fuse in breaker/extension reel

worried123

Last year i managed to go right through the lead of my hedge trimmer...luckily it was on a breaker.  it was the last hedge cut of the year so intended buying a new one this spring.  (however there is still a fair amount of cord left and might just try to fit a plug to it)  My breaker/extension reel  stopped working and i didnt get around to buying a new fuse for it to see if that was the problem.  (i am not going out anywhere at the present with the virus outbreak simply because i had pneumonia following the flu just 4 months ago and i am not that brave - so wont go to a supermarket etc where i might be able to pick up some new fuses).  However it contains a 10 amp fuse...i do not have anything electrical with a 10 amp fuse to try it out to see if its still working even.  Could the extension reel have broke when i went through the cord.....is it okay to just fit a plug on teh remaining cord of the hedge trimmer (it would have to be on an extension reel however which would be brought close up to the hedges with just enough cord left to actually cut the hedge).  Is it safe....i am really scared to try a 3 or 13 amp fuse in the extension reel that is currently 10 amp - would this be advisable.   sorry - female - do not have a clue.
many thanks

nofoollikeold

1. You can order 10 amp fuses online.
2. You could use a 3 amp fuse perfectly safely.  it would "blow" quicker than a 10 amp one, so erring on the side of safety.  
3. However, a 3 amp fuse would blow immediately if your hedge trimmer (or anything else you plugged into it) was rate at about 700 to 750 watts power consumption or more.  The appliance should have its power consumption on a label or similar on the appliance itself.
4. You could try with a 3 amp fuse and a small lamp, just to see if the extension cord is working.  Do note that some extension reels have a built in breaker as an additional safety device.  If it has one and it has been tripped, the reel will not work until it is reset.  There is usually a reset (and a separate test) button on the reel.

worried123

thank you so much the extension reel says 700 volts....i assume that is the same as watts.  i could try it with a 3 amp and take a chance to see if it will work with a small lamp - but i think i would be too scared with the extension being 700. i do always press the red button before i use the extension....thank you for your help....i think i will play safe and wait until i can get a 10amp fuse...just mow the lawn without the extension reel and breaker......thank you.

nofoollikeold

1. 700 volts is not the same as 700 watts.  I would expect the 700 volts being the maximum voltage that the reel will tolerate.
2. Voltage (volts) can be likened to the pressure forcing water through a pipe.
3. Current (amps) can be likened to the volume of water flowing through the pipe.
4. Resistance (ohms) is the resistance to the flow.  To use the water analogy it could be the internal diameter of the pipe, and / or the number of bends.  Narrow pipe and more bends offer more resistance to flow.
5. Electrical watts is a measure of the power consumed by an electrical appliance.  It is broadly speaking volts multiplied by amps.  I say broadly speaking because it is based on direct current (DC) whereas the mains is alternating current (AC) .  For certain types of appliance volts x amps does not directly equate to watts, but is is generally close enough for practical purposes.
6. In the UK, mains voltage is 230 volts + or - 10%.
7. So an appliance which uses 700 watts will have a current of (700 divided by 230) = 3.04 amps.
8. If your lawn mower is less than 700 watts, a 3 amp fuse will (in theory) be enough to suit the supply without blowing.  

Heedtheadvice

Another warning to help you, some explanation and solutions...

Extension cables should have a max power rating labelled on them. Probably 10amps (like the fuse) in your case. That rating is when the cable is fully uncoiled i.e. non !eft on the drum otherwise it could overheat. So always extend fully when in use.

From what you write it is unlikely to be  a problem caused by cutting through the cable but best to check it. Totally unwind the cable and check for damage. Do not use if you find any.

Breaker tripping can be due to overload or a fault that causes current to what is usually called earth - or a combination of tbe two; breakers are used for the former, the latter or a combination called mcb, rcd or mcbo. Your 'trip' could be caused by either but likely the latter or a fuse blowing. However for equipment like hedge trimmers in the garden, ensure that the power is supplied via an rcd (or mcbo usually in the consumer unit) fitted in circuit before the extension cable to protect you from a fault in that or your trimmers i.e. at or before (in consumer unit ) the socket at the house or as a socket with an rcd fitted to prevent electrical shock.

Separate rcd breakers that plug in between your socket and the extension cable are cheap to buy. There might already be one fitted into the extension plug so you can reuse it or buy such a plug/rcd combined.

Stay safe!

worried123

many thanks to all.  i think i will just buy a new extension reel when able and not mess around with things. many thanks.