Fuse Replacement for EEVBlog Meter

[SpaceCow]

I recently blew the fuse on the micro/milliamp section of my BM235.  On the front of the meter, it says "600mA MAX HBC FUSED." However, when I took the fuse out to change it, the SIBA fuse itself says 400mA on it. What is the correct value to buy? What is the reason for this disagreement in values. For reference, the fuse says:

SIBA
FF 400mA
DMI 1000v
70 172 40

Thanks!

[TheAmmoniacal]

The manual says:

The 400mA will still be able to handle a 600mA (full scale) input for some time, so no worries measuring full scale mA current. Fuses don't magically blow at their rated current, it's a more complicated process than that!

The exact fuse is:

Fuse F1 for microA/mA current input:
0.4A/1000V DC/AC, IR 30kA FAST fuse or better; Dimension: 6 x 32 mm SIBA 70-172-40 FF400mA

The time-current curve is attached, not sure how to read it..

[SpaceCow]

The manual says:

The 400mA will still be able to handle a 600mA (full scale) input for some time, so no worries measuring full scale mA current. Fuses don't magically blow at their rated current, it's a more complicated process than that!

The exact fuse is:

Fuse F1 for microA/mA current input:
0.4A/1000V DC/AC, IR 30kA FAST fuse or better; Dimension: 6 x 32 mm SIBA 70-172-40 FF400mA

The time-current curve is attached, not sure how to read it..

The manual! What do ya know...

Can't believe I forgot to check that. Thanks for your help.


What is a good place to buy this fuse?

This one is $4 plus shipping on Digikey. Is that my best bet? http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&itemSeq=215477623&uq=636191142748011468

[TheAmmoniacal]

No problem, nobody checks the manual!

[turbotemp]

Many newer  meters use high energy fuses for safety when they're used on high energy circuits. It becomes relevant when you accidentally measuring amps across 400v AC utility or across unprotected electric vehicle battery pack. You can use a common 0.5A fast blow 1/4" 250v glass fuse and that's what they've always shipped meters with before CAT III/IV thing became the thing.

[MacMeter]

1-27-2017

Anyone find a reputable online company, (I'm in the US) that sells both types of replacement fuses at reasonable prices? BM235 model.

I looked at both Mouser, and GreyBar, both large companies, but a single large fuse is over $40/each, and of course I can find them on eBay, for far less, but I have no idea if they are Chinese clones, since China is the source. The price range between them is crazy, 3 large fuses cost as much as the base meter. THANKS!

[ez24]

a single large fuse is over $40/each

That is why for most times I use a $5 HF meter for currents.

[MacMeter]

a single large fuse is over $40/each

That is why for most times I use a $5 HF meter for currents.

Sure, but I'd like to use my NEW meter, and have a few spare fuses in the bag.

[ez24]

Sure, but I'd like to use my NEW meter

I use my NEW meter for voltages and the HF for currents

[sequoia]

a single large fuse is over $40/each

That is why for most times I use a $5 HF meter for currents.

Sure, but I'd like to use my NEW meter, and have a few spare fuses in the bag.

This sure is one elusive fuse, unless one is prepared to order large quantity... (last I checked it was not readily available in small quantities from any major retailers in US).

Closest thing I found was 500mA version of this same fuse, as apparently some Amprobe DMMs use it.
Search for "Amprobe FP500", I recall getting 4 fuse set from Newark for about $7....

[MacMeter]

While I like the BM-235, my frustration finding the SIBA 7017240.0.4 replacement fuse continues. I'm trying to avoid eBay and Amazon as there is no way to know if you are getting a clone/copy.  I called SIBA USA, they gave me 3 US websites to try. Only one even listed the fuse, no stock, minimum order of 10, and it's a SPECIAL order. Not a good situation.

[prwiley]

I blew the SIBA fuse as well and have searching for US sellers as well and not finding it anywhere except eBay. Very frustrating. Has anyone found a source?

[Candid]

Welectron is selling them and sending to USA is not expensive:
https://www.welectron.com/SIBA-701724004-Fuse-63x32mm-04A-1000V

[iainwhite]

There is a UK eBay seller called JPSCalibrationServices that sells them in packs of 5.
For the 400mA fuse I think his part number is 'JPSF083' and you are looking at about $26 for 5 fuses including shipping to the US.

I am in the US and have purchased from JPS in the past and received genuine Siba fuses.

[bc888]

As I'm kind of a dumbass and learn things the hard and painful way, figured I'd I simply buy the fuse from Dave in advance of me blowing one. He didn't have them at the time, I looked and was surprised there weren't available everywhere. Eventually Dave got them in and they came fairly fast. To the point (finally) he has them now, the price is fair, the shipping is fair and I was happy they came from far away so fast. Click the link, stock up. https://www.eevblog.com/product/multimeter-fuse-pack/

Please note they are AUthentic. (he says:-) 

[paul_g_787]

I actually have some of these fuses left over spare from when I ordered a pack of them a while back.

SIBA 70-172-40.0,4 400mA 1000V AC&DC 30kA IR 6mmx32mm

If anyone needs one then I would be willing to send one for cost plus postage which is 96p with royal mail in the UK. Send me a PM