Replacing fuses in a Multimeter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:06:45 pm
content: How do you guys replace fuses in a multimeter, specifically from something like a Fluke 87V, without damaging anything? The only thing you can do is pry them out right? The reason I ask is I'm looking for a new multimeter, and most of them require you to open the case, sometimes the board, and then he fuse! something like a Brymen 869 has SMD components directly below one of the fuses. So what is the safest way to get to these buggers, because about the only really decent meter I can find with battery door access is something like an Agilent U1270 series, and that eliminates a lot of good meters. I have only had to replace a MA fuse once. It was my mistake, but it does happen.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:17:51 pm
content: They're really not that difficult to replace in most meters. It may require some light dismantling, but nothing too challenging for someone who is not ham-fisted.In electronics work, the mA fuse is easy to blow, as one gets overconfident and seldom start testing a circuit on the Amps range first. If you find it a nuisance, look for a meter with a resetting polyswitch instead of a fuse, protecting the mA range. Failing that, choose a meter with a large mA range, like 600 mA.

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 05:35:35 pm
content: There made to be opened up and replaced as long ans you don't go and damage components and cutting thing your not going to do any harm. Don't pry the fuse out with a screwdriver just pry it out with Your fingers so you don't damage anything don't be scared its fine.

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 06:13:32 pm
content: Quote from: electronics man on January 26, 2014, 05:35:35 pmJus by looking a some of these tear downs on multimeters, I don't see how you can get fingers in there to remove many of them?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 07:43:09 pm
content: Pull the old fuse out with pliers or use a dedicated puller using something like this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ideal-34-001-Safe-T-Grip-Midget-Fuse-Puller-/200938410727

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 07:56:11 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 26, 2014, 07:43:09 pmI've even used string in a pinch to pull them out. It's very easy.Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 08:15:20 pm
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on January 26, 2014, 07:56:11 pmOk, never thought of string! That's a pretty good idea! Now maybe I sure reconsider some of my other options in a new multimeter.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 08:58:11 pm
content: When I replaced a fuse in my Fluke 87, I rolled video....

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 09:11:49 pm
content: Quote from: w2aew on January 26, 2014, 08:58:11 pmThanks that was very helpful!

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 04:33:59 am
content: Tony3d,I had a fuse in a Microwave Oven so stubborn it was holding on for dear life while after it was already dead... I use the string method (an 18 awg wire to be exact) and I didn't like the lack of control - the "string" slides around the fuse catching on to the holder clip and was at risk of pulling the fuse holder clip out. It was a glass-fuse so I know if I merely grab it with a plier, it wound break and I would have glass all over.So, I came up with another method that worked:1. Grab some duct-tape and a paper clip.2. Cut a strip of duct-tape a couple of inch or so long.3. Cut the width of the duct-tape strip to a width thatcan slide under the fuse that is still in the holder.4. Use the paper clip to guide the duct-tape (sticky side up)over and around the fuse. The stick side faces towards thefuse (but don't let it stick to the fuse yet)5. When it is half way over, the mid-point of the duct-tape isunder the fuse. Now pull it in a way that sticks it to the fuseat the bottom and around the fuse.6. close the duct-tape on itself all the way to the top.Now you have a fuse with a 1 inch duct-tape "pull tab". Pulling that with a plier is a piece of cake.Stubborn fuse 0Rick Law 1I won. In this case, like Roman times, that was it for the looser - it got carried out with the garbage.Rick

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 05:37:41 am
content: Quote from: Rick Law on January 27, 2014, 04:33:59 amThat's a really great idea. Thanks!