How to Find and Clear a Short on a "Fused" Circuit

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Make a note / list of all the items that are not working on the circuit.

   (Lights and appliances) , A standard bulb will also work, but a 220 Volt bulb would be better., If you look at the bottom of the fuse, the amperage will be stamped into the center contact., (more on that later in this article)., The bulb should light up.
   
   It may or may not be bright, but it will be lit., Do this, one item at a time.,,, Insert a fuse of the same amperage as the original blown fuse.
   
   You should be good to go at this point., 14 gauge wire needs a 15 amp fuse and 12 gauge wire needs a 20 amp fuse.,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: If you live near an Electrical Supply House go and purchase a 220Volt

3. 3

   Step 3: 60 or 100 watt light bulb.

4. 4

   Step 4: Remove the blown fuse and note the amperage.

5. 5

   Step 5: If it is a 30 amp fuse and there are lights or outlets not working on the circuit

6. 6

   Step 6: it probably is the wrong size fuse installed.

7. 7

   Step 7: Screw the light bulb into the socket that had held the blown fuse.

8. 8

   Step 8: Now starting at one of the items (from your list of items that were not working) close to the location of the fuse panel

9. 9

   Step 9: start unplugging items from the circuit / outlets.

10. 10

    Step 10: When you unplug the defective item

11. 11

    Step 11: causing the short

12. 12

    Step 12: the light bulb at the fuse panel will go off.

13. 13

    Step 13: If you have unplugged all the items on the circuit

14. 14

    Step 14: and the bulb at the panel is still lit

15. 15

    Step 15: then start turning off ceiling lights that are powered by the troubled circuit.

16. 16

    Step 16: Having found the defective light / appliance and it is still unplugged

17. 17

    Step 17: it is time to replace the bulb at the panel with a standard fuse.

18. 18

    Step 18: If the blown fuse was a 30 amp fuse

19. 19

    Step 19: it will be necessary to open the panel so that you can determine the proper size fuse to use for the wire attached on that circuit.

20. 20

    Step 20: If in doubt about the gauge of the wire

21. 21

    Step 21: use a 15 amp fuse and see if it will hold the load.

22. 22

    Step 22: If your home has aluminum wire

23. 23

    Step 23: use a 15 amp fuse on 12 gauge wire and 20 amp fuse on 10 gauge wire.

24. 24

    Step 24: If you have unplugged everything and the bulb at the panel is still lit

25. 25

    Step 25: it is time to call an electrician for a more extensive trouble shooting job.

Detailed Guide

About the Author