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Re: using light bulbs when testing new DIY project

68.0.154.81

The 'light bulb' you refer to is popularly known as "The Fuse Saver", but it saves a lot more than just fuses. The Fuse saver is easily constructed using a common outlet box for wall plugs. You will also need a duplex outlet cover plate and a duplex outlet and a single pole double throw toggle switch, a romex clamp and about a 2-3 ft. line cord with a plug on one end. First, break the strap on the duplex outlet that ties both plugs together. Drill a hole thru the 'knock-out' at one end of the box to accomodate the spdt toggle switch and mount it in that hole. Run the line cord thru the romex clamp at one end of the box and connect it to one pole of the switch and the top outlet and then to the second outlet. Then connect the other pole of the switch to the the bottom outlet.if you have wired it correctly one throw of the switch will connect the top outlet to the bottom outlet, and the other pole will bypass the top outlet and go directly to the bottom outlet. Mark the position of the switch that connects the top outlet to the bottom outlet "Test" and the position that bypasses the top outlet "Run". Finally, get a plug-in adapter to use a lightbulb in a duplex plug available at any hardware store. The wiring has now placed the top outlet in series with the bottom outlet with the switch at the "test" position, and bypasses the top outlet at the "Run" position. To use the "Fuse Saver" install a lightbulb that draws approximately as much curent as the 'device under test', which is plugged into the the bottom outlet. With the switch set to "Test" plug the linecord in. If the lightbulb, which is in series with the 'device under test' and "pads" the circuit glows brightly The DUT is drawing too much current and their is a fault in the DUT that needs to be found and fixed but has prevewnted letting the smoke out of any number of parts. If the bulb glows dimly or not at all everything is O.K. Happy Testing !


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  • Re: using light bulbs when testing new DIY project - pkell44 20:08:49 04/22/07 (0)

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