-pops- Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 Not sure if this is the correct division to put this in but, here goes.Have you ever checked the ratings of the plug top fuses in your equipment?You should be OK with the plugs that have a small PSU attached or wired in but what about the ones that are used to plug mains into your equipment?Some time ago I did a check of my own stuff and found that ALL the mains cables were fitted with 13 Amp fuses. These fuses are the correct rating for things like electric kettles, washing machines and electric fires - certainly not for low power equipment like a computer and its peripherals.Using an incorrectly rated fuse in any equipment is a risk. Under fault conditions it may well happen that the fault is not be a direct short circuit such as to blow a high rated fuse but is sufficient allow excess current to flow with potentially dangerous consequences such as a fire.It seems to be standard procedure to fit these cables with high rated fuses as the manufacturers do not know what they are eventually going to be used in. In my opinion this is wrong and either the connectors should be of a size/shape/fitting related to their maximum current rating or at least colour coded.Please have a check of your own cable fuses. A 3 Amp fuse is ample for most computer equipment, 5 Amp for really big stuff. I can't imagine any computers likely to be found in a home or small/medium sized office environment needing anything more than that.While you're at it, it might be an idea to check all your electrical equipment. It won't take long and could save you a lot.Remember as well that if you have equipment that persists in blowing fuses, it is most unwise to put a fuse of a higher rating in there. Fuses are safety devices and if they keep failing there is something wrong with the equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grim Reaper Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 good post pops, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christmascracker Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 Thanks,good point, never thought of checking that before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 Excellent posting, it's something I've always been aware of. In fact the fuse is really meant to protect the wiring and prevent a potential fire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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