If your washing machine, fridge or oven suddenly stops working, a blown fuse is often the culprit. It’s cheap, easy to replace, and testing it yourself can save a call‑out fee. This guide walks you through the whole process – from gathering tools to interpreting the result – so you can get your appliance back in action fast.
A fuse protects the wiring inside an appliance. When something draws too much current, the fuse blows and cuts power. Because it’s a single, inexpensive part, a bad fuse is a common reason for a dead appliance. Checking the fuse before you open up the machine helps you avoid unnecessary disassembly and gives you a clear next step: replace the fuse or look for a deeper problem.
1. Gather the basics. You’ll need a multimeter or a simple continuity tester, a screwdriver, and the replacement fuse that matches the original rating (usually printed on the fuse itself).
2. Unplug the appliance. Safety first – pull the plug from the wall socket and wait a minute. This removes any stored charge and protects you from a shock.
3. Locate the fuse. Most appliances have a fuse in the power cord or inside the main housing. Look for a glass or ceramic tube with metal caps on each end. If you can’t find it, check the user manual – it will show a diagram.
4. Remove the fuse. Use the screwdriver to open the fuse holder. Gently pull the fuse out; it should slide out easily. Take note of its amperage rating (e.g., 5A, 13A) and voltage (usually 240V for UK appliances).
5. Test for continuity. Set your multimeter to the “ohms” or continuity mode. Touch one probe to each metal cap on the fuse. If the meter beeps or shows a low resistance (near 0 Ω), the fuse is good. If there’s no beep and the reading stays at infinite or “OL,” the fuse is blown.
6. Decide what to do. A blown fuse means you can replace it with a new one of the same rating and re‑assemble the appliance. If the fuse is still good, the problem lies elsewhere – maybe a motor, heating element, or a wiring fault. In that case, it’s best to call a qualified technician.
7. Re‑install and test. Slip the new fuse back into the holder, close it up, and plug the appliance back in. Turn it on – if it works, you’ve solved the issue. If not, you’ve at least ruled out the fuse.
Testing a fuse takes less than five minutes and costs almost nothing. It’s a handy skill for any homeowner who wants to keep the kitchen and laundry running smoothly. Remember to always match the replacement fuse to the original rating – using a higher‑amp fuse can damage the appliance and create a fire hazard.
Got a blown fuse and aren’t sure which one to buy? Most hardware stores stock a range of common sizes. Bring the old fuse or write down the rating, and the staff can point you to the right part.
In short, a quick blown fuse test can tell you whether an appliance failure is a simple fix or a sign of a bigger issue. Grab a multimeter, follow the steps, and you’ll know exactly what to do next – saving time, money, and the hassle of waiting for a repair call.
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