SAE/IEC Automotive Fuse Color Standard
SAE/IEC Automotive Fuse Color Standard
The SAE/IEC blade fuse color code is a standardized system for identifying amperage ratings at a glance, ensuring consistency across automotive and electrical applications. It applies to mini (ATM/APM), standard (ATO/ATC), and maxi blade fuses, with the same color-to-amperage mapping regardless of size.
Standard Color–Amp Mapping (SAE J1888 / ISO 8820 / IEC 60127)
| Color | Amp Rating | Common Applications |
| Black | 1A | Low-power electronics, instrument clusters, LEDs |
| Grey | 2A | Delicate electronics, clock/memory systems |
| Violet/Purple | 3A | Light-duty circuits, interior lights, radio memory |
| Pink | 4A | Small accessories, dashboard lights, indicators |
| Tan/Beige | 5A | Parking lights, gauge illumination |
| Brown | 7.5A | Small loads, interior dome lights, radio |
| Red | 10A | Standard accessories, power outlets, radio |
| Blue | 15A | Medium accessories, cigarette lighter, audio systems |
| Yellow | 20A | Higher-load circuits, power windows, fuel pump |
| Clear/White | 25A | Heavy accessories, wipers, ventilation fans |
| Green | 30A | High-current circuits, power seats, sunroof motors |
| Teal/Aqua | 35A | Heavy-duty systems, cooling fans, heated seats |
| Orange | 40A | High-power systems, AC, power steering |
| Red (Maxi) | 50A | Very high current, main power feeds, battery systems |
| Blue (Maxi) | 60A | Heavy electrical loads |
Key Points
Universal compatibility: The same color means the same amperage across brands and manufacturers.
Quick identification: Color coding allows you to replace fuses without reading tiny printed numbers.
Safety: Always replace with the exact same amperage and speed characteristic (F/T letters on glass/ceramic fuses) — never upsize.
Blow speed letters (IEC 60127):
FF – Very fast-acting
F – Fast-acting
M – Medium time-lag
T – Time-lag (motor/transformer protection)
TT – Very long time-lag
Example
If you find a blue mini fuse in your fuse box, it's 15A and is typically used for accessories/audio circuits. Replace it with an identical 15A blue mini or ATO fuse.
Tip: When in doubt, check the vehicle's wiring diagram or fuse box label for the correct rating and type.
