X-ray machines may encounter fuse-blowing issues during exposure—an annoying problem that disrupts clinical workflow. Below are the most common causes and practical check tips, compiled by our team of X-ray equipment experts at Weifang Newheek Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
Key Causes of Fuse Blowing During Exposure
1. Aging Machine & Power Supply Issues
Older machines are prone to this problem due to wear and tear.
- Check if the power supply voltage is unstable or if exposure parameters (e.g., mA/KV) are set too high for the machine’s capacity.
- A dying X-ray tube bulb or degraded insulation in high-voltage cables can also trigger short circuits. Try swapping cathode and anode cables to test if the issue persists.
2. High-Voltage System Failures
Breakdowns or short circuits in the high-voltage circuit are major culprits.
- Lower KV settings during fluoroscopy are less likely to cause arcing, but higher exposure KV may reveal hidden high-voltage leaks.
- Aging expansion joints or minor oil leaks can lead to air bubbles in the system—these bubbles may cause arcing during exposure.
3. Excessive Power Supply Internal Resistance
Fluoroscopy uses low power, but radiography requires higher power and current—excessive internal resistance in the power supply can’t handle the current surge, blowing the fuse.
- Judge by the burned fuse’s appearance:
- If the fuse is completely blackened: Likely a high-voltage short circuit.
- If small balls form at both ends of the fuse: Caused by excessive current (not a short circuit).
4. Integrated Component Degradation (Older Machines)
Very old machines often have integrated high-voltage generators and filament transformers (no external high-voltage cables).
- Long-term high-voltage operation can carbonize transformer oil, reducing insulation and causing primary-secondary transformer breakdown.
- Trapped gas in the X-ray tube may trigger short circuits during exposure, leading to fuse failure.
Need Further Support?
If you’re troubleshooting this issue or need professional guidance, Weifang Newheek Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.—a trusted X-ray machine manufacturer—is here to help. Our team can provide technical support or customized solutions for your equipment.
Contact us directly:
Tel: +86 19953639012
Post time: Nov-12-2025