Fuse or Circuit Breaker; Suggest Specific Model

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
WhalerNate
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:42 am

Fuse or Circuit Breaker; Suggest Specific Model

Postby WhalerNate » Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:11 pm

I am planning a wiring layout for a 13' 1987 Super Sport. I'd like to move the battery under the rear seat. Fig. 1 (below) shows a Carlon 6" x 6" x 4" plastic box which I plan to use to house the positive battery cable, battery switch, small positive and negative bus, and navigation light wiring moved from the transom area. My plan calls for a Blue Sea 5025 fuse block under the console for future expansion.

electricalBox.jpg
Fig. 1. Carlon Electrical Box used on SUPER SPORT 15
electricalBox.jpg (11.8 KiB) Viewed 8173 times


Please suggest a specific model circuit breaker or fuse to protect the Distribution Panel run that would mount on top or on the front of the Carlon box?

The picture shows a Blue Sea Systems switched and fused panel that I don't think I need. This location will power the Distribution Panel fuse block and a bilge pump someday. The fuse block doesn't need a switch and the bilge pump will be switched elsewhere.

Thank you for your help.

jimh
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Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: Specific Product Advice Needed - Fuse or Circuit Breaker

Postby jimh » Mon Apr 08, 2019 2:02 pm

A Blue Sea Systems push-button reset circuit breaker with waterproof boot would be useful. They are available in up to 40-Ampere rating for about $6.39. That should be enough for the house loads of a 13-foot boat. I recommend the #8 screw terminals. See

https://www.bluesea.com/products/catego ... Reset-Only

The waterproof boot ($4.70 for two) is shown at

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4135/P ... ot_-_Clear

For $11 your problem is solved, and you will have a lifetime supply of waterproof boots.

WhalerNate
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:42 am

Re: Fuse or Circuit Breaker; Suggest Specific Model

Postby WhalerNate » Tue Apr 09, 2019 8:01 am

Thank you, Jim. I like your ideas. Simple and inexpensive! The Blue Sea circuit breaker(s) will easily mount on the front of the Carlon box with space to spare.

jimh
Posts: 11673
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: Fuse or Circuit Breaker; Suggest Specific Model

Postby jimh » Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:10 am

I like the Carlon box idea, too.

Note that with the push-button reset circuit breaker you can't use the circuit breaker as an ON-OFF control. It is always going to be ON until the current rating of the breaker is exceeded. In that manner it acts like a fuse, except it can be reset.