My dehumidifier died today and I took it apart to find a blown fuse. My problem is that the company says that fuse is discontinued. I have been serching the net for hours trying to find one, so now I turn to all of you......

The fuse in question is 12 amps 125 volts. Its a standard glass fuse about 1 inch long. I can find 12 amp fuses, but they are ceramic and are usually 250 volts.

Anyone know where I can find one or what other type of fuse I can use without blowning the thing up?!?!??

I have already tried auto parts stores and Radio Shack with no luck.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!!

 

If you got an old fashioned hardware store, not a big box, I'd bet they might help ya out. The one near me amazes me with all they've got. Worth a shot at least. Just take the fuse with you.

 

I love McMaster Carr, have you looked there?
http://www.mcmaster.com/

I used keywords, 12 amp, 125V & glass and a bunch came up. I hope you find it!

 

After hours of research I have found out that the exact fuse is nowhere to be found. It was made only for this specific dehumidifier by the company itself and if they don't have them, then no one will.

So on to the next question. I know that I can use a higher voltage like 250v without issues, but what about the amps? 12 amp glass fusses in this size dont exist, so I need to either go with 10 amps or 15 amps.

Which should I try?

 

I would go to a local hardware store and ask them. THey may even come up with a better solution. If you have a good Home Depot or Lowes, they can be helpful also.

 

I found a site that suggests the size based on the guage of the wire and I am posting that info below. I will try and remember to ask a guy at work, but based on the information I'm reading, you should be safe going lower in amps.

First column is the wire guage...then the suggested fuze size. Hope this helps...and I'll check in a little later if I find more info.

Wire Gauge Recommended
Maximum Fuse Size
00 awg 400 amps
0 awg 325 amps
1 awg 250 amps
2 awg 200 amps
4 awg 125 amps
6 awg 80 amps
8 awg 50 amps
10 awg 30 amps
12 awg 20 amps
14 awg 15 amps
16 awg 7.5 amps
These are the recommended maximum fuse ratings for the corresponding wire size. Using a smaller fuse than what's recommended here will be perfectly safe.

 

You should be ok with the ceramic 12A 250V fuse. The voltage rating is a not-to-exceed rating. The ceramic type is a safer fuse, as it's a "flame-proof" type used in appliances where a sudden high-current blowout could break the glass and shoot out hot metal from the fuse which could start a fire. These are most often found in microwaves and other newer appliances.

The key is the current rating and not to exceed the maximum voltage rating. You could even use the 250V fuse in a 12V circuit if you wanted to, 12A is the current that it will blow at. Actually, fuses don't blow immediately if 12A is exceeded slightly, but that's another story


Steve

 

Just talked to my friend at work who is an HVAC technician. He said that a 12Amp 250V fuse will be fine and should be available just about anywhere.

Edit: He did also say that a 12A fuse sure did sound big for a household humidifier too.

And the comment below mine is correct too. What caused it to blow in the first place...maybe old age...maybe somethinig else.

 

Just pig-tail in a fuse holder with a blade type 12A fuse, problem solved...
the REAL question you should be asking is WHY DID THE FUSE BLOW in the FIRST PLACE

 

The company said that they will replace the entire unit if i cut off the cord and send it to them with the sticker off the back showing the serial numbers. They want original receipt (which I cant find) and $14.99 for shipping. I have a credit card statement that shows the purchase. Think that is good enough?

i'm still going to try different fuses just to see if it works and if it does, find out if it will blow again. If it works good, I can always put a new cord on the thing and has two of em.......