Safety Tips When Working with Electrical Fuses

Scanning some electrical appliances, you will find that all of them have electrical fuses rated to protect each of their own circuits from an overcurrent condition which would damage the wiring and appliance of a certain type. But there are nevertheless proper and improper methods of working with fuses, and observance of the proper precautions eliminates quite a large percentage of needless accident, as well as assisting the operating efficiency of the fuses themselves.
Forming procedure: Consider the rating. The ampere, voltage, and breaking capacity are all factors of importance in selecting fuses. Consult the maker of the appliance on the subject if you are in doubt. Too much fuse, and in case of emergency the circuit is not protected properly. Too little fusing, and the fuse blows when you don’t want it to. Always Disconnect Fuses
Before you attempt to replace them. Even though you know just exactly what to put in, it is good procedure to throw off circuit switch and then test with a light or circuit tester. Better safe than sorry. Use Tools
You should work, of course, with the set of tools prescribed for your electrical duties. Better yet, make it a regular purpose to be sure that an insulated set of pliers, screwdrivers, fuse pullers and any other tools available for the important electrical job are so designed that contact will not be made with the metal parts terminals or even with the live contacts of the fuses.And as a further safeguard, be sure that your pullers are all proportioned to the size of the amperes230 fuses you will be handling.
Never Use a Fuse of Wrong Rating
Though it may be a temptation to insert a spare in place of one that’s blown,230 with no regard for rating! But, of course, see that you’ve selected the proper fuse rating for that circuit. Otherwise, if you use a fuse of a too high rating, serious damage can occur and pass unnoticed. On the other hand, the reverse may be true. A fuse of a too low rating simply blows too often. If you use the factory specifications as a guide and use as a general policy the same fuses that the manufacturer has found satisfactory in serviceyou’ll surely be safest.
Look at Old Fuses Before Replacement
Before locking in a replacement fuse, be sure, of course, that the old fuse has not been physically damaged. A blown fuse will usually appear burned or somewhat melted. Even if it does not, check out the circuitry to be sure it is not faulty with a multi meter or other device.Place Fuses Correctly
You may feel this is a nonsense warning to make, that you can’t miss inserting a fuse in its correct position, but you’d be surprised how many fuses haven’t been put in their proper position. If you’re in any doubt, try to find out the exact position a fuse should occupy and place it there. Don’t force a fuse to occupy a position other than that for which it is designed.
Use Blocks and Holders Safely
In addition to keeping your fuse working properly, fuse blocks and holders protect a circuit. Always make sure that fuse blocks and holders are fully seated or locked in proper position. A loose connection will drop your voltage or even worse – you’ll get that burning feel and finally blow the fuse or burn out the expensive components!
Inspect Regularly
Inspect, inspect and inspect again! For your own safety do periodic checks of the fuses around your place. They should be replaced at the slightest hint of wear and tear. A regular check will prevent the system from not safety switching off at the first hint of an overcurrent and may burn out the more expensive components later on!
Know Fuse Safety Standards
Make sure you use fuses that are up to Standard, both national and international, for wiring your home. For example, Manufacturer labels its products to meet international IEC standards.
You’re probably already familiar with seeing well-known Manufacturer brands on electrical appliances that you know that a fuse has been tested and found to be reliable and safe. The explosion that has taken place due to users subbing in other nasty circuit breakers, so don’t hop on that bandwagon.
Never Play with Fuses
Getting ‘cute’ with blown fuses can be a dangerous game! You’re better taking the sacrificial lamb from its holder as a true fuse, and top it with a new fuses for 12 volt batteries in cars. Just don’t mess with mother nature! She knows what she is about when it sacrificed the fuse with a burn up!.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Accidents happen! Even though you make the job as safe as you can, really safe accidents do happen. Try to learn the location of the circuit breakers the fire extinguisher and always carry your list of contact numbers you need for emergencies. In fact, it’s always good to have a handy little first-aid kit on stand by to treat those burns anyway.
Wrap Up
It’s always better with any DIY electrical work when fuses are part of the big picture to observe the safety precautions to give one a better shot at getting the whole thing to work in the end. Thankfully with all the systems we are using today, fuses are a small part of it. Apply the above and make sure your circuits are protected and running right.