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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
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
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Different manufactures have different codes for fast blow and slow blow, the letters F and T does not automatically mean Fast  or Slow.  

As stated earlier it is most likely a slow blow fuse thats employed as the mains fuse in you Boulder preamp but you should consult with them.  FWIW I'd forget all about any aftermarket "hifi" fuses and go with a industrial grade fuse readily available form reputable suppliers like Mouser for an example.

Good Listening

Peter


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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