Generally, a blown fuse is caused by a power surge resulting from extreme weather like lightning, storms, etc.; the common symptom is a black screen. You can quickly fix this issue by inspecting your TV fuse and replacing it with a new one.
Have you ever come across a blown fuse in your TV? You might have, but didn’t know the problem was due to a blown fuse. Yes! It’s true for most of us.
However, fixing and replacing your blown fuse won’t be a permanent fix always. You will have to dive deeper and find out the actual cause of the problem to stop this from happening again and again.
In this article, I have put everything you should know about a TV fuse, why a TV fuse gets blown, how you can know if your TV has a blown fuse, and loads of other information.
Here’s a table summarizing the causes of a blown TV fuse and their descriptions:
| Causes of Blown TV Fuse | Description |
|---|---|
| Overloaded Circuit | This happens when too much power is drawn into the circuit. It can lead to a blown fuse. |
| Circuit or Breaker Issues | Problems with the circuit or breaker can lead to a blown fuse. |
| Short Circuit or Ground Fault | Damaged wires can cause a short circuit, leading to a blown fuse. |
| Arc Issues | Arcing can cause a blown fuse. |
| Damaged Wiring | If the wiring is damaged, it can cause an overload or fault current, causing damage to the TV unit. |
| Damaged Electrical Outlets | Damaged outlets can lead to a blown fuse as they may cause overloads or faults. |
| Power Surges | Power surges due to outages or lightning storms can cause a blown fuse. |
| Faulty Components | Dead shorted parts, usually a bridge diode, regulator IC or possibly the Horizontal output can cause the TV to keep blowing fuses. |
| Incompatible Fuse | The wrong fuse could cause an overload or fault current, causing damage to the TV unit. |
What Is A Fuse?
A fuse is an electrical component (found in almost all electronic appliances) that protects an electronic unit from power surges.
As a TV repair expert, I can tell you that a fuse is essentially a safeguard for your television’s circuitry.
It’s a device built with a conductive strip designed to melt and break apart when it experiences an electrical current overload.
The beauty of this is its simplicity – a slender wire of fuse material is encased in a protective cover to minimize any potential harm caused by the surges of electricity flowing into your TV circuit.
This tiny component plays a huge role in keeping your television safe from electrical damage.
Speaking from years of experience, it’s crucial to understand that without proper protection against overcurrent situations, your television or any other electric device can be at risk.
Overcurrent can lead to overheating, which in turn can cause temporary or even permanent damage to your device. In extreme cases, this could even result in a fire.
Expert Tip – A TV fuse is an electrical component that protects your TV from abnormalities in the power supply (overloading, short circuits, mismatched loads, and equipment failure).
How Does An Electric Fuse Work?
Before you get into the working mechanism of an electric fuse, it’s important to learn the Physical Makeup of an electric fuse.
I CAN TELL YOU HOW IT LOOKS since I have already seen different fuses.
An electric fuse is typically made up of a ceramic or glass cylinder. However, they could also be made up of fiberglass, plastic, or even molded compressed fiber or mica laminates.
This fuse has metallic contact points on both ends (see the above picture), bridged by a wire connecting these two terminals.
On certain types of fuses, particularly those made from ceramic or non-transparent materials, an external signal feature pops up.
The connecting wire inside the fuse can be made from various metals, including aluminum, silver, zinc, or copper. Inside the cylindrical fuse, you’ll find it packed with quartz sand – a material known for its non-combustible properties.
So, can you fix a blown fuse? You cannot fix a blown fuse. If a fuse blows, it melts the fuse wire which you cannot repair, however, you can easily replace that with a new one.
Why Does A TV Fuse Blow? The Common Causes
Generally, a TV fuse blows due to a sudden surge in current supply. However, there could be a few more reasons, such as overloaded circuits, short circuits, issues with circuit breakers, and faulty wiring.
Overloaded Circuit
Generally, we plug in too many devices to our TV for streaming or other using other devices. This can overload the TV circuit, resulting in a blown fuse.
A Short Circuit
A short circuit can be caused by several things, such as moisture, damaged wire, or even insects. These things divert the current to a different path other than where it should have flown ideally.
Issues Due To Circuit Breaker
Generally, we don’t find any problem with a circuit breaker. But if you notice that your circuit breaker is tripping continuously, it has a severe problem, and that’s why your TV fuse has blown.
Faulty Wiring
A wiring fault is the first thing you should check if your TV fuse is blown. This is a common issue leading to a blown TV fuse. So, before you replace the TV fuse, look for loose or faulty connections.
Remember that this can also cause HDMI port malfunction, so be sure to check for faulty wiring and loose connection first.
Arc Fault
Problems with wiring and circuit connections, such as loose screws, may lead to arc faults. If these faults generate sparks along defective wiring, it can cause a fuse to blow. (source)
Where Is A TV Fuse Located And What Does It Look Like?
A TV fuse is located on the TV power supply board, and if you have never seen a TV board before, finding a fuse could not be easy for you.
Check the above TV fuse image and remember how it looks. This could help you locate your TV fuse in the circuit board.
You can also refer to your TV’s user manual and find the exact place where the fuse is on the board.
Here’s an image for you to find out how a fuse looks.
A TV fuse is a cylindrical tube with metal caps at both ends. It is placed in a holder inside or outside your electrical device. The size and capacity of a fuse can vary depending on the voltage it can hold and the amp rating.
