What makes a fuse slow blow?

Slow-blow fuses only blow when it receives an elevated sustained current spike over a period of time, such as a short circuit. Thus, slow-blow fuses are not concerned with momentary spikes of current but only continued overloads.

Can I replace a fast blow fuse with a slow blow?

Fast-blow fuses usually have a thin wire while slow-blow fuses usually have a thicker, coiled wire. You should never substitute a slow-blow fuse for a fast-blow fuse or vice versa.

Can you replace a slow blow fuse with a regular fuse?

Is it possible to replace a faulty slow blow fuse with a Fast Acting fuse or vice versa? The answer is NO. Because two fuses have different properties and different applications.

How can you tell if a slow blow fuse is blown?

Look through the tube of the fuse glass and check the wire filament within. If there is a thin wire, you have a fast-blow fuse. If you see a thick wire that has a very small spring at one end, you will know it is a slow-blow fuse.

How fast is a slow blow fuse?

But, a slow-blow one will melt its fuse wire after a specific period, within 10 or 15 seconds.

How long does a slow blow fuse take?

For example, if a current of 20A was flowing through a fuse rated at 10A, a very fast acting fuse might open in 0.1 seconds, a fast acting fuse may open in one second, whilst a slow acting fuse may take tens of seconds to open.

How fast does a slow blow fuse blow?

What happens if you use a lower amp fuse?

Do not use a fuse with a lower rating– don’t put a 20 amp fues in a 30 amp circuit–because it probably will blow prematurely. Conversely replacing a 20-amp fuse with one rated at 30 amps is dangerous because it may not blow soon enough and damage an electrical component or start a wiring fire.

Should I use a time delay fuse?

There’s also the risk of complete damage to the internal motors of tools and appliances. So, use a time delay fuse for your fluorescent bulbs, incandescent lights, and electric motors. Otherwise, repeated circuit failures and other electrical problems will be a regular thing to face.

What is the difference between a slow blow and fast acting fuse?

While a slow blow fuse can withstand high current for short amounts of time, fast-acting fuses will burst immediately when high power voltage passes through it.

Is it better to have a higher or lower fuse?

Hence the rating of a selected fuse should not be under or over. It should be optimum so as the remain the circuit closed for load currents below the permitted safe range and able to interrupt the circuit if the current exceeds.

Can I use a 3 amp fuse in place of a 2 amp?

3 Amp should be okay. The main purpose of the fuse is to prevent burning wires. Radio Shack has the fuse in a higher voltage rating, but it won’t cause a problem.

How long does it take for a slow blow fuse to blow?

Whats the difference between a fuse and a time delay fuse?

FAST- ACTING fuses blow immediately after the maximum rating of the fuse is exceeded. A FAST ACTING fuse used on a motor with a high starting current will blow before the motor can start running. TIME –DELAY fuses will not blow unless an over- load condition exists for an extended period of time, typically 10 seconds.