The Leading Electrical Brand in China
The Leading Electrical Brand in China
Fuses are a critical safety component in electrical systems, protecting against dangerous overcurrent conditions. When specifying and purchasing fuses, it is essential to use original fuses from reputable manufacturers, not counterfeits. This article will cover everything you need to know about buying authentic, quality fuses and fuse accessories online.
Choosing original fuses from manufacturers like Bussmann, Littelfuse and Mersen may cost a bit more upfront but provides superior safety, performance and compliance compared to knock-offs. Always purchase fuses from authorized suppliers and properly match specifications like voltage and current ratings to your application. Follow good electrical safety practices when installing and replacing fuses. And take advantage of fuse accessories like holders, blocks and pullers for added convenience and protection. Investing in quality original fuses reduces the risk of failures and ensures your electrical systems are properly protected. Contact us now for free samples.
An original fuse is a fuse that is produced and sold by the original manufacturer or an authorized reseller, not an imitation or replica. Original fuses are engineered to precise specifications and subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they function safely and as intended.
There are many different types of original fuses, but some common ones include:
Original fuses will always have the manufacturer’s branding stamped on them. The packaging will also have genuine branding and part numbers that can be cross-referenced.
There are several important benefits to using name-brand, original fuses in your electrical systems:
While original fuses may cost slightly more upfront, the benefits for safety and performance make them worthwhile for critical electrical protection applications.
Thanks to e-commerce, it’s now easy to buy authentic, brand name fuses online and have them conveniently shipped to your home or job site. Here are some reputable places to purchase original fuses online:
Going straight to the source is the best way to guarantee you’re getting a genuine fuse. Most major manufacturers like Bussmann, Littelfuse and Mersen have online stores where you can order direct.
There are large electrical component distributors that are authorized resellers for fuse brands. These include Grainger, Galco, Mouser, and appliance parts distributors.
Stores catering to electricians and contractors like Platt and Rexel have a wide range of fuses and accessories available online.
When purchasing from third party sellers, be sure to carefully check their credentials and customer reviews. Avoid shopping on auction sites or classifieds, as counterfeit fuses run rampant there.
While you can find many cheap fuses online, some are counterfeit imitations that should be avoided. Here’s how to detect fake fuses:
If you suspect a fuse may be counterfeit, compare it side-by-side to a fuse purchased from an authorized source. The differences in quality and markings should be apparent. When in doubt, spend a little more on verifiably original fuses for critical applications.
With so many different fuse types, ratings, and sizes available, it can be daunting to pick the right one. Here are some tips for choosing original fuses for your specific application:
Your device or equipment manual will often specify the exact fuse type or part number needed. The fuse amperage (A), voltage (V), and other parameters will be tailored for that device. Always cross-reference to find the recommended original fuse.
Choose a fuse that has a current rating matching the amps of the circuit. For example, a 20A circuit breaker should have a 15-20A fuse. Going too low risks nuisance blowing. Too high allows overcurrent damage.
Make sure the fuse voltage exceeds the circuit voltage. 600V fuses are common for 120-240V residential systems, but fuses rated for higher voltages are needed for commercial and industrial power systems.
Fast-acting fuses are better for electronics and devices with tiny conductors. Slow-blow types are made for motors and compressors with high startup current spikes. Use time-delay or anti-surge fuses where power cycling is frequent.
Fuse bodies are designed for specific connector blocks, holders, and panels. Common examples are ATO (automotive), ANL (marine), and Class CC/G (general). Choose the form factor your electrical system is designed for.
Double check not just the fuse amps but its physical measurements too. Fuses come in different lengths, diameters and body styles. Make sure to pick a fuse that will fit in the available space.
By carefully cross-referencing your equipment needs and circuit specs, you’ll be able to select the proper original fuse product that provides safe and reliable protection.
Knowing when and how to install or replace fuses is critical for electrical safety. Follow these guidelines:
Always turn off power and use a multimeter to check for voltage before servicing fuses. Never handle energized fuses as it risks arcs, shorts, shocks and burns.
Extract blown fuses carefully using insulated fuse pullers. Avoid pliers as they can damage fuse clips or panels. Inspect closely to identify the cause of failure.
When installing replacement fuses, gently insert into clips or blocks. Ensure the fuse is seated securely in its terminal connections for tight contact.