Some fuses, known as lead fuses, have pigtail leads soldered into position.
On the other hand, you may come across surface-mount fuses in some television boards. These have a slightly different appearance, setting them apart from traditional fuses.
If you are going to replace your television fuse, it’s crucial to recognize these variations to ensure proper handling and replacement.
What Are The Signs Of A Blown TV Fuse?
The signs of a blown TV fuse are:
- The TV is not turning on,
- Has low sound or picture quality,
- TV won’t stay tuned to certain channels,
- Smoke or sparks are coming from the back of the television set.
How To Find Out a Blown TV Fuse?
A blown TV fuse is dark or cloudy inside the glass and clear if the fuse is working.
But, sometimes, the fuse wire connecting the two ends can be broken, and you would not see any dark smear inside the glass.
In such a situation, you will need a multimeter to determine whether a fuse is working.
Follow these steps to find out a blown TV fuse:
- Unplug your TV and wait for 30 minutes or more to let the board free from any passing current.
- After 30 minutes, use a screwdriver (Edward Tools Phillips Flat Head Screwdriver Set ) to remove the TV’s back panel.
- On the TV board, locate the fuse; if it looks cloudy or burnt or the wire that connects both ends of the fuse is broken, you have a dead fuse. (Use a mutimeter to confirm this.)
- When you touch both ends of the fuse with the multimeter (video is below for instruction) and the display shows OL, the fuse is dead. If it shows zero (0), it’s in working condition.
Expert Tip – When measuring an operational fuse, the resistance reading should ideally fall within the range of 0 to 5 Ohms. If the reading surpasses 5 Ohms, it could indicate a potential issue with the fuse, suggesting that it may be faulty or in a degraded condition.
Where To Buy The TV Fuse?
You can buy a TV fuse either online or at a nearby store. Buying one online is relatively easy if your television uses a standard fuse.
The Bojack F5AL125V 20-Pack 5A 125V Fuses is what I use for a replacement fuse.
However, if your TV needs a unique fuse, your choices might be more restricted. Not all stores have specialized fuses suited for various TV models.
Buying The Right TV Fuse
If you buy a replacement TV fuse at a physical store, the staff there can guide you in choosing the appropriate one for your television. However, if you opt for an online purchase, you’ll need to rely on your research and understanding.
Ensure you note down crucial specifications of your blown fuse and verify that the replacement fuse aligns with these parameters.
Here are some specifics you should take into account:
- Your TV’s model and manufacturing year.
- Look for the TV’s power ratings (provided in watts) and the voltage and amperage ratings of the old fuse. These details are usually found on the fuse itself or in the TV’s user manual).
- The fuse size and type (fast-blow or slow-blow).
Fast-blow fuses are designed to blow off as soon as the current supply equals the fuse’s amperage rating, whereas slow-blow fuses are built to withstand surges in startup power without blowing off.
The amperage rating (A) denotes the current-carrying capacity of the fuse, while the voltage rating (V) indicates the maximum voltage supply the fuse can safely handle. (Using a voltage stabilizer can help – read our blog “Do Smart TVs Need Voltage Stabilizer“)
You should always be aware of the risks associated with using an incorrect or incompatible fuse, which could lead to serious hazards such as electrocution or fire.
A wrong fuse can cause an overload or fault in the current supply, damaging the circuit board and your TV unit.
Another indicator of an incompatible fuse is that it blows even when there are electrical issues with your TV.
How Do You Prevent Fuses from Blowing Again?
Here’s how you can prevent fuses from blowing again:
Step 1: Avoid Overloading Circuits
The most frequent cause of blown fuses is an overloaded circuit. Identify these circuits and lighten their load by relocating appliances or electronics to different areas of your home.
Step 2: Upgrade Your Electrical System
If redistributing your electronic devices isn’t feasible, consider upgrading to a modern breaker box. This can handle more electrical load and prevent future fuse blowouts.
Step 3: Diagnose and Repair Short Circuits
Short circuits, which occur when electricity suddenly increases due to a misdirected flow, are another common cause of blown fuses. These issues indicate a problem with your wiring that requires professional attention.
You must hire a licensed and insured electrician to diagnose and repair the problem.
Step 4: Check Appliances Regularly
Faulty appliances can also blow fuses due to increased electrical loads. So, regularly inspecting your appliances for any signs of malfunction can help.
If an appliance constantly causes a fuse to blow, it might be time for a repair or replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Generally, a blown fuse leads to a Black screen in a TV.
- You can easily replace a TV fuse to fix this problem, but it is really necessary to understand the reason causing this situation for a permanent solution.
- The fuse in television is a strategically designed electrical safety device with a conductive strip that melts and breaks apart when access current passes through it, thereby preventing any potential damage to the device.
Frequently Asked Questions ( TV Fuse – FAQs)
Do TVs Have Fuses?
Yes, televisions are similar to many other electrical appliances and are equipped with fuses. The primary role of this fuse is to protect your TV from unpredictable power surges or an excess current that can damage its circuit.
For example, when your TV circuit draws excessive power, the fuse in your TV will blow. This can also occur due to improper wiring or a short circuit triggered by factors such as damaged wires or moisture.
What causes a Blown TV fuse?
The factors contributing to a blown TV fuse are an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, problems with the circuit breaker, or defective wiring.
Related Article – How To Get Rid of Blue Screen on TV