Fuse for PC Dell OptiPlex 5040

[Barney1234]

I have come across an old PC that I would like to turn on. However, before plugging in an IEC lead into it I want to make sure I have the correct fuse. (Using a 13amp IEC lead - UK)

Below are my findings. I am a bit confused as to what is being shown and what to do from a safety point of view.

When I look on the Dell website specification for the Dell OptiPlex 5040 it states that the power wattage is 240W.
Using Ohm's Law for Amps, I get the Amps to be 1 amp.

So I would have thought using a 3 amp fuse in the plug would be sufficient (and safe)....

However,

I then see on the side of the PC there is a sticker that has various symbols and text and I see on there it is showing:

V: 100-240V
A: 3.0A
Hz 50/60Hz

Attached is the full image I am seeing in case I have missed something.
As you can see it is shown in 3 parts ( I am looking at the top section marked in a red box)

My question is, what goes in the IEC lead.... do I now use a 5amp fuse?

I understand it's best practice not to use a fuse that is similar to the amp rating (so in this case a 3amp fuse as shown on the sticker) but the next fuse above (5amp)

When it comes to stickers and PC's that will have this sticker on, which rating do you go for?
The Dell website showing the power information, or the sticker showing that information on the PC?

I am in two minds as to use a 3 amp fuse or a 5 amp fuse for the IEC lead?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated (and peace of mind).

 

[plugsandsparks]

Small PC's will run on a 5 Amp fuse, there is always a small surge when you turn them on. The fuse is actually there to protect the cable so you may find they are fitted with 13A fuses as standard.

 

[Barney1234]

Thanks for the reply. Over the years IEC leads have gone astray or not needed anymore and indeed I have come across 13amp fuses.

Can you confirm what it means in the attached image though in red? Do I go with the Dell website or the sticker for the fuse rating?

Am I correct / safe for putting a 5amp fuse in the IEC lead from looking at the sticker?

 

[plugsandsparks]

You go with the "rating plate" of the device you are actually plugging in, in this case it indicates 3A but with a wide voltage range, so you being in the UK, plugging into a socket at 230V you will be lower than this. Just put a 5 amp fuse in the plug head and enjoy

 

[Barney1234]

Excellent and many thanks for the confirmation. I do look at rating plates but on some devices the text is so small it's hard to read what the input amps is! Trying to find that information on discontinued devices is hard as well on the manufacturer websites!

 

[Barney1234]

Just following on from the rating plate. If I come across a PC without a rating plate but look online or on the manufacturers website and in manuals and all there is, is an image of the PC and it says 185W power supply, does that mean input or output wattage? What fuse for the IEC lead would I use? I would presume a 5 amp fuse? I could open up the PC and have a look at the rating but I just want to know if the 185W on the manual can be used? As a newbie how do I know which wattage it is (input or output)

Going back to the above image I provided, it doesn't say input or output of 3.0 Amp, so how does one know if it's meaning input or output and 5amp is OK to use? Sorry if it sounds like a basic question but I just need peace of mind and some advice.

 

[plugsandsparks]

The output details are probably somewhere else on the picture. unless you run a multi graphic card gaming machine or mine bitcoin a 5amp fuse is fine. you will know if you need more as the room will get hot and the computer will need water cooling. The fuse protects the cable, by all means fuse down if you want to but it wont protect the PSU , when they blow, they blow. In general wattages on PSUs refer to output but as they are generally 90% plus efficient its neither here nor there. If you dont know the PSU details and its a PC , use a 5 amp fuse, thats it !!