Never upgrade to larger fuses without also upsizing the wiring. Stick to the same fuse type and amp rating as the original. Devices rely on properly-rated fuses for overload protection.
If fuses fail repeatedly, there is likely an underlying electrical issue needing repair. Problems like loose connections, undersized wiring or shorts will continue blowing fuses if not addressed.
Taking proper precautions and following fuse manufacturer instructions will ensure safe installation and replacement.
Beyond the fuses themselves, utilizing compatible accessories can make your installations safer and more reliable. Helpful fuse products include:
Only use fuse accessories designed for electrical systems, not makeshift DIY alternatives. Purchase commercial grade, UL/CSA rated accessories from reputable brands.
An original fuse is one designed, produced and sold by the official fuse manufacturer or an authorized reseller, not an imitation or counterfeit copy. Original fuses undergo extensive testing to meet published specifications and safety certifications.
Purchase original fuses online directly from manufacturer websites or authorized distributors like Grainger and Galco. Avoid auction sites or classified ads selling unverifiable fuses. Electrician supply stores also carry a wide range of genuine fuses.
Inspect packaging and fuse markings closely. Original fuses have genuine branding, compliant certification marks like UL and correctly printed specs. Fakes have blurry markings, improper materials and generic packaging.
Original fuses are engineered to properly protect electrical systems and meet safety standards. Counterfeits often fail prematurely or at improper currents. Only original fuses are supported by manufacturer warranties too.
Check your owner’s manual for recommended fuses. Appliance fuse amps are often printed on the back. For vehicles, find a fuse diagram showing amp ratings for each circuit. Match those amps.
Fast-acting fuses trip quickly on overcurrents and are used for sensitive electronics. Slow-blow fuses have intentional delays for motor startup surges. Use time-delay types for frequently cycling loads.
Never remove fuses with pliers – this damages connections. Instead use an insulated fuse puller tool. Grip and rock the fuse out gently. Fuse extraction tools protect the fuse and your fingers.
Fuses blow from sustained overcurrents like shortcuts, worn insulation and loose connections. Short bursts of high current from motor startup or lightning may also fail them. Faulty wiring or loads draw too much current, opening the fuse.
Do not substitute larger fuses without inspecting the wiring. The circuit wires must be sized appropriately to handle the higher amperage. Larger fuses that exceed wire capacity risk fires from overheating.
Set your multimeter to continuity or ohms mode. Touch the probes to the fuse terminals. Good fuses show 0 ohms resistance. Blown fuses are open circuits and will show OL or infinite resistance.
Blown glass-bodied fuses have a melted, blackened or severed inner element. Ceramic fuses show a broken interior. Blade fuses may show melted or charred signs. Visually inspect inside the fuse.
Repeated blown fuses indicate an underlying issue like shorts, old wiring or undersized circuits. The problem must be repaired because it will continue blowing new fuses. Diagnose the cause before replacing.
Car fuse boxes are usually under the dashboard near the steering column or in the engine bay. Check your owner’s manual – many have secondary fuse boxes in the trunk or cabin as well.
Always replace fuses with the identical amp rating as the original unless wiring upgrades are also performed. Never use higher amp fuses that exceed the circuit capacity – this risks fires.
Fuse amp ratings indicate the maximum current they can sustain without opening the circuit. Higher amp fuses allow more current but lower amps provide closer overload protection.
Do not attempt to fix blown fuses – they must be fully replaced. Repaired fuses may appear intact but lack proper internal connections. Replace like-for-like with a fuse of the same type, rating and dimensions.
Useful fuse accessories include insulated fuse pullers, fuse blocks and clips for installation, see-through fuse covers for protection, and fuse testers to check continuity. Only use rated accessories.
Fuse diagrams are in your car owner’s manual. Aftermarket manuals for your specific make/model also have detailed fuse maps. Online forums, communities and enthusiast sites often aggregate fuse info.
Cross-reference your equipment manual for OEM fuse specs. Note key parameters like amps, voltage, fuse type, dimensions and speed. Match your circuit’s voltage and amp load. Buy the same fuse configuration.
Bulk fuses allow you to save on costs while having spares on hand for replacement. But only buy large quantities of fuses you use regularly. Fuses can expire over very long periods or if exposed to humidity/corrosion.
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