Fuses: recognize and change

Changing a fuse is very easy, but it should not be done lightly. A blown fuse is an indication of a problem on the circuit. You must identify, resolve it before proceeding to change a fuse.
Electrical fuse: the different types

Choosing the correct fuseThere are two kinds of fuses (that was once called the weights):
- Ceramic fuses (which may include a light);
- Fuses glass.

There are fuses 10, 16, 20 and 32 A.

Fuse Electrical powerEach circuit is protected by a fuse. This is a different power depending on the type of equipment it protects:
- Lighting system: 10 amp fuse, maximum power 2300 W;
- Circuit standard sockets: 16 A fuse; maximum power of 3700 W;
- Catch-phase circuit or cooking appliances: 32 A fuse, maximum power of 7400 W.

When designing your circuits, calculate what the maximum power equipment on one circuit. If it exceeds the figures shown above, create another circuit with a fuse to prevent overload. The mix on the same circuit (eg lighting and sockets), is absolutely prohibited.

Changing a fuse

Test all circuitsWhen a fault occurs on your circuit, the fuse protects and "jumps", thus cutting the power. In fact, the surge is melting a small filament inside the fuse, causing the power failure. Before changing a fuse, turn off the power by turning the power switch "off." Identify the cause of the failure and make necessary repairs. This may be an overload (too many devices plugged into the same circuit) or a defective unit.Light fuses are easy to identify. For others, you should test one by one all your circuits to find the electrical fuse to change.