Did I buy a defective inline automotive fuse?

I am going to be testing some transmission solenoids this weekend, so I built a wire lead set and installed an inline fuse holder from Radio Shack.

However, upon testing my wire leads, I found that I had continuity in the positive lead even though there was no fuse inside the holder.

To further confirm this, I connected the leads to my battery, and found that I had 14.6 volts with or without a fuse in that holder. I mean that fuse is the part that should be providing the continuity........which led me to believe that I got a defective fuse holder.

Does anyone agree.......or is there another way I should be testing it?

Here are photos of what I am talking about. BTW, the fuse holder has a small led that should glow if the fuse blows. But it did not turn on when I had it connected to my battery without a fuse.

Thanks.

I gonna have to agree with you. Without a fuse in it, it is basically a flown fuse and the LED should light up.There should not be contiuity through the fuse holder without a fuse in it.

Nice rig. Looks like its built to handle at least 40 amps or more. Did you assemble from all separate components?

Yes, separate components w/ 12 gauge wire. It is very versatile and can handle 30A easily. Thanks.

Thanks you Gmtech1.......I will be returning it today.

Yes, separate components w/ 12 gauge wire. It is very versatile and can handle 30A easily. Thanks.

Thanks you Gmtech1.......I will be returning it today.

Because of the led it's difficult to test the fuse holder, odds are it is good. The only way to test is with a test light (used as your load), the test light should not light without a fuse in place and as per your description the led should light.

http://www.infoocean.info/avatar2.jpgI gonna have to agree with you.

Thank you everyone for your input. Here is the short version: 'Catback23' was absolutely correct and when I tried his suggestion, the fuse holder worked as stated.

Here is the long version: I went back to Radio Shack on Saturday and told them I had a defective fuse holder. I had brought my DMM but the guy behind the counter had a hard time understanding what continuity was and told me to go get another holder. Now when I opened the 2nd one and tested it, it also showed 357Ω from end to end (without a fuse). At this point the RS guy had wire cutters in his hands ready to take my old one and give me a replacement but I told him I was going to keep what I have and left.

When I got back home on Saturday, that is when I read 'catback23' post and was glad I didn't let the RS guy cut my wiring. I didn't have access to my car until this morning, and as soon as I could, I tested the leads as per his suggestion. The led glowed bright when there was a load placed (no fuse). All is well now. Thank you to everyone. This issue is now solved.