ISO 8820-3:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies fuse-links with tabs (blade-type) Type C (medium), Type E (high current) and Type F (miniature) for use in road vehicles. It establishes the rated current, test procedures, performance requirements and dimensions for these fuse-link types. This document is applicable for fuse-links with a rated voltage of 32 V or 58 V, a current rating of ≤100 A and a breaking capacity of 1 000 A intended for use in road vehicles. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 8820-1 and ISO 8820-2[1]. The numbering of its clauses corresponds to that of ISO 8820-1, whose requirements are applicable, except where modified by requirements particular to this document.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 06-Jul-2026
• ICS: 43.040.10 - Electrical and electronic equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 32 - Electrical and electronic components and general system aspects
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 32 - Electrical and electronic components and general system aspects
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 07-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 28-Mar-2026
• Completion Date: 07-Jul-2026

• Revises: ISO 8820-3:2015 - Road vehicles — Fuse-links — Part 3: Fuse-links with tabs (blade type) Type C (medium), Type E (high current) and Type F (miniature)
• Effective Date: 02-Jul-2022

Overview

ISO 8820-3:2015, issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides standardized specifications for fuse-links with tabs (blade type) used in road vehicles. This document is part of the ISO 8820 series on automotive fuse-links and focuses specifically on fuse-links of three types:

• Type C (medium)
• Type E (high current)
• Type F (miniature)

The standard covers essential aspects such as rated current, test procedures, performance requirements, marking, labelling, color coding, and critical dimensional guidelines for fuse-links intended for use in 32 V or 58 V road vehicle electrical systems, with current ratings up to 100 A and a breaking capacity of 1,000 A. ISO 8820-3 is intended for manufacturers, automotive engineers, and component suppliers, and should be used in conjunction with ISO 8820-1 and ISO 8820-2 for comprehensive compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application

  • Specifies requirements for blade-type fuse-links Types C, E, and F
  • Applies to fuse-links for low-voltage automotive applications (32 V or 58 V)
  • Covers products rated up to 100 A and a breaking capacity of 1,000 A

• Types of Fuse-Links

  • Type C (medium): Standard blade fuse for general circuit protection
  • Type E (high current): Larger blade fuse designed for higher current demand circuits
  • Type F (miniature): Compact blade fuse for space-saving and lower current circuits

• Performance and Testing

  • Detailed test procedures for voltage drop, transient current cycling, temperature rise, terminal strength, and breaking capacity
  • Criteria for visible evidence of fuse-link operation (open-fuse element)
  • Definition of test fixtures, sample sizes, and cable selection for reliable results

• Marking and Color Coding

  • Specifies color codes to identify current ratings for each fuse type (e.g., red for 10 A, blue for 15 A)
  • Mandates clear labelling and consistent marking practices

• Dimensional Requirements

  • Provides precise measurements for each blade-type fuse-link to ensure interchangeability and compatibility with vehicle fuse holders

Applications

ISO 8820-3 is widely applicable in the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance of automotive electrical systems. Key applications include:

• Automobile and Light Commercial Vehicles

  • Ensuring electrical system protection through standardized fusing solutions
  • Simplifying maintenance and repair by enabling compatibility across various brands and models

• Fuse and Component Manufacturing

  • Assisting manufacturers in designing and testing fuse-links to meet internationally recognized safety and performance criteria

• Automotive System Engineering

  • Supporting OEMs and suppliers in specifying and sourcing fuse-links that comply with global requirements for current ratings, temperature, and environmental performance

• Vehicle Maintenance and Servicing

  • Facilitating accurate replacement of fuses through standardized color coding and physical characteristics, reducing the risk of improper fuse installation

Related Standards

ISO 8820-3 should be used alongside related standards for full regulatory compliance and optimal application:

• ISO 8820-1: Road vehicles - Fuse-links - Part 1: Definitions and general test requirements
  Provides foundational definitions, general requirements, and overarching test procedures for all automotive fuse-links.

• ISO 8820-2: Road vehicles - Fuse-links - Part 2: User guidelines
  Offers guidance on the use and selection of fuse-links in automotive systems.

• ISO 19642-3: Road vehicles - Automotive cables - Part 3: Dimensions and requirements for 30 V a.c. or 60 V d.c. single core copper conductor cables
  Specifies the conductor material and cable sizes referenced in the fuse-link standard’s tests.

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By adhering to ISO 8820-3, manufacturers and engineers ensure that automotive fuse-links provide reliable and consistent performance in vehicle electrical systems, contributing to increased safety and operational efficiency across the automotive industry. This standard also enhances the interoperability, reliability, and serviceability of vehicle electrics on a global scale.

International
Standard
ISO 8820-3
Fifth edition
Road vehicles — Fuse-links —
2026-07
Part 3:
Fuse-links with tabs (blade type)
Type C (medium), Type E (high
current) and Type F (miniature)
Véhicules routiers — Liaisons fusibles —
Partie 3: Liaisons fusibles cavalier (Type à lame), Type C (moyen),
Type E (courant élevé) et Type F (miniature)
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Marking, labelling and colour coding . 1
5 Tests and requirements . 2
5.1 General .2
5.1.1 Test criteria .2
5.1.2 Test sequence.6
5.2 Voltage drop .6
5.2.1 Tests .6
5.2.2 Requirement .7
5.3 Transient current cycling .8
5.3.1 Test . . .8
5.3.2 Requirement .9
5.4 Environmental conditions .9
5.5 Operating time-rating .9
5.5.1 Test . . .9
5.5.2 Requirement .9
5.6 Current steps .9
5.6.1 Test . . .9
5.6.2 Requirement .9
5.7 Breaking capacity .9
5.7.1 Test . . .9
5.7.2 Requirement .11
5.8 Strength of terminals.11
5.8.1 Test . . .11
5.8.2 Requirements . 12
5.9 Test cable sizes . 12
5.10 Temperature rise . 13
6 Dimensions . 14
6.1 Fuse-links Types C, E and F .14
6.2 Designation example .17
Annex A (informative)  Temperature rise test.18
Bibliography . 19

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
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with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
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this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
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adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee SC 32,
Electrical and electronic components and general system aspects.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition (ISO 8820-3:2015), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— updated test fixture definitions and drawings (see 5.1.1);
— updated temperature limit on Temperature Rise Test (see Clause A.2);
— changed dimension b on type "C" fuse drawing from 3,0 min to 2,5 min (see 6.1).
A list of all parts in the ISO 8820 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
International Standard ISO 8820-3:2026(en)
Road vehicles — Fuse-links —
Part 3:
Fuse-links with tabs (blade type) Type C (medium), Type E
(high current) and Type F (miniature)
1 Scope
This document specifies fuse-links with tabs (blade-type) Type C (medium), Type E (high current) and
Type F (miniature) for use in road vehicles. It establishes the rated current, test procedures, performance
requirements and dimensions for these fuse-link types.
This document is applicable for fuse-links with a rated voltage of 32 V or 58 V, a current rating of ≤100 A and
a breaking capacity of 1 000 A intended for use in road vehicles.
[1]
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 8820-1 and ISO 8820-2 . The numbering of
its clauses corresponds to that of ISO 8820-1, whose requirements are applicable, except where modified by
requirements particular to this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 19642-3, Road vehicles — Automotive cables — Part 3: Dimensions and requirements for 30 V a.c. or 60 V
d.c. single core copper conductor cables
ISO 8820-1, Road vehicles — Fuse-links — Part 1: D
...