Replace Buss Fuss set-up in a welder

I need to replace the main fuse to the control panel.

It is a 6A, 600V rated BUSS fuse - the issue is the fuse body (i.e., physical size of the fuse) is 5.5 inches long and nearly 3/4 inch OD.

For life of me, I can't understand why the used / needed such a large fuse body for a 6A fuse ??

I checked with electric supply house - they don't have anything like that.

A replacement will take a week to get (based on my experience with weld shops, that will probably be more like 3 to 4 weeks) and cost $16.
For all know, it could blow again right off the bat.

Anyone see any electrical reason why I can't stop at Radio Shack, buy a BUSS fuse mount for a "normal" size 6A BUSS fuse and replace the mount that is there? I have not priced it, but I am assuming most BUSS fuses that size cost a couple bucks, and the fuse mount will be less than $16, and if it goes again, I can replace it cheaply and quickly.

Thanks,

I found new-old-stock (sort of) replacements on the internet and bought 4 for the price of one new one from my welding supply store (I'd bet I get them sooner too).

This fuse has a paper cartridge so fire prevention or physical saftey does not seem to be an issue.

I also found info sheets on these fuses (Bussman NOS) on the Cooper-Bussman web site. Based on my read, there really does not seem to be anything special about this fuse, except it's physical size. Perhaps that is just to prevent arching across the fuse block when it blows ???

Anyhow, thanks again.
Tim

ANYHOW, it's the LENGTH that helps to keep a destructive arc from occuring when the fuse blows.

Some more modern 600 V. fues are shorter, I'd 'spect they have a more "high tech" arc suppression material in them to compensate.

The element was broken but to me it looked like it corroded (some oxidation evident on the copper element) rather than melted (Of course I can't tell for sure), so I'm hoping it did not blow.

Of course I if that is the case, I would also wonder what else has corroded in the machine.

This welder seems to have sat in a humid basement for a long time so the cardboard cartridge may have been comprimised by moisture.

I took a chance on the machine for $100.

Link

There is a REASON for it's "600 Volt" rating and it's construction, and you need to respect that, to keep the machine safe.

I'm sure you could get a replacement from Grainger or McMaster in between one and three days. Do it RIGHT, and keep it safe!

(What is the part # on the old fuse?)

The fuse is a Bussman brand, No. on the fuse is D604-66.

Part number in the Miller manual is 012 639.

Thanks,
Tim