After storage the game blows the 5 A slow-blow line fuse in the metal power switch box under the cabinet as soon as it is turned on.

Main fuse in the power switch box blows at switch-on: shorted varistor

Cause: The surge-protection varistor wired across the incoming line inside the power switch box had failed shorted (they die from power surges). Battery leakage on the CPU board does not blow this fuse.

Checks

• Confirm the fuse is the correct value and type.
• With the game unplugged, open the power switch box and look at the varistor (a disc-shaped part across the line) and the line filter for cracks or scorching.
• To prove it, the varistor can be disconnected temporarily: if the fuse then holds, it is the culprit. Do not leave the game running unattended without one.

Fix

• Replace the varistor, and the line filter if it is damaged, then fit a new fuse of the correct rating.

The power switch box carries mains line voltage. Unplug the game from the wall before opening it; switching it off is not enough.

Systems

• WPC Fliptronics

Games

• Fish Tales

Related tips

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Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)