Fuses

[ChristopherDawn]

I have a peavey 5150 and the fuse inside of it (type 5 I think it says?) isn't clear. It's porcelain or some creamy colored thing. I went to radio shack and took it in and the guy told me he didn't know if I could use a normal fuse for it, so I'm asking the people that will actually know (you guys!).

So can I use a normal fuse? If not, where can I find a porcelain fuse at?

[Major Tom]

Not sure what the porcelain fuse characteristics are - they might just be for "rough duty" applications or ? there are a couple varieties of those little fuses; slo-blo, fast acting... You will be safe putting a regular fast-acting fuse in there as long as you don't exeed the original current rating; "amp" rating. the fast acting type will giveplenty of protection. Its hard to see the numbers on the fuse - look for the rating label on the amp itself, something like "4 amp" or "5 amp". There is also a voltage range, like 120 volt, or 250 volt.

My caution to you - if the fuse has blown, it is probably because there is a problem in the amp; something is or was drawing too much current. Do not ever exceed the "amp" rating on the fuse, if you do, you will more than likely burn something up, like a transformer, or other component. Then your amp will have 2 problems. If you put another fuse in of the same "amp" rating and it blows, take it to a repair shop.

[SemiCrazy]

Ceramic fuses are known as "slo-blo" and used in electrical equiptment that has high inrush current. That means stuff that uses alot of juice when first plugged in turned on or started like microwaves TV's and Airconditioners. Amps have large capacitors that suck up a lot of electricity when you turn your amp on. The guy at Radio Shit was kinda right. You can use a glass fuse, but you may end up replacing it sooner than later.

Ceramic fuses are also used for saftey. When a fuse blows the fillament archs and burns. Ceramic fused do a much better job of holding the energy in. Sometimes glass fuses can break and the arch can scorch the fuse holder or IC board the fuse is soldered to.

[Major Tom]

Ceramic fuses are known as "slo-blo" and used in electrical equiptment that has high inrush current

Both ceramic and glass fuses come in fast act and slo-blo versions. Its best to replace a fuse with the same type, if in doubt, use the fast acting, they will give a little more protection.

[Jblount]

Yes, when in doubt, replace it with a fast acting fuse. A 30 cent fuse is still cheaper than a new amp! Dont risk it.

[ChristopherDawn]

Okay, but where can I find a ceramic fuse at?

[Major Tom]

Is it blown, or do you just want to have a spare?

Either way, a glass fuse will do fine.

[Green Manalishi]

Originally posted by ChristopherDawn
Okay, but where can I find a ceramic fuse at?

Go to a real electronics store with personel that knows what you need.

If you have any experience with a digital volt meter, get one that reads current draw.

[arcaxis]

If you have the owners manual for the amp the replacement fuse should be listed in there (I would hope). If you don't have the manual Peavey's site does have manuals for downloading.
Is the fuse in a holder which is accessible on the back of the amp or is it mounted internally on a circuit board in a clip ? Either way, good practice of the manufacturer is to denote the required rating of the fuse next to it's location. Possibly something like "5 ASB 250V". If all else fails either contact Peavey tech support via email or phone.

http://www.peavey.com/support/

Also are you the original owner of the amp ? If not, it is remotely possible the previous owner could have replaced the fuse with something not belonging there if it had blown.

The fuse should have markings on the end caps to identify it such as "AGC 5A or 3AG 5A" and "250V". This is a glass fuse rated at 5 amps and 250 volts. If it includes "SB" it's likely to be a slo-blo.

As Major Tom had said either glass or ceramic is fine. With glass it is easy to determine if it had blown or not. Ceramic not so.