What Size Inline Fuse Do Yall Run?

[GigaFish]

Hey all,
Quick noob question that just came to my mind! I have been running a 2 amp in-line glass fuse that came with my radio. Should I upgrade this to a larger size after a peak-and tune? Or does it not matter? I have not blown the 2 amp, but did not know if it was standard to up it a little! Thanks!

[sonoma]

if it does not blow after the tune it is fine. if it should blow while talking up it to a 3 amp.. you did not say what radio you are running. you go by what amps the radio draws while talking. the higer power export radios take about a 5 amp putting out max of 30 to 35 watts. one that puts out higher watts will take a bigger fuse.

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[MDYoungblood]

Yep, that is the way I would go too, if the 2 amp blows try a 3 amp if that blows then a 4, I haven't seen a tuned CB radio need over a 5 amp fuse.

3's

Greg

[battyice]

My McKinley blew a 2 amp fuse last weekend. Guess it is time to step up to a 3.

[GigaFish]

Great, thanks for the responses! Since it hasn't blown yet, I will just leave it at the 2a!

[sonoma]

if the radio works and not blow the fuse it is fine. putting a bigger fuse in line only makes it easier to blow up rhe radio if some thing shorts and the fuse is too big. I can remember drivers coming in with a 20 amp fuse in the radio line because some one told them the radio would put out more watts with a bigger fuse. that does not happen that way.

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[MDYoungblood]

if the radio works and not blow the fuse it is fine. putting a bigger fuse in line only makes it easier to blow up rhe radio if some thing shorts and the fuse is too big. I can remember drivers coming in with a 20 amp fuse in the radio line because some one told them the radio would put out more watts with a bigger fuse. that does not happen that way.

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Same thing about using 8awg leads to power the radio.

3's

Greg

[295 antenna]

ive always used a 3 amp fuse with no issues, Anything bigger and you run the risk of blowing up your rig

[pabxone]

This is one of the few cases where Smaller is better

My rule of thumb is:-

AM - 2 Amps
SSB - 3 Amps
Export Multimodes etc 4 -> 5 Amps

The lowest value fuse that doesn't blow is what you want to be using all the time.

Problems occur when you have a fuse with a blow rating that is higher than the blow rating of the protection diode.

You want the fuse to blow before the protection diode does - for that same reason DON'T use T rated (Time delay / Träge (Slow Blow) ) fuses.

F rated fuses ( (Flink) Fast Acting ) are fine in 99% of applications but are uncommon and more expensive.

[GigaFish]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Good to know that it is best to keep with the smallest one feasible, that does make a lot of sense in regards to not blowing the system.

[jon6667]

i have seen people bring radios to my shop. with 20 amp
fuses and wonder why the radio smoked. never ever use a fuse bigger than you need. this way the fuse will blow
before the radio.repair can get expensive.

[jessejamesdallas]

I find that the bigger ones last longer....

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