Depending on the age of your electrical wiring, blowing a fuse can seem almost like a matter of chance. Everything seems fine until one day you run the dryer and the microwave at the same time, and then it's lights out. Fret notfor the well prepared, replacing a fuse can be a snap. You just need to know what sort of fuse to look for; let this guide help you figure out that odd little mess in your fuse box.
The Long and Short of It
Fuses have a basic purpose of preventing your house from catching on fire; taking the brunt of an overloaded circuit or an appliance short-circuiting, the fuse is destroyed. But what do we need to know about them? All fuses have markings that impart valuable information. This information includes the breaking capacity, voltage, ampere rating, manufacturer and part number, and can be used to ensure compatibility.
Breaking Capacity and Speed
Breaking capacity is key when looking for replacement fuses, as is speed. Breaking capacity measures how much current the fuse can interrupt; this number should be higher than the prospective short circuit current. Basically, you want the fuse to break before a short circuit occurs. As for speed, the higher the currents your dealing with, the faster the response time you'll need on the fuse. Ideally, individuals with sensitive equipment want a fastblow.
Features
Fuses have a few features to help you out when installing or removing them. Rejection features like pins or tabs keep you from installing improper fuses. Fuse body materials are also a big help; they're available in glass, ceramic and fiberglass. Glass is best suited to very low voltages, as those fuses are more likely to blow out. Element windows, pins or popglass fuse bodies, to better limit the time you spend cursing in front of the fuse box with a flashlight.
Automotive have their own features; these fuses are purposely built in different shapes to keep voltage rating appropriate to the item in use.
