help with fuse ratings for computer & monitor

[Guy999]

Hi

I had to take my computer power cables out and I noticed that the main plug fuses are 5amp and the other 13amp. I don't know which is which but shouldn't they both be 13amp?

I'm using 250watt psu for computer and a 17" Samsung monitor. I've checked my manuals but they aren't much help.

Should I stick 13 in both?

Guy

 

[edfair]

Don't know what you unplugged, but if it is the power going to the outlet where the computer is plugged in the circuits are normally 15 or 20 amp, and only one fuse would feed an outlet. But since you have fuses, it also probably means you have an older home so the tops would probably be 15.
As far as the 5 amp, I've never seen one that small in a house circuit, but if there was a furnace motor it could be fused that way.
Generally, you could run 4 computers and 4 monitors on a 15 amp circuit with no problem except you couldn't turn them all on at the same instant because of the start up draw. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[paparazi]

Hi Guy999,
I got caught out with a PSU voltage question last week so we will forgive edfair on this one.
It's easy to forget that this forum is being served by a multitude of nationalities.
Here in the UK our voltage is 230V at 50htz.
Now it maybe that you are in another country, not the UK, but here your tower would require the 13amp fuse and your monitor the 5.
Martin Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[paparazi]

Yes sorry! our plugs are 3pin and are fused (which can be changed if it blows.
The fuse should be rated at just over the maximum peak amp draw of the consumer so in theory a 5amp fuse should be high enough for either the tower or the monitor.
But having said this I have blown several 5amp fuses when powering perfectly good towers and as the choice goes from a 5 to a 13 the 13amp is what I use. Martin Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[edfair]

Yep, there is a difference. 400 watt tower should be happy at 5a with your 230v, but might require a timelag fuse if such is available. They are normally used for motor start current but handle inrush current for switching power supplies well.
Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Guy999]

Hi

Yes I am in the UK, I'm using the 3amp for monitor and 13 for computer and seems to be ok.

Thanks