2. misc-audio
  3. 127566-3884

Lemon HiFi-Tuning Fuse?

After researching the cause, I can find no reason why my HiFi-Tuning fuse simply blew in my Boulder L3AE line stage.

This was at first scary, because I had my line stage serviced and recapped last year by Boulder Amplifiers. When the fuse blew, I got that usual sinking feeling, but after replacing the HiFi-Tuning fuse (1A, 500v) with the original Boulder fuse (1A, 250v), no problems.

My power is also stable. And, I have my Boulder line stage plugged into a Brick Wall surge protector that is shared with my TT motor controller. The motor controller is just fine, so no issues there.

Has anyone experienced these fuses just giving out? I've only had my fuse for about a year, so could this just be a lemon?

Kenny

kennythekey

Showing 5 responses by kennythekey

kennythekey OP
571 posts
 

Thanks, I was just making sure that I wasn't missing something, since I do use the fuses in some of my other gear without encountering this problem.

Kenny

kennythekey OP
571 posts
 

Thanks, everyone.

I'm now wondering if it may have been caused by static? We have low humidity here in Colorado, and frequently I get a spark when grabbing the volume control of the line stage. More so, than my other components. I'll try grounding the unit, because the power cord is a built-in two prong job. A humidifier may also help.

Kenny

kennythekey OP
571 posts
 
I read a post saying that, I should be fine with the HiFi Tuning 500v rating over the original 250v rating because the current rating is the same. The fuse is a fast blow version, so the same as the original.
Kenny
kennythekey OP
571 posts
 
Thanks, guys. Well, looks like the two fuses are not the same, but still weird. The HiFi Tuning fuse is a slow blow, because I found the T designation. This is the fuse that blew. The original fuse has an F stamped on it, so it's a fast blow.
Kenny
kennythekey OP
571 posts
 
Solved - The "T" designation is correct for slow blow from HiFi Tuning, and confirmed when I found my sales receipt. The "T" actually means timed, or the technical meaning for slow blow. I contacted Boulder Amplifiers who told me the fuse should be slow blow, so the fast replacement fuse I'm using now is not correct, even though it's been working.
Considering, that the HiFi Tuning fuse was in there for at least a year before it blew, and a fast replacement tube has been working just fine for over a week, it makes sense for me to conclude what stringreen and others have suggested, that the fuse may simply be sub-standard.
Time to order a new fuse.
Kenny
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