Essentially UK plugs come with three size fuses. Always replace a fuse like for like. Never replace a fuse with a higher rated fuse. The fuse sizes in the UK are as follows. Red 3 Amp fuse, Black 5 Amp fuse, Brown 13 Amp fuse. To replace the fuse locate a suitable screw driver and carefully remove the screw under the base of the plug.
How do you remove a fuse from a plug?
On a plug with a removable lid, start off by removing only the middle screw. Once you have removed the screw, you can remove the lid. After separating the lid, locate the fuse and carefully remove it. It can sometimes be fiddly, so you may need to carefully use a small flat screw driver to do this.
Why is it important to change a fuse in a plug?
Some electrical jobs around the home don’t require an electrician to help, and one of these jobs is changing a fuse in a UK plug. The fuse in a plug is important for safety because its purpose is to reduce the risk of a fire. If too much current flows through the fuse it will blow.
What is the first step in replacing a fuse?
The first, and most important, step is to switch off the power at the mains power switch. If you don’t know how to do this, watch our video which will take you through every part of fuse replacement. *For Health and Safety in this video are designed to HELP YOU.
What should I do if the fuse blows in my socket?
Return the lid of the plug and screw firmly. When secure there should be no movement from the metal pins that go into the wall socket. If the fuse blows again, there may be an electrical fault not associated with the fuse.
How do you change a fuse in an electric plug?
0:000:39Replacing Plug Fuses - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your set unplugged begin replacing plug fuses by sliding the fuse door open using a smallMoreWith your set unplugged begin replacing plug fuses by sliding the fuse door open using a small screwdriver carefully pry out the two fuses.
How do you tell if a fuse is blown in a plug UK?
Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Is it easy to change a fuse in a plug?
The good news is a blown fuse is pretty easy to replace. Sometimes you may find that a fuse has blown in the plug of an appliance, rather than in your fuse box. This is often caused by an electrical fault in an old or damaged device. Again, changing the fuse is relatively straightforward.
Can I remove a fuse from a plug?
A standard plastic plug typically has the fuse internally mounted and needs to be opened up. A moulded plug is generally very easy to replace the fuse on – the fuse holder is popped out using a small flat bladed screwdriver or similar and then a new fuse can be seated and the holder reinstated.
Why do British plugs have fuses?
In fact the fuse is there to protect the flexible cord between the plug and the appliance under fault conditions (typical British ring circuits can deliver more current than appliance flexible power cords can handle).
What fuses are used in UK plugs?
A common UK plug is generally fitted with a 3A or 13A fuse. Plugs for appliances rated up to about 700 watts should have a 3-amp fuse (coloured red).
Can I replace a fuse myself?
With the main power still off, unscrew the blown fuse and remove it. Remember, you must only replace the fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage, size, rating, and type. Attempting to replace with a higher amperage can be dangerous and can cause serious damage to the panel wiring.
Why would a plug socket stop working UK?
Usually, the culprit is either a tripped breaker or a bad connection. The outlet might have a bad connection, or the circuit breaker might need to be reset. Luckily for you, you might be able to find the solution when you take these steps, and you may not need to contact professional.
What steps should be taken before replacing a blown fuse in a plug?
Unscrew the blown fuse and replace the fuse with a new one. For circuits, flip the tripped circuit from the center position to the off position, and then flip it back to the on position. Turn the main power back on.
How do you unscrew a fuse?
0:064:00How To Change Fuses in an Old Home Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese just unscrew you see there now there's two different types these. And this is a 30 I believeMoreThese just unscrew you see there now there's two different types these. And this is a 30 I believe yes 30 so you'll need another 30 with the same size socket on it. Go back in.
How do you remove a fuse?
1:474:49How To Safely Change A Blown Fuse - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 4 remove the fuse to remove the fuse that you have singled out simply pull it from the panel.MoreStep 4 remove the fuse to remove the fuse that you have singled out simply pull it from the panel. Use the plastic puller for doing this otherwise. Use your fingers or tweezers.
How do you check a fuse in a plug?
0:092:14How to Test a Plug Fuse with a Multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can just pop out the fuse. Using a small flat bladed screwdriver to just pop the fuse. Out.MoreBut you can just pop out the fuse. Using a small flat bladed screwdriver to just pop the fuse. Out. Now they do come in different amperages. This particular fuse is a 13 amp fuse take your multimeter.
