Why Do We Use Different Amp Fuses?

[DJHawkes]

and how do we know what fuse goes in what sort of appliance?

[The Builder]

Do you mean in the plugs, Dot?

[DJHawkes]

yes in ordinary domestic plugs

[The Builder]

Rough guide .......... anything that draws a high current, especially water heating (washing machine; dishwasher etc), or electric fire .......... should have a 13A fuse.

All the other stuff .......... radios; TV; alarm clock; table lamps etc ....... should have a 3A or a 5A (Either will usually do.)

[DJHawkes]

thanks for the info, that's how i have always thought it worked, i was just confused on another thread as to why a purchaser of a battery charger on ebay kicked off cos it had a 13 amp fuse and they've changed it to a 1 amp, didn't know you could get a 1amp anyway, unless it's been written wrongly.

[Old_Geezer]

It should say on the appliance or the box it came in.

[The Builder]

Someone being a bit over zealous I guess, Dot.
13A in a charger is safe enough. Not necessary to use a 1A. In fact, I don't think it would last very long in a charger anyway.
1A fuses are usually found inside inside appliances, not usually in the mains input.

[tonyav]

Those 1 amp fuses as builder says are usually clear glass if I remember rightly.

[bookbinder]

You might find this useful:
http://www.esc.org.uk/public/home-electrics/plug-fuses/

[Peter Pedant]

an electrician erm fifty years ago - round plugs then -
said fuses will go (fuse) with a current surge - and this would be the same is using a 13a fuse in a lamp which would take 3 or 5 amp

but they have a second safety use - to prevent inapproproately high current. and for that you need smaller amp fuses for lower power.

and so you know for the last 50y I have done exactly that !
Clearly I take the danger possibiity of electrical fires seriously

[society]

Great question Dotty and thank you for the excellent explanation, Noodle. I've always wondered about this.