Fuse 13amps or 5amps in PC Plug (Kettle Cable)?

going2die_rich

I recently read an article that computer cables (i.e. the kettle cable) should be fitted with a 5amp fuse and not a 13amp fuse which is normally supplied. As the 13amp is good for an actual kettle but not for a PC.

I can't find the article I read it in, but it was saying that 3amps was a low spec pc but if it had some upgrades (i.e. more advanced hardware) it'll be over 3amp's so it would take a 5amp fuse.

Anyone know if this is right, as mine's got 13amp, so I need to change the fuse if it is.

f1charlie

According to Ohm's Law ( I remember something from my Physics lessons all those years ago!):

Current = Power/Voltage

So divide the wattage rating of your power supply by 240 to get the size of fuse required - 3A should be sufficient for a PC, coping with up to 720W which would be a pretty meaty supply for a computer.

This equation doesn't apply to equipment with motors in which require an initial high startup current, eg vacuum cleaners, washing machines. I don't think that applies to PCs, although someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Charlie

bingo_bango

Charlie's pretty much on the money there.
Not a bad time either to remind people that most appliances ship with 13A fuses as standard. Worth investing in a few 3A and 5A to fit into lower powered items around the house.

DonnyDave

going2die_rich wrote:

Anyone know if this is right, as mine's got 13amp, so I need to change the fuse if it is.

Your PC should have a 5 amp fuse in the plug!

Plugs that are moulded on often have their rating embossed in the side with the pins on. It will be the current with a horizontal line below and below the line, the voltage (usually 250V). Alternatively it may just say the current rating.

I presume that the current rating is related to the flex, seen as it is moulded onto it. Thus the lead you have on your PC is only suitable for appliances upto 5 amps. You should not put a 13 amp fuse in the plug to use it on a higher power appliance because the flex is not thick enough.

See here. It should not fit a kettle anyway, as they use IEC 'hot' connectors with a bit cut out, as it were:

bingo_bango

Actually, I've found that IEC will fit pretty much anything. I work in sound engineering, and in moments of desperation, have used kettle leads, PC power leads and all sorts of similar beast to run equipment. Thank god there's some type of standard.
As for all these types fitting kettles, I let the missus make the tea, so I've no idea what fits and what doesn't. :cool: