Re: Breakers or Fuses?
In my mechanics class we are currently rigging a 19' Grady dual console. Brand new 150 Suzuki 4 stroke and all new gauges. We needed to re-wire the switch/gauge panel with all new stuff and we're using these neat 10A breaker switches. The caps unscrew like fuses and underneath is a push button breaker type fuse button. They are a bit bigger than round fuse holders but they'll fit the same holes. I'm sure they cost a bit more but seems like a nice way to go.
Me I'm re-wiring my boat too, well actually new wiring since I'm rebuilding the boat. I'm using the battery link and on/off switch from Blue Sea. I'll have a house and a starting battery. From the house I'll power up a bus bar for my switch panel and accessory electronics plus power port (cig. lighter.) I'm going to make a regular switch panel with round fuse holders and switches. The GPS/Depth Finder combo I will buy has its own fuse inline as will the VHF. The cig. lighter will have its own even if I have to wire it in. They should have one. Off the bus I'm going to also need power for a cabin light or two.
From the switch panel I'll have switches for Nav/anchor, 2 bilge pumps, courtesy lights in the boat, cockpit lights (I want a switch separate from the Nav switch) and I think two accessory switches. I'm hoping to get away with a 10 terminal bus but I may need a 20 terminal one. I don't think they make a 15 terminal bus. I have a copy of the ABYC specs for electric wiring in boats and I plan on following it as closely as possible. It'll make it look that much better when I go for a coast guard inspection and if/when a marine surveyor looks at it.
For wiring up stuff like the anchor light and courtesy lights I'm going to buy some lengths of twin wire wrapped in its own insulation. It looks like the household stuff you use to wire switches and outlets but obviously a lot smaller. That stuff is relatively inexpensive and very much coast guard approved. Its also watertight so its a great buy for bilge pumps, anchor lights, etc. Ancor sells these neat butt connectors with shrink wrap ends. Also loved by the CG.
So while we're on the topic of electric, does anyone know where I can find a list of current draw for different things on a boat? I'm curious how much a VHF draws, a depth finder combo, all that. I heard somewhere that a VHF needs 1A to receive and 5A to transmit. Also that GPS combo units need about 3A. I'd like to verify somehow. I'm gonna use LED courtesy lights if possible, they draw milliamps. I figure the cabin lights will draw about 3A each too. I'd like to know all this.
Good luck to all those re-wiring their boats.
