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Professional Guide

Best Household Fuses for Electrical Safety: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

It usually happens at the worst possible time: absolute silence followed by the realisation that the kettle, toaster, or heater has stopped working. For most homeowners, the humble plug fuse is an afterthought until it blows. However, as an electrician, I see the dangerous consequences of using the wrong fuses every week.

Many people assume all fuses are the same, or worse, they stick a 13A fuse in every plug they own. In reality, putting a 13A fuse in a table lamp designed for 3A is a significant fire risk. The fuse is there to protect the flex (cable), not just the appliance. If the fuse rating is too high, the cable can melt before the fuse blows.

In this review, I'll walk you through the best BS 1362 household fuses available in 2025. We will look at a budget bulk pack for high-power appliances, a massive assortment kit for the properly organised workshop, and a mixed pack perfect for the average kitchen drawer.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Universal Fit (13A)"

The Theory

"A 13A fuse fits in any UK plug, so it must be safe to use for any device."

The Reality

Physically it fits, but electrically it can be dangerous. A 13A fuse will not protect the thin cable of a lamp or radio. Always match the fuse to the appliance rating (typically 3A for lights, 13A for heaters/kettles).

The Spec: "Cheap Unbranded Fuses"

The Theory

"A fuse is just a wire in a tube; the cheaper the better."

The Reality

BS 1362 fuses contain sand to quench the arc when they blow. Cheap, non-compliant knock-offs often lack this, causing them to explode or shatter inside the plug top, posing a serious fire risk.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

All Trade Direct 10 X 13 Amp Domestic 240V Household Mains Plug Fuse Electrical Cartridge Fuses

Budget Pick
All Trade Direct 10 X 13 Amp Domestic 240V Household Mains Plug Fuse Electrical Cartridge Fuses

All Trade Direct

If you are constantly replacing fuses in high-draw appliances like kettles, washing machines, or electric heaters, this 10-pack is the most economical choice. It's a no-nonsense pack of standard 13A fuses that does exactly what it says on the tin.

Price£2.99 (at time of writing)
Amperage13 Amp (Red)
Quantity10 Fuses
The Good
  • Extremely affordable
  • Standard size for UK 3-pin plugs
  • Ideal for high-wattage appliances (>700W)
The Bad
  • Not suitable for lamps or small electronics (need 3A)
  • Come loose in a bag, harder to store neatly

Installer Tip:

Double-check the appliances you are fusing. Only use these 13A fuses for items rated over 700 Watts (kettles, toasters, irons, heaters). Do not use them in lamps or thin-cable electronics.

Priced at £2.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

BOJACK 5 Values 100 pcs 1 3 5 10 13 A amp 240 V Volt Household Mains Plug Fuse Assortment Kit

Quality Pick
BOJACK 5 Values 100 pcs 1 3 5 10 13 A amp 240 V Volt Household Mains Plug Fuse Assortment Kit

BOJACK

For the DIY enthusiast, landlord, or just the very organised homeowner, this BOJACK kit is fantastic. It comes in a sturdy plastic case with five different values, meaning you will never be caught short whether it's a shaver adapter (1A) or a tumble dryer (13A).

Price£9.99 (at time of writing)
Values1A, 3A, 5A, 10A, 13A
MaterialCeramic Tube
Quantity100 pcs (20 of each)
The Good
  • High-quality ceramic construction (safer than glass)
  • Excellent assortment covers every household device
  • Plastic storage box keeps drawers tidy
The Bad
  • 100 fuses is overkill for a standard household
  • Box takes up more space than a loose bag

Installer Tip:

The 1A and 3A fuses included here are crucial for protecting delicate electronics. If you have an old lamp with a thin flex, upgrading the plug top with a 3A fuse from this kit is a quick safety win.

Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing

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20 x Fuses Mixed Household Electrical Ceramic Domestic Mains Plug Fuses 3A 5A 10A 13A Fuses by ZARB

Problem-Solving Pick
20 x Fuses Mixed Household Electrical Ceramic Domestic Mains Plug Fuses 3A 5A 10A 13A Fuses by ZARB

KONAMO

This is the 'Goldilocks' option for most Leeds households. It provides a sensible mix of 20 fuses covering the most common ratings (3A to 13A). It solves the problem of buying a bulk pack of 13A fuses and then realising you actually needed a 3A for your bedside lamp.

Price£3.99 (at time of writing)
Mix5x 3A, 5x 5A, 5x 10A, 5x 13A
TypeCeramic BS1362 Compatible
The Good
  • Perfect variety for a standard home
  • Ceramic construction for safety
  • Cost-effective solution for mixed appliances
The Bad
  • Only 5 of each type, so you might run out of 13A first
  • Packaging is basic compared to the box kit

Installer Tip:

I recommend taping this small packet to the inside of your utility cupboard door or near your consumer unit. That way, when the lights go out or a plug fails, you know exactly where your spares are without rummaging in the dark.

Priced at £3.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which fuse rating to use?
As a general rule regarding UK plugs: appliances rated up to 700 Watts (lamps, radios, clocks, TVs) require a 3A fuse. Appliances rated over 700 Watts (kettles, toasters, irons, washing machines) require a 13A fuse. Always check the manufacturer's label on the device.
Can I use a 13A fuse in a lamp plug?
No, you should not. Whilst it will work, it is unsafe. A 13A fuse allows too much current to flow before blowing. If the lamp develops a fault, the thin cable could overheat and catch fire before the fuse cuts the power. Always use a 3A fuse for lighting.
Why does my fuse keep blowing?
If a fuse blows immediately after replacement, or keeps blowing repeatedly, there is likely a fault with the appliance itself or a short circuit in the plug/cable. Do not keep replacing it faster than it blows—unplug the device and have it checked. If it's a circuit issue in your home, contact a professional.
Are glass fuses safe for UK plugs?
Generally, UK BS 1362 mains plug fuses should be ceramic and sand-filled. This design helps 'quench' the arc if the fuse blows violently, preventing the plug from shattering. Glass fuses are typically found in internal equipment slots (like inside a stereo), not in the mains plug itself.
Do I need an electrician to change a plug fuse?
No, changing a plug fuse is a standard task for a homeowner. However, ensure the device is unplugged. If you are unsure why it blew, or if you smell burning or see damage to the socket, that is when you need to call us at OR Electrics.

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