Fuse type

[John Roman]

I've relented and decided (since parts connection is having a sale) to replace my stock fuses in my paramounts and foreplay 3. The parts list calls out - F1 AL 250v fuse. Is this fast blo 1amp? They're 5x20mm, 1 amp(?) and are called out as GMA on the parts list. GMA? Would 125ma be acceptable? Also thinking of replacing the stock fuse holder, any value in that?
Thanks,
John

[earwaxxer]

Hey John - I know it sounds crazy - I really like the Hi-Fi Tuning fuses! I have one in my Transporter, and 4 in my Emotiva. If its 'placebo effect' I will have more thank you! No brainer. Not sure about the fuse holder. That would also make sense, as would other electrical conduit interfaces. That gets even more crazy (but thats why we are DIY'ers).

[Tickwomp]

Go for it.  I have the botique fuses in my system and like them.  If you really want to maximize your bang for buck, add clean the fuse holder with Deoxit and then treat wil Silclear.  Stacking adds up!

[Grainger49]

Has anyone answered the original post asking for fuse type?

IIRC, the Paramount uses a fuse in the IEC power input.  Googling F1 AL 250V I see it is fast acting, not slow blow.  http://www.plccenter.com/Buy/LITTELFUSE/F1AL250V

But below Doc says this number is the wrong fuse, the Paramounts use a slow blow.

I can't help with the GMA question without the full part number.  A Google search with the full part number should help.

[Doc B.]

No it is a 1A slo blo 5x20.

[Grainger49]

I Googled the number he gave, F1 AL 250V.  It is a fast acting.  

In the parts list I see is a GMA fuse.  GMA seems to specify the size, fast acting and slow blow are both available in GMA.

[Kim G]

Can anyone tell me where to get the F1AL 250v fuses? I have the Paramounts and one blew a fuse, pulled the fuse from the working amp and put it into the non working amp and it fired right up. OK, just go get some new fuses.  I went to the local hardware and bought 2 GMA-1ABC 1A250v and put them into the amp that I had pulled the good fuse out of.  Both of them blew immediately.  Then I pulled the F1AL 250v out of the other amp and put it in the amp that had no problems and it fired right up.  Obviously a problem with the replacement fuses. Where can I get the right fuse?  Part number?  Sorry to bring up an old thread, but there seemed to be conflicting information,  Doc said slo blo, Grainger49 said fast blo.  I am confused.
Thanks
Kim

[Paul Joppa]

I'll defer to Doc B or PB for what is shipping currently (pun intended) - or rather, recently.

Fuse designations are very confusing. They are usually built to either IEC or UL standards (there are very many of both of those) but are labelled with the manufacturer's type designation. For example, GMA is a Bussman type. There are only a few manufacturers, though there are a lot of other brand names. Probably there are many made in China or other places outside Europe or the USA. Unfortunately, fuses with the same specification (e.g. current, voltage, fast/slow blow) may use different alloys, which affects how fast it blows - so identically rated fuses may work in one brand but not in another brand. To add to the frustration, slow-blow types are best suited to tube amp power supplies, but they are more expensive and thus harder to find.

[Bob]

Kim,

I have a BeePre and Paramounts - I too had the same problem with finding fuses that worked. I unfortunately broke one when pulling out of holder  and blew another during assembly testing.

I did go with the fast acting as that was what was delivered in my kit (1amp, 250v, 5x20).  I found and failed with several iterations of the fuses as you are describing. I started with fuses from HomeDepot -- off brand, they blew. I went to Ace Hardware, same story. I finally went to an auto parts house, bought a box of Bussman brand fuses ($4.49 for 5) --- worked perfectly. No problems since. These are the ones in the small little box, 5 per box,  with the metal sliding lid.

So maybe it is just quality of manufacturer (meaning by brand, BUSSMAN by Eaton). For my money -- I would search out Bussman brand fuses as that is what is working for me !!!

Good Luck.

Bob S

[Kim G]

Thanks Paul and Bob.  I will try and find some at the auto parts places on Tuesday, the ones I bought today were made in China, go figure.  I might try an old customer  of mine that ran a TV and electronics repair and see what he has in stock.  Will let you guys know how it works out.

Thanks again
Kim

[Kim G]

Two strike outs today, will try an old repairman locally on Wednesday.

Kim

[Kim G]

I went to an Ace hardware and they had 1 amp time delay fuses, bought a package of 2 for $6.50 (tax included).  These work and now I am back to listening to the sweet 2A3s sing.  For future reference they are Jandorf GMD TSC Time Delay 1 Amp 250 Volt 5mm x 20mm GLASS with a part number of #60702.  I will be buying several more for back ups since I had such a time finding something local to work.  Hope this helps someone else out in the future, and thanks again to everyones help and support.

Kim