Customer Reviews

Bussmann BP/HHH ATM Add-A-Fuse

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very handy item. I recently wanted to permanently wire in some auto accessories in a Honda Fit. The Bussman Add-A-Fuse allowed me to tap an unused position in my fuse block, without having to add wiring all the way back to the battery. Also, it looks more professional than a generic blade connector stuck into an empty fuse block terminal. An Add-A-Fuse would work well for permanently wiring in an extra power outlet, a GPS, or (in my case) fog lights.

These things come with a selection of fuses from the manufacture. I ordered three. All had been cut open at the seams, the fuses removed, and closed with cellophane tape. Re the device itself, it is well made and functional, just remember to buy your fuses too. Not so good of a deal here without them. Amazon, I'm disappointed in you for the first time.

Keep in mind this works only on the latest models that use the small blade fuses. Used this to tap-on power for daytime running lights on a 2010 Ford Taurus without any splicing of the original wiring harness. Fantastic product!

I used this to install a radar detector in my Lexus. It worked fine by replacing a fuse and then wiring directly to unit. I used a test light to find a fuse that was controlled by the ignition. Easy to remove and install. It installs and sits higher than the fuses in the car so if you have a cover over your fuse block, it might not fit over it.

I used this on a 2000 Toyota Camry to add in a TomTom VIA 1435TM 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps so I didn't have the cigarette lighter power adapter hanging out with its long cord getting in the way of my head unit/radio. in addition, my car's cabin looks a whole lot cleaner and tidier now.

this worked perfectly for my purposes!

it's well built and solid. Unlike the Littelfuse FHA200BP ATO Add-A-Circuit Kit, this kit/piece, however, does NOT come with extra fuses at all. Not a big deal, but if you bought the ATO Littelfuse version, you may want to consider that. I had to go to a local auto parts store and pick up a five pack of 10A fuses for a couple bucks because of this.

as always, Amazon Prime really pays for itself with the free two-day shipping. in addition, my local stores didn't even have anything like this, so Amazon really comes through!

and if you need an easy way to add a cigarette lighter powered device, buy the Roadpro 12V Battery Clip-On and Cigarette Lighter Adapter and simply cut the clamp ends off, strip the red/positive wire lead so as to insert the copper into the clamp of THIS Bussman fuse, and then crimp it (pliers work fine). finally, strip the black/ground wire and secure it to something like a bolt on your car that is grounded/connected to the car frame/chassis.

I used the above RoadPro adapter for my setup.

Great product! Just what I needed to add an ignition controlled circuit in my truck. This little gizmo doesn't deform the fuse socket like other devices made for the same purpose. Well worth the money! Fast service, too!

The item works as expected...BUT...

Let me start from the beginning, I went to hardwire a radar detector and had originally order the normal size fuse add a circuit. That item arrived with spare spade connectors and and a bunch of spare fuses. This was great until I popped the fuse panel on my truck and realized it took the mini low-profile fuses. Uh oh. So I ordered this item. It arrived, with nothing else. The picture shows fuses, didn't come with any. Problem? Well sort of, because my vehicle takes the low profile mini fuses which do NOT fit in this add a circuit, since the contacts do not extend down. Back to the auto parts store for some some regular mini fuses to replace the one I pulled, plus one for the new circuit. In the end it works as expected, but I wanted to point out to people what they should expect so they aren't running back and forth to the store for different fuses.

This was my first mistake,, always read!! I wanted the fuse holder that took the standard size fuse for older vehicles , but got one for mini fuses.. Not worth the time or postage to return, so it's in my don't fit anything pile now.

This component requires two mini-fuses. It doesn't come with any. I assumed I could grab a couple spares from the fuse box of my 2010 Maxima; turns out the car uses low-profile mini-fuses that don't have protruding contacts, and therefore can't be inserted into this unit.

Fry's Electronics and any automotive parts store will have the right pieces onhand for a couple bucks, I'm just a little miffed I couldn't finish the job all at once. Given that this $7 wire couldn't have cost more than 50 cents to make, it would seem reasonable to expect the requisite fuses to be thrown in.

The purpose of these add-a-fuse devices is to make it easier to power a radar detector, GPS, or similar 12V device. You pop two fuses into this, insert it into an empty fuse slot that's switched with the car (most of them), run the wire to whatever you're powering, and attach the return wire from the device to the ground. In my car, the ground is a metal piece with a small bolt right next to the fuse box in the same compartment.

If your device power wire already has an in-line fuse and you've got some soldering equipment, you could save a few bucks by building a little metal T-bar to push into the fuse receptacle, or tap into an existing line. Really, though, this Bussman is worth the cost just to save the hassle.

I have been using these for years. Forget splicing the factory harness just to gain access to a power source. Pick up one of these and install it correctly. You can tap into a constant or ignition switched device. All without damaging the cars wiring. It can be reused over and over also.