The stereo receiver is the piece that organizes all of the audio signals for different radio channels through inputs and also holds the outputs of various audio devices. Receivers also amplify sound. If your stereo receiver keeps blowing fuses, how can the receiver be repaired?
You can fix the stereo receiver when it blows a fuse by unplugging other electronics, replacing damaged wiring around the receiver, correcting the amperage rating in the fuse, replacing the fuse, or repairing a damaged part in the stereo.
Fuse blowing is a common problem in stereos and other appliances because the fuse is a replaceable part to prevent electrical damage. Read on to learn more about blown fuses in stereo receivers and why they happen.
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How Can You Repair a Blown Stereo Fuse?
Over time, the stereo receiver may start to blow fuses which can cause the stereo or other audio sources to stop working.
Thankfully, there are many things you can do to replace the fuse in your stereo when it blows. Let’s take a look at each option in detail.
Unplugging Other Appliances Near the Stereo
Overloaded electrical circuits are one of the most common causes of the fuse blowing. Circuits become overloaded when too many appliances are plugged into one outlet or power strip.
Unplugging some of the devices will help prevent overloading the circuit and keep fuses from blowing because the same electric current is not being shared as much and can flow easily.
Replacing Damaged Stereo Wiring
The wiring that connects to the stereo can have many problems, such as improper insulation on the wire, which can cause fuses to blow. Check your stereo’s wiring regularly to ensure it is in good condition, and replace it if necessary.
Common signs of damaged wiring include:
- Breaker trips.
- Flickering, buzzing, or dimming lights near the area where the stereo is plugged in.
- Frays or chewed-up parts in the wire.
- Discoloration and scorching in the wire.
- Smoke around the area where the wire is located.
- Warmth or vibrating around wall outlets if your stereo is plugged in.
- Burning or odd smells around the area where the wire is located.
In some cases, you can use electrical tape to repair the damage, such as minor frays or initial insulation tears. However, you will most likely need to replace the wiring entirely.
Before doing this, ensure you get the correct wiring for your stereo, and other electronics make and model.
Correcting the Fuse Amperage Rating
Every fuse has a voltage and amperage rating that indicates the amount of power and electricity that the fuse can handle. When the stereo has an amperage that is more than it can handle, it causes the fuse to blow.
The amperage rating a stereo can take is listed in the owner’s manual and other technical specifications. Many people make the mistake of adding a fuse with a higher amperage rating, which causes the fuse to blow again.
To pick the proper amperage for the fuse you have in your stereo, you have to know the full load steady state current of the circuit it is running on at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, which can be found by searching online.
Replacing the Fuse in a Stereo
The most obvious way to correct the issue of a blown fuse is to replace the faulty one with a new one before venturing to replace the whole receiver. Although fuses look the same, there are many different types, and choosing the wrong one can cause damage. This is because fuses are designed to break if the current in them is too high.
The various types of fuses include:
- DC fuses
- AC fuses
- Automotive fuses
- Resettable fuses
- Semiconductor fuses
To see the required fuse your stereo needs, check the owner’s manual and compare it to the one currently being used and make sure to get a new fuse with an amperage equal to the one required.
Repairing a Damaged Stereo Part
Sometimes, another part of the stereo other than the fuse box becomes faulty and can cause a fuse to blow. Find and replace the faulty part yourself, or take it to a shop to resolve the fuse issue. Internal damage such as water damage will weaken all the parts that make a stereo work.
How to Replace a Stereo Receiver Fuse
If you try one of the above methods and the fuse in your stereo still blows regularly, you may have to replace the receiver fuse. This will also be the case if you are not using a separate stereo and using one that is built into the receiver.
Follow the steps below to replace the stereo receiver fuse yourself.
- Find the fuse socket on the back of the receiver and check the outlet the receiver is plugged into to make sure the outlet is working. Check the fuse if the outlet is working, but the receiver is not on.
- Find the small round knob labeled fuse on the back of the receiver.
- Unplug the receiver from the outlet and turn the knob counterclockwise to allow one end of the fuse to come out.
- Pull the fuse out carefully and look at it. If the metal strip inside is broken or burned through, it needs to be replaced.
- If it does not need to be replaced, simply reseating it may do the trick. Otherwise, move on to the replacement.
- Insert the new fuse and put the cap back on by turning it clockwise.
- Plug in the receiver and turn it on to see if it works.
If the stereo receiver needs to be replaced, follow the warranty and support guide according to the purchase terms.
If the receiver is still not functioning properly after following these steps, you should seek the help of an electrician to help troubleshoot your living room and help you fix the problem without causing further damage to other devices.
Investing in a slow blow fuse that can better handle large volumes of current is a good idea to limit the number of times the receiver needs repair.
Stereo Receiver Keeps Blowing Fuses Conclusion
The receiver on a stereo is prone to blowing fuses due to overloading of the circuit it is running on and damage to the inside parts, among other things.
If your receiver keeps blowing fuses, you can fix it by unplugging some electronics, replacing the fuse and/or wires, and adjusting the fuse amperage. If the receiver still doesn’t work, you can replace the receiver itself. You can hire an electrician to evaluate your living room wiring if all else fails.
