The word on AC mains switch/fusing

[mhartman]

Frankly, I never considered putting the fuse after the switch, but now that it's come up, if the idea is to shut everything down when the amp is pulling too much, wouldn't the fuse still do its job after the switch, once the switch is closed? What am I missing here?

Not if the switch itself was the short. The amp would be protected, but not the venue/house/location.

[JazzGuitarGimp]

Smokebreak, you are correct that the fuse will still do it's job if placed after the switch. After all the components in question form a series circuit. The point is, you want to protect the branch circuit against all possible failures, including a failed power switch where something comes loose inside, and one of the hot-connected terminals comes into contact with the metal (and, hopefully grounded) switch bushing. The chances of this happening are remote, but it could happen. If the fuse were placed after the switch, it would not blow and the branch circuit breaker would pop - after the branch wiring sustains a big jolt.

[vibratoking]

I don't mind working on hot circuits...maybe proof I don't know what I'm doing either.

[Smokebreak]

Ah I see. Thanks!