How to Test a Fuse with a Multimeter

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In electrical systems, fuses are crucial safety devices that protect the circuit from excessive currents and prevent potential hazards, such as electrical fires or equipment damage. However, just like any other component, fuses can wear out or become faulty over time. To ensure their functionality, it is essential to test them periodically. One effective method for testing fuses is using a multimeter, a versatile tool capable of measuring various electrical characteristics. This guide will explore the step-by-step process of testing a fuse with a multimeter, enabling you to quickly and accurately assess the condition of your fuses and maintain the safety and efficiency of your electrical systems.

Cars and older homes don’t use modern circuit breakers, but use fuses to prevent damage from sudden surges. Sometimes these fuses need to be checked to make sure they are still in good working order. Testing a fuse with a multimeter is quick and easy.

Table of Contents

Steps

Learn about fuses and multimeters

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You need to know what a fuse is. A fuse is essentially a wire designed not to extend but to prevent damage to electrical equipment and to reduce the risk of fire (especially indoors) due to overvoltage. suddenly. When too high a voltage is passed, the fuse “burns out” (literally) and causes an open circuit, so that current cannot continue to flow. There are many types of fuses with different shapes. Here are the two main types you’ll often see:

• Cylindrical fuses have been widely used for a long time in households to small electrical appliances. In terms of structure, the tube fuse has a cylindrical shape with a wire inside, outside the two ends of the tube are electrodes or metal contacts. ^[1]
• Flat fuses have been widely used in automotive electrical systems for the past 20-30 years to replace small glass tube fuses. In terms of construction, a flat fuse resembles a plug with two metal prongs sticking out of the plastic housing containing the wire. The flat fuse can be conveniently inserted into the holder, while saving space if bulk connections are required. ^[2]

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Learn about how a multimeter works. The multimeter measures AC and DC current voltage, resistance and current. To test fuses, you can use a multimeter to measure continuity (when the circuit is closed) or ohms (resistance). ^[3]

• Multimeters have positive and negative probes. When testing resistance in a circuit, a small current is passed from the battery of the multimeter itself to measure the voltage passing through the circuit or device.

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You need to understand why you need to check the fuse. Checking fuses is the simplest way to determine what’s going on with your car’s or home’s electrical system, so it’s an important skill to master.

• The operation of checking fuses is simpler than with other electrical equipment. Other devices in the car or home include complicated wiring. In addition, most auto parts can only be checked in a garage and of course cost a lot of money. The process of checking fuses with a multimeter is relatively simple, and the measuring device is also cheap and easy to use.
• Various shaped fuses make it easy for the user to determine the condition just by appearance. They are designed to be transparent and you can see if the wires are intact. If the transparent material is tinged with black smoke, it’s usually a blown fuse. However, some types of fuse easily turn black after a little overheating, and that could be the result of a failure that was not checked a few weeks or months ago. If electrical equipment stops working, you should check the fuse. If the fuse is working properly then there is a chance that a more serious problem is going on and you need to call in a professional.

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Check the fuse

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Turn off the power to the electrical equipment and remove the fuse. Check that electrical equipment or vehicles are powered off before removing the fuse. To proceed, simply pull the fuse out of the slot.

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Turn on the multimeter and set it to continuous measurement mode. Turn the knob on the multimeter to continuous measurement mode with the symbol of 5 vertical curves. Before checking the fuse, touch the positive and negative probes together to see if the multimeter will “beep”. If yes then the meter is ready for measurement.

• To measure ohms, you can set the multimeter to the mode with the symbol omega (Ω).

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Touch the two probes to the ends of the fuse and observe the display. The fuse has a structure that is not much more complicated than the wire, so you do not need to worry about the double-ended electrode.

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Check the fuse. Listen to see if the multimeter continuously “beeps” when you connect the probes to the two fuses. If no sound is heard from the multimeter, the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.

• For a digital multimeter in resistance measurement mode, touch the two probes together to get the initial reading. Then, contact the probe with the two fuses to see if the readings change. If the reading does not change, the fuse is working properly. If the display has no reading or shows “OL”, the fuse has blown.
• In addition, the “Open” or “Not complete” status displayed on the multimeter also indicates a failed fuse.

Advice

• Today, home electrical systems are not merely protected by fuses. Modern protective devices and circuit breakers rarely use fuses, but are safer. You might consider upgrading old installations to modern standards.
• Most cars use colored flat fuses. By looking at the transparent fuse plug inserted in the fuse box, you can judge whether the metal strip running along the top of the fuse is intact (good condition) or damaged (due to fire/explosion).

Warning

• Never replace a blown or poor condition fuse with a higher rated fuse. The rating is intended to ensure that below rated current can safely pass through the conductor. Always replace old fuses with fuses of the same (or lower) rating.
• Never check a fuse on an appliance that is on.

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Cars and older homes don’t use modern circuit breakers, but use fuses to prevent damage from sudden surges. Sometimes these fuses need to be checked to make sure they are still in good working order. Testing a fuse with a multimeter is quick and easy.

In conclusion, testing a fuse with a multimeter is a simple and effective way to determine whether the fuse is still functional or needs to be replaced. By following the steps outlined in this guide, individuals can ensure the safety and proper functioning of electrical circuits in their homes or vehicles. Remember to always exercise caution and use the appropriate safety measures when working with electrical systems. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to identify and replace faulty fuses, preventing potential electrical hazards and improving overall electrical performance.

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