Where is blown fuse located?
Blown fuses are typically found in the device that controls the circuit—usually the building’s main electrical panel or fuse box. In modern homes, breakers often trip instead of fuses, and in cars or appliances the fuse is located inside the unit itself.
Home and building electrical systems
To begin, check the central power point in a residence. The following locations cover common setups you’ll encounter in houses and apartments.
- Main service panel or fuse box in a basement, garage, utility room, or electrical closet.
- Outdoor disconnects or subpanels serving detached structures like sheds or workshops.
- Older appliances with their own fuse compartments (less common in new homes) or circuits that still use a dedicated fuse in the panel.
In most homes, the blown fuse or a tripped breaker will be found in the main panel or a subpanel. If you see a fuse that appears damaged or a breaker that is OFF, that’s typically the culprit that needs attention.
Automotive fuse locations
In vehicles, fuses are housed in two common locations. Each box contains fuses for different circuits, and a fuse map on the cover helps identify which fuse controls which system.
- Engine-compartment fuse box near the battery or fender.
- Interior fuse box under the dash, near the driver’s seat, or in the glove box area.
- Some vehicles also have a secondary fuse block in the trunk or rear area.
Consult the owner’s manual for the exact layout and amperage ratings before replacing any fuse in a car.
Appliance and electronics
Many small devices and power strips have internal fuses or resettable fuses. Replacing them correctly requires identifying the proper rating and following the device’s service instructions.
- Inside the appliance behind access panels or near the power-entry area.
- In surge protectors and power strips, where replaceable fuses might be located behind a small cover.
- Some modern electronics use resettable polyfuses that must be replaced if permanently damaged.
If you can’t locate a replaceable fuse inside an appliance or the device has no user-serviceable fuse, discontinue use and seek professional service.
How to identify a blown fuse
Different clues indicate a blown fuse or a tripped circuit. Here are common signs to inspect before attempting replacement.
- Traditional fuse: the fuse link is broken, the glass is darkened or melted, or there is a burning smell.
- Circuit breaker: the handle is OFF or in a tripped position; a red or orange indicator may be visible.
- Unplugged devices or loss of power on a circuit can signal a faulty fuse or breaker; use a multimeter to verify continuity if safe to do so.
If you see damage, overheating marks, or signs of arcing, do not reuse the fuse or reset the breaker without addressing the underlying issue.
What to do if you locate a blown fuse
Follow these steps to safely address a blown fuse or tripped breaker and restore power responsibly.
- Turn off and unplug devices on the affected circuit to prevent a surge when power returns.
- Replace a blown fuse with one of the same amperage rating; never install a higher-rated fuse.
- For breakers: switch OFF, then ON after you’ve addressed the cause; if it trips again, do not bypass it—seek professional help.
- If a fuse repeatedly blows or a breaker trips repeatedly, contact a licensed electrician to diagnose wiring faults, overloads, or faulty components.
Concluding: Repeated fuses blows or breaker trips indicate a deeper issue that should be evaluated by a professional.
Safety and professional help
When to call a licensed electrician
If a fuse keeps blowing, you notice burning smells, scorch marks, flickering lights, or you’re unsure about the circuit’s load, stop and call a professional. A licensed electrician can diagnose wiring faults, overloaded circuits, or faulty components that go beyond a simple fuse replacement.
Basic safety reminders
Never work on live circuits. Turn off power at the main panel before inspecting or replacing a fuse. Use the correct amperage rating and never substitute a higher-rated fuse. Avoid touching metal parts with wet hands and keep flammable materials away from electrical panels.
Summary
The location of a blown fuse depends on the setting: homes typically house fuses in the main panel or subpanels, vehicles and appliances carry their own fuses within dedicated boxes or housings, and many modern residences rely on circuit breakers instead of traditional fuses. Always verify the correct fuse type and rating, follow safety precautions, and seek professional help if you’re unsure about the cause or safe handling.
Where is the fuse located in a car?
Car fuses are located in two main fuse boxes: one is typically found under the hood near the battery, and the other is in the passenger compartment, often under the dashboard or in the glove box. The exact location varies by model, so you should consult your owner's manual for specific details.
Under the hood
- This fuse box is usually a plastic box with a lid, located near the battery.
- It primarily protects engine and other major components, such as the battery, engine control unit (ECU), and cooling fans.
- The lid often has a diagram or label on the inside to help you identify the fuses.
This video shows how to find the fuse box under the hood and explains its function: 55sGatlin Media YouTube · May 10, 2023
In the passenger compartment
- This fuse box is often located under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the steering wheel.
- Some vehicles may place it behind a small panel or in the glove box.
- It controls interior accessories like the radio, lights, power windows, and other electronic devices.
This video demonstrates how to locate the interior fuse box and what it protects: 1mClever FixYouTube · Sep 8, 2022
Additional locations
- In some cars, a fuse box might be located in the trunk, often on a sidewall or near the spare tire.
How to find the right fuse box
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact location of all fuse boxes in your car.
- Look for a plastic box: Fuse boxes are typically a plastic container with a lid.
- Note the common locations: If you can't find the manual, start by checking the areas mentioned above (under the hood, under the dashboard, etc.).
How to locate a blown fuse?
But can happen to where these can get cracked. Um that's harder to check but Way to check on that is grab your studs. If they have a lot of wiggle. They might be cracked just swap a new fuse in there.
Can AutoZone fix a blown fuse?
No, AutoZone does not fix a blown fuse for you; they sell replacement fuses and can provide tools like fuse pullers to help you replace it yourself. You will need to locate the blown fuse, purchase a new one of the correct amperage, and install it yourself. If a replacement fuse blows immediately, there may be an underlying electrical problem that requires professional diagnosis.
This video demonstrates how to change a fuse: 58sAutoZoneYouTube · Feb 22, 2023
- Where to go: Go to AutoZone to purchase the correct replacement fuse. Associates can help you find the right one for your vehicle.
- What to do:
- Locate the blown fuse in your vehicle's fuse box. Your car's manual will show its location.
- Remove the old fuse. You can use the small fuse puller often included in the fuse box or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- Replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage. Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating.
- If it blows again: If the new fuse blows immediately after starting your car, do not put in another one. This indicates a more serious electrical issue that needs professional diagnosis.
You can watch this video to learn how to find a blown fuse: 56sBaldwin's Bowtie GarageYouTube · Jan 3, 2023
How do I tell if a fuse has blown in my car?
You need to select the lowest ometer setting. So look for the amigga symbol the diode setting next so it will do the same job. And if you touch the two probes. Together.
