Change the fuse in a plug

Replace a blown fuse in a UK 13A plug safely with the correct rating in under five minutes.

CF-01Unplug the appliance and check the fuse rating you needUnplug the appliance from the socket before you touch anything. Look at the appliance rating plate or manual to find the wattage, or check the sticker near the plug's fuse holder if there is one. As a rule of thumb, low-power items like lamps and radios use a 3A fuse, and high-power items like kettles, irons, toasters and heaters use a 13A fuse.

CF-02Open the plugTurn the plug over so you can see the pins. Most modern plugs have a small fuse carrier built into the base near the earth pin — press a small screwdriver into the slot next to it and lever gently to pop it out. Older plugs have one screw on the back holding the whole cover on; undo this and lift the cover off.

1 each · Small flat-blade screwdriver

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CF-03Take out the old fuseSlide or lift the old fuse out of its holder. Hold it up to the light — a blown fuse usually shows a black smoke mark inside the glass, or you can see the internal wire has snapped. Bin it; never put a blown fuse back in.

CF-04Fit a new fuse of the correct ratingPush the new fuse firmly into the holder until it sits flush, matching the rating you checked in step one. Only use a genuine BS 1362 fuse — never fit a higher rating than the appliance needs, as this stops the fuse protecting the flex if something goes wrong.

1 pack · 13A fuses (pack of 5, BS 1362)

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1 pack · 3A fuses (pack of 5, BS 1362)

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CF-05Close the plug back upPush the fuse carrier back into the plug body until it clicks into place, or refit the cover and tighten the single screw on older plugs. Check the cover sits flat and none of the wires inside are visible or loose.

CF-06Test the appliancePlug the appliance back in and switch it on as normal. If the fuse blows again straight away, stop — don't keep swapping fuses. This usually means a fault in the appliance or flex, and it needs checking by someone competent before you use it again.

CF-07Tidy upDispose of the old blown fuse safely in your household bin, not recycling, as it's a small glass and metal item. Put spare fuses somewhere handy, like a kitchen drawer, so you're not caught out next time.

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