7
\$\begingroup\$

I want to replace a blowed fuse 125V/4A but it is rare to find them. Can I use instead a 250V/4A ?

I read at https://www.mojotone.com/support/Knowledge-Base/Is-it-ok-to-replace-125v-glass-fuses-with-250v-glass-fuses-of-the-same-rating that

Fuses are designed to protect over-current, not over-voltage. Therefore as long as the fuse amperage is sized appropriately and as long as your fuse voltage meets or exceeds your application voltage the fuse will safely protect.

So, its ok to replace with 250V/4A ?

enter image description here

\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ Why did this fuse blow? What's stopping the replacement blowing if you replace it? \$\endgroup\$
    – D Duck
    Dec 29, 2018 at 11:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ The problem it self was fixed. \$\endgroup\$
    – Maverick
    Dec 29, 2018 at 11:31
  • 3
    \$\begingroup\$ Generally yes, higher voltage rating on the fuse is not an issue. There is a small risk that the time delay/slow versus fast blow differs between them, but unlike to cause any explosive fire or catastrophe. \$\endgroup\$
    – winny
    Dec 29, 2018 at 12:51

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
14
\$\begingroup\$

Fuses are used for over-current protection, first please diagnose the mistake what causing the fuse to blow (like any shortages, overloading or some faults) and solve that before you replace new fuse.

As long the voltage of fuse is more than the system voltage. you can use it.

Since, what you are saying is right.. fuses protects the system/equipment from over-current not over-voltage.

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ As long as..... the breaking capacity (rupture current) of the replacement fuse, for the current type (AC or DC) used, also meets or exceeds what is specified for the application ! In this case, you are replacing a non sand filled fuse in presumably an AC application, so no problem - replacing a sand filled fuse from a DC circuit with a plain hollow glass fuse of the same size would be a bad mistake. \$\endgroup\$
    – rackandboneman
    Dec 30, 2018 at 14:19
4
\$\begingroup\$

Yes.

The voltage rating on a fuse tells you how high a voltage it can interrupt without arcing or otherwise allowing current to continue to flow after the fuse blows. A fuse of equal or higher voltage rating is fine as a replacement (after fixing whatever caused the old fuse to blow).

The conditions that will cause a fuse to blow are solely related to current (and time, for a slow-blow fuse). A replacement fuse needs to match current rating and slow-blow or not; no more and no less, so it doesn't blow spuriously and doesn't allow more current than desired without blowing.

Fuses are similar to a switch or relay that has to be able hold off a high voltage across itself. Interrupting a high current with an inductive load can create transient high voltages, which could create an arc. When a fuse first melts apart, you presumably do get some arcing over the tiny initial gap, but it presumably extinguishes quickly as more metal melts and the gap gets too long.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ I think it would be helpful to summarise whether you are saying "No" or "Yes". \$\endgroup\$
    – Oddthinking
    Dec 30, 2018 at 7:28
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Oddthinking: I thought the bolded parts were enough of a summary, but sure I can add an explicit "yes". \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Cordes
    Dec 30, 2018 at 8:03
-2
\$\begingroup\$

A 250 volt fuse is likely to blow out a 125 volt electronics that was not designed to withstand such high power. You don't want to send 250 volts to a 125 volt circuit. I still cannot figure out how a mere fuse can do the voltage step up.

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ You don't want to send 250 volts to a 125 volt circuit. You totally misunderstood the issue. \$\endgroup\$
    – Rohat Kılıç
    Jan 4, 2019 at 5:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.