What's the correct amperage fuse for my PC?

[sp01]

Hi

Can someone tell me if they know the correct amperage for a mains plug fuse that's plugged into a 230-volt power supply unit in a UK PC? I called the computer's maker, HP, and they said that they think it should use a 5A fuse, but they weren't sure. I don't actually have a a 5A mains plug, however, so I don't know if this information is correct. They told me to ask an electrician, because they didn't know for sure.

This information is written on the PSU itself:
Input 100-127V ~7A 200-240V ~4A 50/60Hz

I take it that that info is stating that I should be using a fuse that's approximately 4 amps. Is that right? I'm almost certain that this PC came with a 10-amp fuse, though, so which is the right one to use?

Thanks very much in advance.

 

[WarrenG]

If you are talking about the power lead itself (IEC Lead) then a standard 5A sounds about right for a PC. Based on your input power of 200-240V 4A (in UK)

You must remember that the fuse in the plugtop is there to protect the cable and not the PC. Therefore dependant on the size of the cable will be dependant on which fuse rating would have been installed by the manufacture to protect the cable.

It maybe the case that the cable can take upto a rating of 13amps, but ideally you should use a fuse that is slightly higher than the power used (in your case 4A) as some manufacturuers will install 5A or 10A as a standard.

Manufacturers will sometimes install an internal fuse for electronic equipment for the purpose of protecting it seperately.

Hope this Helps!

Warren

 

[DanBrown]

Just bang in a 5amp fuse in....

 

[sp01]

I called HP again, and this time they said I need a 13-amp fuse in it. The new person I talked to said that a 5-amp fuse would "drain the system".

 

[Kris]

I called HP again, and this time they said I need a 13-amp fuse in it. The new person I talked to said that a 5-amp fuse would "drain the system".

I don't see why a fuse is not a current/flow limiting device (apart from stopping it altogether when it goes) and won't sap any power away, I think on that call the phone was answered by the cleaner.

 

[rick]

5 amp no worries.

 

[sp01]

Okay, thanks a lot guys. The store from which I bought the computer, Comet, emailed me and said I should use a 5 amp with it, too. I just had a feeling that it didn't come with a 5-amp plug. Thanks a lot for your help.