Way OT

[Bret4207]

Anyone have any idea where I can find a 10amp 600v ceramic fast acting 5x20mm fuse for a digital multimeter? I've checked dozens of places and so far the sole supplier seems to be a place in Italy. https://peaktech-rce.com/en/fuses-f...ceramic-fuse-f-10a-600v-5x20mm-10-pieces.html I wouldn't mind paying the $20 but it's a DMM I got at Tractor Supply for $10!!!!! I've checked literally dozens and dozens of places and tried a mess of search variations. I find 10a 5x20 ceramic fuses, but only 250v, not 600. I can find 10a 600v ceramic fuses but they are 5x32mm! Things like this drive me nuts.

 

[Ian]

Several options here. 1/4x1" 10a 600 VAC fuses are available here, if there is room for a fuse 1/4" longer than the correct one and the clips should spread another 1.3mm without any problem: https://www.amazon.com/Amprobe-FP40...y&sprefix=10A+multimeter+fuse,aps,163&sr=8-12

You could get the 250V fuses of the correct physical size and use that, if you blow one once in a while, so what? The voltage rating is to handle spikes mainly, and I doubt you're ever going to be actually testing anything in that sort of range.

Or what is probably the best option: Shunt the fuse with aluminum foil. It's a freaking $10 meter, if you do something like test a starting circuit in series or forget to switch back to volts after doing an ohm test with it due to a severe case of anal/cranial inversion and fry it, get another cheap meter or a better, name-brand one and make sure you can get fuses for the next one beforehand.

 

[Hawk]

I feel your pain.
I hate spending $20 to fix a $10 tool, but I do it all the time.
Just hate to throw something away that can be fixed.

 

[Ian]

Unless you buy entry-level pro-grade (like a Fluke 88V for $400), you're gonna be stuck in that rut. I put a new LCD in my Fluke after 15 years of hard use. Just like pro-grade chainsaws, some products are expected by the manufacturers to last 25 years and they keep service parts on the shelf for a long time after the sale.

 

[mattw]

I have done this search as well. In the US, we have bodies that decide what is safe and what is not safe. Overseas they have the same type of bodies, but not the same set of standards. In the US it has been decided that a 5x20 fuse is not safe to rate at 600V. The standards for US fuses in that size are for 250V. What I did was to find the best fit I could in a 450V fuse and used it. You should be fine with a 250V 5x20, unless you are pushing your meter into higher voltages and currents when measuring.

 

[Bret4207]

Okay, so the 600v isn't a big deal? I know I'll never be messing with anything with more zap than 220. Only things I have with that kinda juice is some fencers and I have a good shop that knows how to put the magic smoke back in those. Thanks for the insight guys!

FWIW- I somehow ended up with a Simpson 260 analog MM way back when I got out of the Corps. Traded it off for a brake job. Yeah, kinda of a dumb move.

 

[freebullet]

Needed one of those ceramic fuses for the ole snap on mm. An electrician friend gave me one to try but I miss placed it. I know it's here someplace...