To tell if a fuse is blown, you can use the following methods: Visual Inspection:
- Look for a broken or melted metal strip inside the fuse.
- Check for discoloration, such as blackening or cloudiness inside the glass casing.
- Notice any burn marks or a burnt smell near the fuse box.
- A blown fuse often has a visible break in the filament or a dark residue inside the fuse casing
Testing with a Multimeter:
- Turn off the power before handling the fuse.
- Remove the fuse from its holder.
- Set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance mode.
- Touch the probes to each end of the fuse.
- If the multimeter beeps or shows low resistance, the fuse is intact.
- If there is no beep and the meter shows infinite resistance (often displayed as "OL"), the fuse is blown
Signs of a Blown Fuse in Use:
- Loss of power to a specific device or area.
- Electrical components like lights, radio, power windows, or other accessories stop working.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- A burning smell near the fuse box
Always ensure safety by turning off power before inspecting or testing fuses. If unsure or if fuses blow repeatedly, consult a professional electrician to diagnose potential wiring or electrical faults