Mark, unless the fuse is specially marked, any fuse that makes good contact with the clips will get it going again. Is the fuse glass or ceramic? Any lettered designation to be seen?
BTW, any idea why the first one protected the circuit?
IT's a glass fuse with the markings "61NM" about an inch long. I've seen them on-line but they never have them in stock. I've used a 3 amp fuse and it blew. I don't remember when the fuse blew. I think it happened when my wife used it. Any suggestions on what regularly available size fuse might work. It's speced. for 125v 5a.
If you used a 3A fuse and it opened, you probably want to try a 5A fuse, the same amperage as the original. I cannot imagine not being able to find such a fuse, maybe where you found the 3A one?
Was the original fuse all black when you pulled it(possible short)? Did the 3A open after a while, or right away, and was it blackened as well?
A black glass fuse represents a short, while seeing nothing but an open center section means normal protection.
Also, was the original fuse wrapped with a little wire around the inside that you could see?