The fuse in a plug is a critical safety device. Using the wrong fuse is one of the most common faults we find during PAT testing.
What Does the Fuse Do?
The fuse protects the cable from excessive current. If a fault causes too much current, the fuse blows and cuts power before the cable overheats.
Common Fuse Ratings
- 3A (red): For appliances up to 700W. Lamps, phone chargers, computers, TVs.
- 5A (black): Between 700W and 1,200W.
- 13A (brown): Above 700W. Kettles, heaters, microwaves, toasters, irons.
The Common Mistake
When a 3A fuse blows, people replace it with a 13A because they have one handy. This is a fire risk as the cable can now carry far more current than designed.
How PAT Testing Catches This
During visual inspection, we check that the correct fuse is fitted. If not, we replace it with the correct rating.
Book your PAT test and ensure every plug has the correct fuse.
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