"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
k...
The Medway Handyman presented the following explanation :
If an appliance is plugged into an extension lead, and the lead is
plugged into a socket outlet - will a fault in the appliance blow (a) the
fuse in its own lead, (b) the fuse in the extension lead or (c) both?

If both are the same value of fuse, either or both could blow - assuming
the washing machine is the only load on the extension. Normally an MCB
would be the first to trip.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk



Depends on fuse rating and fault current. It's not unknown for both fuses
to go and the circuit MCB.

If the fault current is relatively low it will just take out the weakest
fuse.

Current can still flow through a molten wire or plasma of metal vapour. I
have known glass fuses to shatter, but not the standard mains ceramic, sand
filled types.