JDNSW
4th June 2008, 07:56 PM
A couple of days ago I investigated the failure of the heater fan in the County. I had visions of a wiring problem, most likely a faulty switch, possibly worn brushes on the motor - after all, it is 22 years old!
However, checking with a multimeter soon established that the problem was the fuse - as it was clearly not blown, I initially thought it was bad contacts due to corrosion, but it turned out to be a faulty fuse.
These fuses comprise a glass tube, with metal end caps, and a length of fuse wire soldered to each end. Yes, one end had a dry joint - came apart when handled, and the wire, where it went through the solder was not even tinned. Presumably it had originally been bright copper, and made good enough contact when new, but had oxidised eventually. I can't remember replacing it ever, so it may even be an original one.
John
However, checking with a multimeter soon established that the problem was the fuse - as it was clearly not blown, I initially thought it was bad contacts due to corrosion, but it turned out to be a faulty fuse.
These fuses comprise a glass tube, with metal end caps, and a length of fuse wire soldered to each end. Yes, one end had a dry joint - came apart when handled, and the wire, where it went through the solder was not even tinned. Presumably it had originally been bright copper, and made good enough contact when new, but had oxidised eventually. I can't remember replacing it ever, so it may even be an original one.
John