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Fuse Keeps Blowing

Question: I have an electrical problem. I have a table lamp that continually blows the fuse. It doesn’t happen every time I turn on the light, but maybe once out of every four times. I am considering replacing the 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse. Will that solve the problem? Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer: First, never replace a 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse. The 15 amp fuse is designed to provide the occupants of the home with a level of safety. A higher rated fuse reduces that level of safety!

From your description you could be facing one of two possible problems.

  1. The bulb socket, and the associated lamp switch could be worn and causing a short circuit at times. I would try a different lamp in that electrical outlet for a few days and see if the fuse still blows. If it doesn’t, it is likely that the switch and bulb socket need to be replaced or the wiring either at the plug end of the lamp electrical cord or at the bulb socket and switch end needs to be replaced.
  2. There is some other appliance or electrical device that is on that circuit that is not always on. When you turn the lamp on and the other device is on, you are exceeding 15 amps and the fuse blows. This will require some investigation into what appliances and other electrical devices are on the same circuit.

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