what amp fuse should I use?

[cag69]

I have purchased a new set of hair straighteners that are fitted with a 13 amp plug.  Sparks came out of my old straighteners and when talking to someone the other day about this was told that this was probably due to the fuse being to high.  They use 240V is is safe to change the fuse and if so what to.   The blurp with them also says that you shouldn't plug them into an extension lead - what harm would this do? 

[jake-the-peg]

It's not that your old straighteners were broken by having too high a fuse rather that when it failed the high fuse didn't blow and make it safe.

I would think 5A would be a more realistic fuse

The business about an extension lead sounds like the company covering themselves. If extension leads are left coiled they can heat up if the appliance uses a significant current. You should be fine using an extension lead as long as you unwind it fully.

[MargeB]

Wouldn't use those hair straighteners no more, the insulation has probably worn down significantly if sparks were flying.

[sddsddean]

Just looked at the wifes straightners and they are 65Watt (look at yours. There will be a plate, or as in our case, a moulded plate on the inside of the straightners). As Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Current (A), this leads us to needing a 65/240 = 0.27Amp fuse. A 1 amp will do, but I'm not sure how easy they are to get. 3 Amp is probably more practicle.

[Jay70]

If you purchased the new straighteners in this country then they should (as they have been designed not to be permanently connected to the mains such as a cooker) have a plug fitted to them already.  This has bben the case since 1997 after a rule introduced in 1994.  In which case they should already be fitted with a suitable fuse.  But to be on the safe side I would however check the spec in the instructions or follow the calculation outlined earlier with regards to current draw.  If all else fails contact the manufacturer.

[romko]

that stuff about sparks flying due to a fuse rating is complete and utter rubbish. sparks are caused by a component breaking down ,bad connections or even a short. ditch them for your own safety.

 

As for extension leads, you will be fine provided the cable is of the same or greater gauge than the appliances and that it isn't bundled up. buy one as short as you need, as resistance increases with length. Overheating would only be a problem with higher power appliances like cookers and heaters. As for the fuse, take the advice of sddsddean!