Here's a simple one for an amateur electronics enthusiast. I bought a cheap 8amp 240v fan controller which blew the 8 amp fuse on first try. My large shed fan is 7.49amp. could I just put a slightly higher rated fuse or swap in a component.

 

Only turn it on with the speed set low.

 

Reason why fuse probably blew was the start-up current of the fan exceeded the 8 amp fuse. NEVER SWAP A HIGHER RATED FUSE IN WHEN A LOWER RATING IS REQUIRED. Failure to follow that advice may result in damage to your circuit.

 

Reason why fuse probably blew was the start-up current of the fan exceeded the 8 amp fuse. NEVER SWAP A HIGHER RATED FUSE IN WHEN A LOWER RATING IS REQUIRED. Failure to follow that advice may result in damage to your circuit.

Ok the current on motor is quoted as 7.49 is this just too close to the rating on the controller (8amp), could it be as it starts up the fan exceeds 8amp?

 

I have a fan that draws 19 amps in normal operation. Measurements showed it drew as much as 39 amps at start-up. That's why I said your fuse probably blew because of the start-up current.

I also said not to replace the fuse with anything higher than the original fuse. In your case, 8 amps.