2006-12-14 04:11:35 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Yes of course you can, 3amp, 5amp and 13amp mains fuses are all the same size.
Having said that, for safety you should always replace a fuse with one of the same rating. For example, if you put a 13amp fuse into a plug supplying a bedside clock, if an electrical fault develops in the clock it is likely to overheat and risk catching fire before the fuse blows to protect it.
2006-12-18 04:11:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll summarise first, then give more detail....
SUMMARY
Yes, you can use any fuse in any plug, as long as it is equal to the requirement for the equipment you intend to use the plug with.
You also need to ensure that all equipment that requires an earth (to protect against short-circuits - only on UK 3 prong plugs) has the relevant plug, with 3 metal pins. If a plug has one plastic pin, it doesn't have earth.
THE DETAILED VERSION...
Reading your question literally, yes it will work fine, it won't harm you or anyone or anything. A plug that says 3amp on it means it is factory fitted with a 3amp fuse, but is still a plug like any other.
What I think you might be asking is can you replace a 3amp fuse with a 13amp fuse, and use the plug with the same product. The answer to this is NO in no uncertain terms.
An amp (short for ampere) is a measurement of current, and fuse ratings are given to products to reflect the current they draw from the power supply, and always the fuse rating higher than the current draw. For example, if something uses 2.8 amps of power, you would put a 3 amp fuse rather than a 2.5amp fuse, otherwise it would blow all the time.
Fuses are designed to break the electrical circuit when they are overloaded, so should there be a spike in current the fuse should blow rather than your equipment. If you use a 13amp fuse with a product designed for a 3amp fuse, it will work, but should it go mad and draw more current, the fuse won't stop it, and you WILL damage the item, and it poses a serious fire risk.
While we're here, another consideration is does the equipment in question require earth? in the UK (3 pronged plugs) the top one is the earth. Some plugs (such as that which came with your mobile and other low current products) may have a plastic (not-used) earth prong. This is fine, unless the equipment needs to be earthed (for safety - for example a guitar amp, which could kill you if it goes faulty and is not earthed).
2006-12-14 04:24:23 · answer #2 · answered by ashypoo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will work fine but you will not have the protection provided by using the recommended fuse rating. You normally cannot use a 3 amp fuse to run a 13 amp appliance. This is too low and will burn out. The fuse is there to protect you from electric shock and your appliance from damage. When a fuse blows it it either broken from use, or telling you that their is a fault that should be corrected. Only replace temporarily with the wrong rating if you are sure it is safe to do so. 13amp fuses replaced in say Christmas tree lights rated at three amp could be very dangerous!
2006-12-14 04:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by Spiny Norman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A fuse blows when its ampage is reached to stop the circuit from being damaged. Having a 13 amp fuse in place of a 3 amp one will allow a much greater current to flow into the liquidiser. While it probably wont do any damage, if you left it on that increased current could cause the circuit to either break or catch alight which could start a fire.
2016-05-24 03:09:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All general household plugs are the same so a 13amp fuse will fit and work in a 3amp plug.
2006-12-14 04:17:25 · answer #5 · answered by Pete 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They are the same physical size, so you could use one in the plug-top and it would work. A fuse, however, is designed to rupture when too much current passes through it, and over-rating a fuse by more than 4 times is extremely hazardous.
Get the right 3 amp fuse; they're not expensive and could save a fire or even your life.
2006-12-14 04:21:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't put a 13 amp fuse in a fitting rated at only 3 amps.
What 3 amp plug is this anyway?
In the old days we had 2A, 5A and 15A but no 3A rated plugs.
I can only imagine you wish to replace a blown 3A fuse with a 13 Amp fuse in a 13A rated plug. You can do BUT your appliance is not properly protected. Fit a 3A fuse.
2006-12-14 04:28:40 · answer #7 · answered by efes_haze 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will work fine but you will have no safety marging if the device fails and tries to dram too much power. The cable could melt and catch fire. Replace it with the correct fuse, it is 3amp for a reason
2006-12-14 04:16:27 · answer #8 · answered by Miki P 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it will work but its not a good idea,y could fry your appliance if y had a minor problem with it.ie:overload/working the 3amp rated appliance beyond its limit with a 13 amp fuse./Loading 13kg into a 3 kg SAFETY NET.
2006-12-14 04:35:46 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always replace fuses with the same value ones. If you use to higher value you are risking your equipment and possible life if fire results in over heating and burn outs
2006-12-14 04:35:08 · answer #10 · answered by robert x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