raden wrote in :

In message , Chris Nellist
writes
Hi, I am an electronics newbie and owing to my own
stupidity I need a new fuse for my multimeter.

The manual says get an "identical" fuse, then gives
a colon, and specifies 250V and 500mA. It also says
phi5X20(mm), which I assume just means 5mm in diameter
and 20mm long.

So you just need a 20mm 500mA fuse

Does it have an "F" or a "T" on it to indicate fast or slow blow ?

Yes - an "F". It has got "F500mAL250V".

Maplins should have those in stock, as for exact replacement, they're
just covering their arses

Having looked again at the catalogue, I think the GJ87U
would fit the bill. I'd be very grateful if someone could
confirm! (This would avoid me having to pay shipping costs
to Farnell's for such a cheap component).

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...=25433&doy=9m9

For some reason the Maplin's person on the phone told
me this had a voltage rating of 60V, whereas it's
actually 250V.

Not that I plan on going near potential differences
anything like as high as 60V.

Thanks to everyone for replies and help.

Chris