What amp fuse to i need for my PC?

[Fuzzi Bear]

Hey all,

Up til now, i've been using a 5amp fuse in my power cable, but some are now telling me that i should not be using more than a 3amp fuse for a PC. Then there is a professional electrical company who came into my place of work the other day to test a whole load of power cables, and said that a 5amp fuse would be the best versetile choice to fit into a power cable to use on both screens and PCs. So im getting mixed messages and just wanted some confirmation.

I personally have a good PSU, and i would like to think that if 5amps where a little too much, that my PSU would regulate it. In any case, this was more a general question that i was curious about.

Please help.

 

[Fuzzi Bear]

What's the power supplies peak wattage rating and efficiency?

Ignoring PFC. Say its 70% efficient and rated to 480w. So if it needs 480w it will consume 480/0.7= 685w at 230vac. Or 2.98A. I'd think most PC's would need a 3A, an overclocked a 5A.

Whats that got to do with a 'general' question. My PSU shouldnt come into it, as everyone else in the world would have a variety.

My own PSU is a Seasonic S12 430W BTW.

 

[Fuzzi Bear]

Of course it does, what do you think is drawing power from the mains? All the mains fuse does is isolate the PSU. As far as the mains is concerned the PSU is your PC. The fuse of any equipment is rated to its peak power consumption and that includes start up surge current and operating efficiency. It should also account for reactive power. Of course there's a variety, you think every PC should have the same size fuse just because its called a PC.

My point was what does 'MY' particular power supply got to do with the general question i asked? - i am asking a general question which applies to everyone. So asking what my own personal PSU is, is no help.

I've been told that printers, PCs, and monitors are all best on a 5A fuse. This was a cable testing company that told me this, and they specialise in PCs etc. so i was just wondering if others agreed with that?

 

[Fuzzi Bear]

If you wish to be pedantic, there can be no general answer. However as I said there are only three choices. In practicality, consider the average maximum draw of any particular generic groups PSU's and match it to nearest fuse above rated just above said average. And remaining pedantic, it's the PSU the fuse protects not the PC. The PSU has it's own fuses for the PC.

Or normal PC's 3A and power hungry PC's 5A.

Finally a semi-sensible anwer. thank you for that.

Pedantic or not, the answer you gave WAS in reply to the exact question i asked. Its as if i wanted to start selling fuses on the open market... which would i need to stock up on for the majority of people's needs? - it was that type of question. Which, you've answered well for me. thanks again.

 

[Fuzzi Bear]

why not work out the current draw on everything on your pc/printer etc and choose the fuse accordingly. there is no right answer on what fuse everyone should use. just use the equation P=VI and use the next fuse up from the answer you get for the current.

I dont want to know what fuse to use FOR MY PC!...

Stop it now please.

I was asking a general question, which has now been answered as best as it can be.

I bet if i had asked:
"if i tree fell in the woods and there was nobody around to hear it, would it make a sound"...

I'd get some kind of replies such as "what kind of tree"..

Jes....

Oh well. im done banging my head on the wall now.