Fuses

About Fuses

Fuses are critical electrical safety components designed to protect circuits, appliances and equipment from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuits. When excessive current flows through a circuit, the fuse element melts and breaks the connection, preventing potential fire hazards and protecting valuable electrical equipment. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of fuses suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial applications throughout the UK.

Our selection includes standard BS 1362 plug fuses in common ratings of 3A, 5A and 13A, cartridge fuses for consumer units, and mixed fuse packs that provide an assortment of the most frequently used ratings in one convenient package. Whether you're an electrician carrying out installation work, a maintenance engineer servicing equipment, or a homeowner replacing a blown fuse in a plug, having the correct amperage rating is essential for both safety and compliance with UK electrical regulations.

Applications

Fuses are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Installation, maintenance and repair work in domestic, commercial and industrial settings
• Maintenance Engineers: Keeping machinery operational by replacing fuses in control panels, motor starters and industrial equipment
• Facilities Managers: Maintaining building electrical systems and ensuring compliance with safety standards
• Automotive Technicians: Servicing vehicle electrical systems in cars, vans and commercial vehicles
• Appliance Repair Technicians: Diagnosing and fixing electrical faults in domestic and commercial appliances
• Property Landlords: Conducting routine maintenance and meeting electrical safety obligations
• DIY Enthusiasts: Carrying out home electrical maintenance and plug rewiring projects

Choosing The Right Fuses

Selecting the correct fuse rating is crucial for safety and equipment protection. In the UK, domestic plug fuses follow a colour-coding system: 3A (red) for appliances up to 720W such as lamps and radios, 5A (black) for appliances up to 1200W, and 13A (brown) for high-power appliances up to 3000W including kettles, irons and power tools operating at 240v. Always check the appliance rating plate to determine the appropriate fuse rating.

Consider the physical format required for your application. BS 1362 cartridge fuses measuring 25mm in length are standard for UK 13A plugs, whilst other applications may require different sizes such as 20mm glass cartridge fuses or larger industrial types. MyToolShed.co.uk offers mixed fuse packs which provide excellent value and convenience, ensuring you have the correct rating readily available whether you're on site or at home.

Always ensure fuses comply with relevant UK standards, particularly BS 1362 for plug fuses. Never use a higher-rated fuse than specified, as this defeats the protective function and creates a serious fire risk. If a fuse blows repeatedly, this indicates an underlying fault requiring professional investigation rather than simply replacing the fuse again.

Safety Information

Always isolate the power supply before replacing fuses in consumer units or fixed installations, and verify the circuit is dead using an appropriate voltage tester. Never replace a fuse with one of a higher rating than specified, and never use makeshift solutions such as wire or foil in place of a proper fuse – this extremely dangerous practice bypasses all overcurrent protection and creates a serious fire hazard.

Part P of the Building Regulations governs electrical installation work in England and Wales, and certain tasks must be carried out by a qualified electrician or notified to Building Control. When uncertain about any aspect of electrical work, consult a qualified professional to ensure compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amperage fuse should I use in a 13A plug?

The correct fuse rating depends on the appliance's power consumption. Use 3A (red) for appliances up to 720W, 5A (black) for appliances up to 1200W, and 13A (brown) for appliances between 1200W and 3000W. Check the appliance rating plate to determine the correct fuse – using too high a rating reduces protection whilst too low will cause nuisance blowing.

Can I use a 13A fuse instead of a 3A fuse?

No, never use a higher-rated fuse than specified. The fuse rating protects the appliance and its cable from overcurrent. A 3A fuse protects low-power appliances with thinner cables that could overheat if carrying 13A current. Using an incorrectly rated fuse defeats this protection and creates a fire risk.

How can I tell if a fuse has blown?

For glass-bodied cartridge fuses, you can often see if the internal element has melted. However, ceramic fuses are opaque, making visual inspection impossible. The most reliable method is to test with a multimeter set to continuity mode – a blown fuse will show no continuity. Alternatively, use a dedicated fuse tester for quick visual indication.