From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The Phantom III petrol pump being made without fuses, discussing the fire risk and policy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\4\ scan0362 | |
| Date | 26th June 1937 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c, to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} 1263 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/JBD.{John B. Dixon - Fuel Systems}8/JH.26.6.37. The Phantom III Petrol Pumps in the Frame. The high pressure pump is being made with the standard S.U. end cover with no fuses. We agree to this as there has never been a case of a coil winding burning out or short circuiting and in any case having the fuse at the end of a comparatively long wire does not give any protection of that wire in the case of a short circuit on it. A short circuit in the wire has only the main fuse as a safeguard and as this is a heavy fuse we feel there is still the possibility of a local fire. A scheme N.Sch,997 was produced having separate fuses but was dropped as it was considered at the time there was too many fuses on the car. We have never experienced any trouble on these wires but would like to bring the matter to your notice to find out what is the policy with regard to fuses and whether you agree to rely on the main fuse. We completed 15,000 miles on 3-B-IV without any fuses on the pump and although the pump stuck no trouble resulted. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/J.B.Dixon. | ||