Product Review

Automotive: Used in older-model cars, glass tube fuses today are found primarily in automotive accessory applications. Appliances & Consumer Electronics: Glass and ceramic tube fuses are often used to protect appliances and consumer electronics. As electronic equipment becomes smaller, the circuits and components become more delicate and easily damaged. Fuses are the preferred method of protection due to their accuracy, small size and reliability. Fuses are available in a wide variety of amp ratings to provide precise protection. Generally, two sizes of user-replaceable fuses are found: the 1/4-Inch x 1-1/4-Inch and 5mm x 20mm. Each is available in a variety of volt and amp ratings. There are two basic types of fuses available for appliances and consumer electronics: fast-acting or time-delay. Any replacement fuse must match the one it's replacing. In general, fast-acting fuses are a single strand of wire or strip of metal. Time-delay fuses usually have a coiled wire, a thick element wrapped in wire, or a spring. Most electronic fuses will have the voltage and amp rating stamped on the end cap. The type of fuse can generally be visually identified. Also, owner's manuals will have the correct replacement fuse generically identified.