What happens when a fuse blows in a plug?
A blown fuse can trigger a circuit breaker, which will knock out the power to a section of your home. Getting to the bottom of the problem will help you get the power back on as soon as possible.
Do sockets have fuses UK?
Head to the electric panel to check for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse, but only after you have unplugged all the devices from the dead socket. The electric panel is often found in the basement, garage, or laundry room. When you've located it, open the metal door to reveal the circuit breakers or fuses.
Do UK plugs need fuses?
To save copper, Britain adopted the ring main system, with sockets connected sequentially, but this meant each connection needed its own fuse. Instead of putting the fuses in the sockets, they were included in the plugs themselves. Hence the UK's bigger plugs.
How to change a fuse in a 3 pin plug?
How to Change a fuse in a standard 3 pin plug: Before you start, you need to ensure the plug is disconnected from the mains and then identify the type of plug you have: A moulded plug will usually have a pop out fuse holder between the pins. A standard plastic plug typically has the fuse internally mounted and needs to be opened up.
Where is the fuse on a plug?
Pull the fuse out, you will find the fuse within two metal holders inside the plug, sometimes these can be tight and need to be prised out, don’t worry if one of the pins lifts out with it initially – this just slides back through the case once the fuse is removed.
What happens if a fuse blows again?
If the fuse blows again, there may be an electrical fault not associated with the fuse. In this instance, we would recommend an electrician to carry out an electrical safety inspection to check the product. If you are unsure if your product is safe, consult an electrician. Prev Advice Story. Next Advice Story.
Why does my fuse blow?
It’s often worth just checking the terminals (the small screws that hold the cables in the plug) are tight at this point – a loose connection can cause overheating and an increase in current which may be why the fuse blew initially). Just try to tighten them with (usually) a small flat blade screwdriver to make sure they are nice and tight.
What is a standard plastic plug?
A standard plastic plug typically has the fuse internally mounted and needs to be opened up.
What is the rating of a 3 pin plug?
The most common ratings are: 3A – red. 5A – black. 13A – brown.
When replacing a fuse, should it always be a like for like replacement?
When the time comes to replace a fuse, it should always be a like for like replacement that matches the specification for the equipment being used. Changing a fuse rating (without a good understanding of why you are doing so) is potentially risky:
How to remove expired fuse from plug?
You use the screwdriver to take apart the ‘clam’ portion of the plug , to get to the back /front , then remove the expired fuse.
How to fix a blown fuse?
You have to open the plug to see where the fuse is, and then remove the blown one. With the blown one in hand you get to a store where they sell them, and get a replacement one of the right Amp value (printed on the blown one) . Put the new one in, close the plug back up and plug it in. If it blows again there is an issue with your plug in cord or appliance, and it need s to be fixed.
What happens if a fuse blows 2nd time?
if fuse blows 2nd time then appliance is faulty and needs repait (take the toster out of washing up sink with water first).
Why do plugs have shrouded pins?
4 They have shrouded pins reducing the chance of people (kids) poking paper clips behind the plug and getting a shock.
Why are plugs fused?
Plugs are fused to prevent the flex (cord) overheating and catching fire in the event of a short circuit in the appliance.
What is a fuse?
A fuse is a very robust and simple device: try to carry too much current and this little bit safely melts and that interrupts the circuit. Melting is what “fuse” means.
Do you put a penny behind a fuse?
But they are annoying when they blow and if you don’t have a replacement handy, the temptation to put a penny behind it (which takes the fuse out of the system and is very much NOT recommended) was great.
How many amps are in a fuses plug?
These days, all appliance plugs contain fuses that are normally rated at 3, 5 or 13 amp, depending on the wattage of the appliance.
What is the fuse rating for a 700W appliance?
For the convenience of users, appliance manufacturers have standardised to two plug fuse ratings- 3A & 13A and adopted appropriate flex sizes. For appliances up to 700W a 3A fuse is used, for those over 700W a 13A fuse is used.
Is it normal to use a 5 A fuse on a 500W light?
With some loads it is normal to use a slightly higher rated fuse than the normal operating current. For example on 500 W halogen floodlights it is normal to use a 5 A fuse even though a 3 A would carry the normal operating current. This is because halogen lights draw a significant surge of current at switch on as their cold resistance is far lower than their resistance at operating temperature.
