Removing fuse from AC outlet on amp...

[Bob M.]

I've got an amp on my bench that uses a 3-prong detachable AC cord and connects to the back of the amp. This connector also houses a fuse but I can't find the release clip to get access to this fuse, which I have reason to suspect is blown. How do I remove the fuse from this AC outlet/connector?

Thanks,

Bob M.

[52 Bill]

How do I remove the fuse from this AC outlet/connector?

All of the ones that I have seen require that you remove the IEC cord and then pry out the fuse with the small tab at the top of the fuse drawer.

You can test the fuse by reading the resistance across the Hot and Neutral sides of the ac cord. If the fuse is good, there will be some sort of reading, if the fuse is open, it will always read infinity.

[Bob M.]

Thanks, Bill,

I figured it out. I pried it out with the proper sized flat blade screwdriver and replaced the fuse. I just hate forcing cheap plastic parts and then sometimes breaking them and having to order a new connector /outlet so I decided to ask. I haven't seen one with this type of construction yet. But I got it. Thanks for the quick reply.

Bob M.

[g1]

Just a heads up that this type construction sometimes has a 'flip-over' drawer that selects between 110/240V operation.
If you've never seen one it can waste a lot of time if someone unknowingly flipped it. The label is embossed and can be hard to notice.

[Enzo]

And really, don't assume something is cheap and crappy just because it is made of plastic.

[Bob M.]

Hi there all you plastic-aholics,

I'm not denigrating the plastics industry - plastic can be a great thing - but merely saying that 'I hate when that happens' - applying too much force to an unknown part and subsequently doing more harm than good. Don't amp builders/repairers have some sort of version of the Hippocratic Code to think about while we're rackin' and rollin'?

I shouldn't have wasted everyone's precious time with this triviality; I just hate re-inventing the wheel with so many smart and experienced folks around here. You all are a great resource - thanks for responding.

Bob M.

[Justin Thomas]

I guess a certain amount of me says, "this fuse is meant to be replaced. Now, the average user and most likely replacer of said fuse is a guitar player that will likely only have a couple of beers, a Swiss Army Knife, and a screwdriver that serves double-duty as a chisel & a pry bar. Now, in a fight between our user's tools and a plastic fuse housing, who would win?"

I guess it's not that plastic is cheap, but sometimes the "End User" consideration should come into play a little more often!

I write this post all in good humour..

Justin

[Bob M.]

I live in a college town and get alot of repairs from well-meaning college kids who have yet to learn to respect their equipment (that's an advanced level class) - using a jackhammer where a screwdriver is needed.

Bob M.

[Justin Thomas]

Been there, done that... believe it or not, buying the proper tools for the job SAVED me money.

Though my soft mallet is inscribed with "The Enzo Whacker," since punching amps got painful after a while. Seems three quarters of the ones I get are intermittent bad connections.

Justin