Adding an External Fuse to My Multimeter!

by Mjtrinihobby in Circuits > Electronics

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Adding an External Fuse to My Multimeter!

My trusty fluke multimeter has been with me for 12 years. I love it. It's rugged and reliable. The internal fuses however are expensive and not readily available locally. As a substitute I soldered those glass type fuses into the fuse holders. This approach works well but when the fuse blows due to my muckup, it is quite a task to replace it.

Here is how I added an external fuse and holder to my veteran fluke multimeter.

The Fuse and Holder.

I have lots of automotive fuses (which hobbyist doesn't?). These are rated to 32vdc and are perfect for my uses. I typically measure up to 24vdc with this meter so it's just right for me.

Accessing the Fluke Fuse Holder.

Removing the battery cover gives access to the fuses. The one I have to replace is the 10A one. I unsoldered the blown fuse and made it ready for the new one.

High Current Wiring.

Using heavy gauge wires, I soldered them to the fuse holder terminals.

Connection of the Holder.

I soldered the fuse holder and used liquid electrical tape to insulate the exposed conductors.

Notching the Battery Cover.

I cut a small notch to allow the wires out of the fluke's internals.

Completion!

Now my hardy fluke has an external fuse holder that is easy to access on the field and I plentiful fuses to replace blown ones.

Yes I know the pretty factor is out the window but it works well!