it.

 

That's the kind of thing I was wondering about. Plus I seem to remember something about fuses being rated at one amperage for DC and one for AC ( not sure on this ).

 

Oh man I wasnt even thinking, you are right. Just see if you can get that fuse from shop vac or just hardwire it together and dont let the wife use it[&:]

 

I see you gotta little southern REDNECK blood starting to flow through your veins Nick. Do you really think the wifey is gonna understand why you have the kewl mod in your truck and she has to vac the mini out with a FIRE HAZZARD. Id be reconsidering that move.Dang man if its getting that bad over in Piedmont, we can take up a collection for ya! Just kidding man, everything in my garage is duct taped or wired together with coat hangers[:@].

 

I just can't throw away a $100 dollar almost brand new Shop Vac for a damn $0.20 fuseable link![:@]When I say this thing is low mileage I mean we used it like 3 or 4 times. I'm gonna check with a couple local appliance stores in G'ville and see if they have something I can use. Shop Vac's parts list doesn't go any deeper than the whole motor assembly.

Oh and she hasn't cleaned her van in I don't know how long, I can't stand to ride in it. [:'(]

 

Fuses/ breakers are usually 18-20% over what is actually needed. So I would use a 15 amp fuse if yur drawing 12 amps.

 

My wife let a MacDonald's cup sit in the cup holder so long the cup dissolved. Guess who cleaned it.[:@]

 

First, I'd try Sears customer service and see if they'll hook you up

Next, I'd try a Vaccum shop and see if they have the fuse

Lastly, If it's as new as you say it is, you could always buy a new one and return you old one, or at least get the part out of the new one that you need.