How to Check SMD Fuses

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
You can test your SMD fuses yourself with a multi-meter

SMD fuses are used in fine electronic equipment and video game systems. They are very small and look like a tiny silver candy bar. These fuses are designed to protect individual components of a system, instead of one fuse protecting the entire item. You can test your SMD fuses for proper working order with a basic multi-meter and a steady hand.

Advertisement

Step 1

Turn on the multi-meter and set it to "x1" ohms. This is the lowest resistance rating, and is used to make sure that an electrical component has a continuous connection.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Attach the red and black alligator clips to the fuse. Attach the red clip to one end of the SMD fuse, while you attach the black clip to the opposite end. Alternatively, if you do not want to remove the SMD fuse from the circuit board, you can use pin leads and touch the red and black leads to opposite ends of the fuse.

Step 3

Check for continuity. If your fuse is working correctly, the needle in your analog multi-meter will show a reading. If you have a digital multi-meter, you will see the numbers increase. If there is no change in the reading, the SMD fuse is bad and will need to be replaced.

Tip

Make sure your muti-meter is working properly before testing. Turn on the unit. Switch it to x1 ohms and touch the red and black leads together. If the multi-meter is working properly, you'll have a positive reading in the window, and you're ready to test.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

references