Can you replace a 10 amp fuse with a 15 amp fuse?

Answer 1

Do NOT Replace ANY Fuse with One Rated Higher

Following are two answers relating to similar questions.

Fuse Sizes

The Amperage ratings [sizing] of fuses [and circuit breakers] are determined by the SIZE of the conductors [wires] in the circuit which they serve.

The size of the wires is determined by the maximum expected current [measured in Amperes (Amps) or Milli-amps (mA] needed by the electrical devices "fed" by the circuit.

"Blowing" Fuses

The following generic answer applies to any electrical circuit, whether in a vehicle or in a building, or whether alternating current [AC] or direct current [DC].

Fuses [and Circuit Breakers] are safety devices designed and installed in electrical circuits TO PROTECT the conductors [wires] and other components from short circuit conditions and/or overload conditions which can cause extreme flow of electrical current [measured in Amperes], and overheating of the conductors that can result in damage to the insulation and the conductors. And in a worst case, the probability of a FIRE which could destroy the wiring system, vehicle, house, or other structure in which the circuit is located.

When a fuse [and replacement fuses, or "tripping" Circuit Breakers] "blow," especially if it happens repeatedly, is an indication of an UNSAFE CONDITION in that circuit, usually a short.

The fuse or circuit breaker is doing what it was designed, intended, and installed to do, protect the components of the circuit which it serves.

The proper "fix" is for a qualified technician, who knows what he or she is doing, to troubleshoot the involved circuit, find and identify the defect, and make proper repair [s], BEFORE replacing the fuse again [with the properly sized fuse or before resetting a circuit breaker].

Some ignorant few will suggest installing a larger fuse or breaker to solve the problem, BUT that will only increase the hazard, not correct it. Do not follow "bad" advice and install a larger fuse in a misguided attempt to correct the problem. To install an over-sized fuse would almost guarantee damage to the wiring and an electrical system fire.

Answer 2

Definitely NO. Before you try to do anything else, if you can't replace a blown fuse with one of the correct type it is essential that you ask a licensed electrician for advice.Always replace a fuse by another of exactly the same size and current (Amps) rating, otherwise there could be a serious risk of starting a fire. Electricity is not like a toy so don't play with it! Further notes: Fuses don't work like light bulbs! If the questioner could sign-in and add some more information about what the 30 Amp fuse was being used for it would perhaps be possible to give this question a much better answer. * Is the 30 Amp fuse in a house mains supply panel? * is it in a car - if so, for which part of the car (Lights? Radio/CD player?) * is it part of a piece of electrical equipment? * or is the fuse in some kind of houshold appliance? Always be sure to switch off the breakers at the main panel before you attempt to do any work on any mains power circuit.

Answer 3

The quick answer is NO!!! It will supply electricity to the furnace but the protection level will be less than the furnace is rated for. This is assuming that the original fuse or circuit breaker recommended by the manufacturer of the furnace is 20 amps. A 20 amp circuit will protect 12 gau. wires from overheating and subsequent melting. A 30 amp fuse will protect 10 gau. wires (which have a larger dia. than 12 gau. wires) from overheating and melting. If you put in a fuse in that is rated higher than is recommended, the furnace will work. The problem will be if something internal shorts out or overheats it will not be protected to the same degree and can cause a fire or electric shock.

Answer 4

The size of the fuse is governed by the wire and devices it is protecting. You can always replace with a lower amp fuse. However, this unnecessarily limits the amps you can then draw. Never replace with a higher value because you risk overloading the circuit wiring.

Answer 5

It is not recommended. The design of the equipment called for the 2 amp fuse. To up size it to a larger fuse is taking the equipment out of its manufactured specification. This will void any warranties and could destroy the equipment with five times the normal current before the fuse would disconnect the supply voltage. Be very aware if you start changing fuse sizes and the damage that could result from this action.

Answer 6

Fuse Replacement

It is not recommended. The design of the equipment called for the 10 amp fuse. To up size it to a larger fuse is taking the equipment out of its manufactured specification. This will void any warranties and could destroy the equipment with three times the normal current before the fuse would disconnect the supply voltage. Be very aware if you start changing fuse sizes and the damage that could result from this action.

Answer 7

It is possible to use a smaller fuse in some circuits. However if a device connected to the circuit needs more than 20 amps to start up or to operate, the fuse will open.