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T0A05

SAFETY · Power circuits and hazards: hazardous voltages, fuses and circuit breakers, grounding, electrical code compliance; Lightning protection; Battery safety

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Why should a 5-ampere fuse never be replaced with a 20-ampere fuse?

  1. AThe larger fuse would be likely to blow because it is rated for higher current
  2. BThe power supply ripple would greatly increase
  3. CExcessive current could cause a fire
  4. DVoltage drop in the higher current fuse could result in excessively low voltage to the device
Why A fuse is chosen to protect the wiring and the device, not the fuse itself. It should open before the current exceeds what the conductors and components can safely carry. Putting in a 20 A fuse where a 5 A fuse belongs lets up to four times the rated current flow through wiring sized for 5 A, so the wire or component can overheat and start a fire before the fuse ever opens.
Watch out The idea that the bigger fuse blows more easily reverses the rating: a higher amperage rating means it takes more current to melt it, so it blows less readily, which is exactly the problem.
The fuse protects the wire, not the fuse. Never fit a fuse bigger than the circuit is rated for.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
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The rest of T0A

  1. T0A01 Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery that lacks internal protection circuit…
  2. T0A02 What health hazard is posed by electrical current flowing through the body?
  3. T0A03 In the United States, what circuit does black wire insulation indicate in a three-wire 120 V AC cable?
  4. T0A04 What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?
  5. T0A05 Why should a 5-ampere fuse never be replaced with a 20-ampere fuse?
  6. T0A06 What is a good way to guard against electrical shock at your station?
  7. T0A07 Where should a lightning arrester be installed in a coaxial feed line?
  8. T0A08 Where should a fuse or circuit breaker be installed in a 120V AC power circuit?
  9. T0A09 What should be done to all external ground rods or earth connections?
  10. T0A10 What hazard exists when rapidly charging or discharging an unprotected battery?
  11. T0A11 What hazard exists in a power supply immediately after turning it off?
  12. T0A12 Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring high voltages with a voltmeter?
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