Table of Contents
Why do some plugs have a fuse?
The fuse in a plug is a safety device designed to protect the lead rather than the appliance. The blown fuse cuts off the electricity to stop the lead and appliance from overheating and causing a fire.
What does fused mean on a plug?
“Fuse the plug” means literally to blow a fuse in a plug and hence render a device inoperable. Many plugs (certainly traditionally in the UK) have a fuse which blows and breaks the circuit, rendering the device inoperable.
Do plug sockets have a fuse?
There is no fuses in a normal plug sockets.
Can you use a plug without a fuse?
Without a fuse, a household plug, or any appliance that’s attached to it, it won’t work. The plug fuse is thought of as an electrical safety valve which provides extra protection in addition to the main house fuse box or circuit breaker.
Why does UK have different plugs?
Previously, each mains socket had its own connection to the fuse board. To save copper, Britain adopted the ring main system, with sockets connected sequentially, but this meant each connection needed its own fuse. Hence the UK’s bigger plugs.
Why have my plug sockets stopped working?
Common causes when a wall socket stops working include: Failed internal socket connections, which is common in older outlets that no longer snugly hold plugs. A tripped circuit breaker that cuts power to the wall socket. Loose connections within the circuit breaker box.
Why has one of my plug sockets stopped working?
Usually, the culprit is either a tripped breaker or a bad connection. The outlet might have a bad connection, or the circuit breaker might need to be reset. Luckily for you, you might be able to find the solution when you take these steps, and you may not need to contact professional.
Which countries have fuses in plugs?
None! The UK is the only country in the world to protect its people with fused mains connectors. Every other country relies on the consumer unit (sometimes known as the ‘fuse box’) for protection.
What is the purpose of a fuse in a plug?
The primary purpose of the fuse in the plug is to provide overcurrent protection for the flexible cable and to a lesser extent the appliance. This was introduced in the UK at the same time as switching from a large number of low current circuits to a smaller number of 30A (later 32A) circuits.
What happens if the fuse blows on a fan?
If the fuse blows, I would not recommend cutting off the plug and replacing it with a non-fused one. While the fan would work, it could cause a potential fire hazard if the fan motor becomes overheated or jammed. This type of fuse is found in the plugs of many small appliances these days.
Why do I need a 3 amp fuse?
The fuse provides a ‘weak link’ which will protect the cable in the event of a short circuit. By using a 3 amp fuse in the plug, any cables ‘downstream’ can be similarly derated. This thing still plugs into a single wall socket, so the maximum load shouldn’t exceed 13 amps.
What happens when a fuse is blown on an extension lead?
It is a deliberate weak link in a circuit which will ‘blow’ if an electrical appliance or extension lead draws too much current due to either an overload or a fault. The blown fuse cuts off the electricity to stop the lead and appliance from overheating and causing a fire.