Fuse for a plug

sarah1975uk

Hi everyone.

I have one of those tall lamps in my lounge the fuse has gone plug says 3amp but only have 13 amp. Can i use the 13amp fuse for a 3amp appliance??

Sola

I wouldn't; if it's too high the cable could burn. You should use the correct one; it's there to protect the equipment.

sarah1975uk

ok thanks will get proper one tomorrow. Seem to have every fuse in the tool box other than the one i need lol TYPICAL eh!

Steve_xx

The normal Voltage (V) in the UK is 220-240 (for simplicity use 250 to replace the V). The Wattage (W) of an appliance can be found on the rating plate (often silver) attatched to appliance. Divide the Voltage into the Wattage, which will give the amount of current being drawn. This will also indicate the correct fuse to be used.

So, if your electric fire uses 3000 (3kw) watts of electricity you would calculate for the correct fuse as follows:

3000 watts divided by 250 volts (mains voltage) = 12 amps - for this item you would use a 13 amp fuse.

A typical electric lamp might only use 100 watts, thus the calculation is as follows:

100 watts divided by 250 volts (mains voltage) = 0.4 amps - for this item you would use a 3 amp fuse.

You use a fuse that is rated slightly higher than the item. For most items you would normally select a 3, 5 or 13 amp fuse.