Time-delay multimeter fuse

Electromatic

Electromatic

Senior Member
Location
Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician
I blew the 500mA fuse in my multimeter. This is (obviously) for the mA/µA setting. There are a lot more and cheaper options for a time-delay fuse in this size and rating. Any opinions on whether using a time-delay for this small-range setting is hazardous?
TIA
 
Usually multimeters need very fast acting fuses to protect their electronic components. Such fuses are typically expensive, but still quite a bit less than a new meter to replace a broken one will cost.
 
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The one I need is a 5x20mm which returns even fewer search results that the 6x32. Taking mA readings on 12V or 24V control circuits seems pretty unlikely to cause an arc flash or other catastrophe. I understand the possibility of damaging the meter, but it's a fairly cheap Klein. I'm wondering if a time-delay would prevent blowing on a momentary lapse of attention or slip of the probes.
 
Yea, if you only use it for 12 or 24V, I would probably look for cheap fuses too.

But not if its ever used for commercial or industrial line voltage system. Although, if it doesn't have a CAT rating, it shouldn't be used on those systems anyway. Too easy to try and measure voltage while it's still set for a current reading.
 
steve66 said:
Yea, if you only use it for 12 or 24V, I would probably look for cheap fuses too.

But not if its ever used for commercial or industrial line voltage system. Although, if it doesn't have a CAT rating, it shouldn't be used on those systems anyway. Too easy to try and measure voltage while it's still set for a current reading.
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That could add unwanted excitement to your day!
 
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