Schematic Reference

Fuse Monitor

The idea for this project may have come to me in a flash of inspiration, and its a very simple way to check if a fuse has blown without removing it from its holder. The simplicity of this circuit uses just two components, but with just one resistor and an LED this circuit gives visual indication of when a fuse has blown. LED1 is normally off, being "short circuited " by the fuse, F1. Should the inevitable "big-bang" happen in your workshop then LED1 will illuminate and led you know all about it! Please note that the LED will only illuminate under fault conditions, i.e. with a short circuit or shunt on the load. In this case the current is reduced to a safe level by R1.