How to Clean a Fuse Holder

A fuse holder is used for mounting fuses of all sizes and types. Fuses are commonly used in electrical circuits, in homes, commercial locations and automobiles. All fuses are installed within a fuse holder. The holder helps to create a dedicated space for the fuses, making it easier to locate and change faulty fuses.

Fuse holders are usually found in two main varieties, open and closed. The closed holders are less susceptible to being covered with dirt since the holder has a screw-type insertion mechanism. This securely places the fuse a few inches within the circuit box. An open fuse holder is more vulnerable to needing repeated cleaning. The fuse here is more likely to be surrounded by fuse blocks, clips, or socket plugs. All of them translate into more cleaning surfaces.

Fuse holders tend to impacted with dirt or grime. This is a direct threat to the functioning of the fuse. Though fuse holders are made with durable materials, they are prone to corrosion. The corrosive layer can get impacted upon the fuse and cause the failure of the fuse mechanism by inducing overheating.

An undemanding way to extend the life of the fuse and the entire electrical circuit is to periodically clean the fuse holder. This is a relatively easy task that you can do by using the following information.

Step 1 - Take Basic Precautions

Be safe by wearing rubber or plastic gloves. Switch off the main power supply. Prepare yourself with a flashlight if the circuit board is located within a dark room. Old electrical boxes often have loose wires that press against the surrounding panels. This is a serious risk since some wires may be carrying static current. Use electrical tape to tape off the loose ends of the wires.

Step 2 - Clean Fuse Holder Connectors

Approach the fuse holder. First, inspect the connectors of the fuse holder. Use a screwdriver to lift the connector springs. Use a dry cloth to repeatedly clean the holder's springs. You can also use an electrical contact cleaner. Use an old toothbrush for scrubbing the old connectors.

This is an ideal way of removing the hardened layers formed by corrosion. Ensure that you brush the debris away from the fuse holder. Take care not to exert too much pressure on the spring connectors as this can permanently displace or break them. Again, inspect the surface of the connectors. If there is any surface damage, you need to replace the connectors.

Step 3 - Clean Inside of Fuse Holder

Now, pull out the fuses within the fuse holder. Inspect the fuse for any debris. You can use emery cloth for cleaning the fuses. Surfaces along the inner side of the fuse box can be particularly hard to reach. Tear off a small piece of emery cloth and fold it over the edge of the screwdriver. Now, use the screwdriver to slowly scrub away the internal edges.

Step 4 - Lubricate Cleaned Fuse Holder

Use a branded lubricant that is retailed for coating rust prone surfaces. Use a paintbrush to coat the inner, outer and the non-wired, surrounding surfaces of the fuse holder. The lubricant seals-off the fuse holder surface against moisture seepage.