Glass Fuse 1A – 250V (Size T5x20mm)

Description

A Glass Fuse 1A – 250V (Size T5x20mm) is a commonly used type of fuse in electronic circuits and devices to protect against overcurrent situations.
Fuses are a type of safety device that “blow” or “break” the circuit when the current exceeds a specified level, helping to prevent damage to the circuit components.

Key Specifications of the Glass Fuse 1A – 250V (Size T5x20mm):

1. Current Rating: 1A (Amperes)
   • The fuse is designed to handle 1 ampere of current. If the current exceeds 1A, the fuse will blow (break the circuit), protecting the components from damage due to excessive current.
2. Voltage Rating: 250V
   • The fuse is rated for a maximum operating voltage of 250 volts. This means the fuse is suitable for circuits where the voltage does not exceed 250V, such as low-voltage DC or AC circuits. In case of overcurrent, it will interrupt the circuit to prevent damage.
3. Fuse Type: Glass (T5x20mm)
   • Glass Fuse: The fuse body is made from clear glass, allowing for visual inspection to see if the fuse has blown. This is useful because you can quickly check if the fuse is intact or needs to be replaced.
   • Size: T5x20mm refers to the physical dimensions of the fuse:
     • T stands for “tube” shape.
     • 5mm (diameter) and 20mm (length) are the standard dimensions for these fuses.
     • This is a common size for small electronic devices and components.
4. Blow Characteristics:
   • Fast Blow or Slow Blow: The Glass Fuse 1A – 250V could be either fast-blow or slow-blow, depending on the design. A fast-blow fuse reacts quickly to overcurrent situations, whereas a slow-blow fuse is designed to withstand short current surges (like those that occur when turning on a device) before blowing. Always check the specific fuse description to ensure you’re using the right type for your application.
5. Rated Breaking Capacity:
   • This refers to the maximum current the fuse can interrupt safely. Typically, small glass fuses like this one have a breaking capacity ranging from 35A to 150A (depending on the manufacturer). Ensure that the fuse breaking capacity is sufficient for your application to safely interrupt fault currents.
6. Time-Current Characteristic:
   • The fuse’s response time varies with the overcurrent level. A 1A fuse will have a characteristic that depends on the time versus current curve. If the current exceeds the rated value (1A), the fuse will blow after a short time to protect the circuit.
7. Material:
   • The fuse wire inside the glass tube is typically made of metal (such as copper or silver), which melts when exposed to excess current, breaking the circuit and preventing damage to other components.

Applications of Glass Fuse 1A – 250V (T5x20mm):

• Consumer Electronics: These fuses are commonly used in small consumer electronic devices such as chargers, power supplies, audio equipment, radios, etc.
• Power Supply Protection: They are used to protect low-voltage power supplies where 1A current flow is typical, such as in battery-operated devices, power adapters, and small circuits.
• Home Appliances: Many household electronic devices (such as microwaves, small appliances, and lighting systems) use glass fuses for protection.
• Computers and Other Gadgets: Devices like desktop computers, laptops, and peripheral devices often use glass fuses for protection against overcurrent in internal power circuits.
• Automotive and Hobby Circuits: These fuses are commonly used in automotive electronics, model kits, hobbyist projects, and other low-power applications that require protection from accidental short circuits or overloads.

Why Use a Glass Fuse:

• Simple Protection: Fuses are one of the simplest, most reliable ways to protect electronic components from overcurrent situations.
• Cost-Effective: Glass fuses are inexpensive and readily available, making them a good choice for consumer electronics and small appliances.
• Visual Inspection: The transparent glass body allows for easy visual inspection of whether the fuse has blown. If the wire inside is broken or the glass tube is cloudy, the fuse has blown.
• Compact Size: The T5x20mm size is small, making it suitable for compact circuit designs and for use in space-constrained applications.

How to Replace a Glass Fuse:

1. Power off: Ensure the device or circuit is completely powered off and disconnected from any power source.
2. Locate the Fuse: Find the glass fuse (usually located near the power input or the power supply section of the device).
3. Remove the Fuse: Carefully remove the blown fuse from its holder. It might be held in place by clips or simply seated in a fuse holder.
4. Inspect the Fuse: Check if the fuse is visibly damaged or broken. A blown fuse will often show signs like a broken filament inside or discoloration.
5. Replace with Same Rating: Always replace the blown fuse with another fuse of the same current (1A) and voltage rating (250V). Never use a fuse with a higher current rating, as it would not protect the circuit properly.
6. Reassemble: Place the new fuse into the fuse holder and reassemble the device.
7. Test: Power on the device and test it to ensure it functions correctly.

Safety Note:

• Never bypass a fuse by using a wire or jumper as it defeats the purpose of protection. Bypassing fuses can lead to serious damage to the components or even fires due to excess current flow.
• Always replace the fuse with one having the same rating, i.e., 1A for current and 250V for voltage.