Thermal Fuse 184°C (VET8181) – Reliable Thermal Cutoff for Appliance Safety

High-Quality Thermal Fuse for Everyday Electronics Protection

Looking for an easy and effective way to protect your household appliances or DIY electronics from overheating? The Vetco Electronics Semiconductors VET8181 thermal fuse is the trusted solution for safeguarding devices such as hair dryers, refrigerators, battery chargers, irons, coffee makers, dishwashers, toasters, and more.

Key Features & Benefits

• Rated Temperature: Opens the circuit at 184°C (364°F), preventing thermal damage.
• Maximum Current Rating: 15 Amps for high-reliability performance in both small and large devices.
• Voltage Compatibility: 120–277 VAC operation, suitable for most household and light industrial applications.
• Safe & Secure: Non-resettable design guarantees one-time, permanent protection—no resetting required for safety assurance.
• Easy to Install: 18 AWG solid copper leads (full 1⅓” length) fit most common replacement setups.
• Certified Quality: Meets or exceeds UL, CSA, and VDE safety standards for peace of mind with every installation.

Technical Data & Ratings

• Functioning (Open) Temperature: 184°C (364°F)
• Holding Temperature: 160°C (320°F)
• Maximum Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Current Ratings:
  • 120/250 VAC: 15A (Continuous), 10A
  • 240 VAC: 25A Resistive, 16.7A Resistive
  • 277 VAC: 20A Resistive, 15A Resistive
  • 180 VAC: 3A Motor Rating
  • 120–277 VAC: 125VA Pilot Duty
• Tolerance: Typical opening tolerance is +0°C / −5°C
• Replacement Cross Reference: Old NTE part number: NTE8181 → Direct replacement: VET8181
• Certifications: UL File No. E49429, E117626 (Guide # XCMQ2), C-UL File No. E117626 (Guide # XCMQ8), CSA File No. LR43279, VDE File No. 115369

How the VET8181 Thermal Fuse Works

This thermal cutoff (also called a thermal fuse) has a temperature-sensitive design. When the device temperature rises above its rated limit, an internal pellet changes phase and triggers a spring that permanently opens the circuit. This non-resettable fuse ensures reliable protection—once activated, the circuit remains open to prevent overheating hazards.

Common Applications

• Hair Dryers
• Refrigerators
• Battery Chargers
• Irons, Hot Plates, and Coffee Makers
• Microwave Ovens
• Dishwashers & Toasters
• Electric Motors, Window Fans, and Glue Guns
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• And hundreds more household and consumer devices

Why Choose Vetco Electronics VET8181 Thermal Fuses?

After NTE's closure, Vetco Electronics Semiconductors worked directly with the original manufacturers to provide the same high-performance thermal fuses you trust, now with VET part numbers. Each VET8181 fuse meets the strict original NTE specifications and is supplied straight from the source for consistent reliability.

Important Notes

• Temperature sensitive device—do not store above +48°C (+120°F)
• Color band does not denote temperature group
• The electrical resistance is similar to an equal length of 18 AWG copper wire. With adequate air flow, heat build-up below 15A is minimal; above this, continuous current should be evaluated for your specific application. Continuous operation is best kept at least 30°C below the opening temperature.

NOTICE 1: As you may or may not already know. NTE is officially out of business and we are unable to order parts from them ever again.

However, we were able to locate the company that NTE used to make these Thermal Cutoffs (All NTE did was relabel product and resell it). This means that you may order the NTE part, but we may ship different part numbers that are the original parts that match the NTE specifications. Certificates Of Conformity are available from us, upon request.

NOTICE 2: These no longer come with the un-insulated crimp butt connectors that NTE used to include with them. If you need them, we recommend either ordering SR-BUT-2N. If you have a special need for them, you can always email us for more information and we are always here to help.