Circuit breaker

[HopeSheFloats]

Electrical noob here, looking for breakers to install, one for the trolling motor, and another for the house/accessories fuse box...would these 40 amp reset-ables be usable or 'correct' as to what I'm looking for?
http://www.iboats.com/Resettable-Ci...7570477--**********.769503838--view_id.168004

 

[NYBo]

Re: Circuit breaker

That would be about right for the main accessory feed; the size needed for the trolling motor depends on the current draw of the motor. What does the TM owner's manual say is the maximum draw?

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Circuit breaker

Thank you...I don't have a manual, this tm was given to me, it's a Minn Kota 3hp..I have no idea on thrust rating or amp draw

Edit: from what I can find on-line it's an early 90's model. '93 i believe..if that's any help lol

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Circuit breaker

A 3 HP electric motor is going to need more than 40 amp breaker. A 40# thrust motor draws in the neighborhood of that amount. 40 amps is also large for the main feed to the fuse panel as well. But since we have no idea what boat this is nor how big the feed wire is it is sort of a moot point.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Circuit breaker

Please refer back to the noob statement and take into account for lack of completeness

1961 Starcraft Holiday, 18 ft aluminum, house box hosting via 8 gauge wire, dedicated Deep Cycle battery, Vhf radio{10 amp fuse}, stereo cd player{10 amp fuse} navigation lights {L.E.D.'s 5 amp fused}
12 volt power source {cigarette lighter style 20 amp fuse} courtesy lights {L.E.D.'s 4 -> 3 lamp fixture's 10 amp fuse} Horn {10 amp fuse}...other than the radio's, the fuse amp selected was pure seat of the pant's no knowlegde guessing...any help appreciated, if you need more info please let me know, thanks for looking!

PS: Trolling motor looks like it uses 10 gauge wiring? direct to separate deep cycle battery


EDIT: the house battery leads are approx. 8 feet in length{one way} and the TM is approx 6 feet in length {again one way}

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Circuit breaker

Yup -- got that. But there is no indication of what gauge the "feed to the fuse panel" is. If that wire is 12 gauge for example, you don't put a 40 amp breaker in the circuit to protect it because 12 gauge wire cannot handle 40 amps of current so the wire itself becomes the fuse. We all know what happens when the smoke gets out of the wire!!!!

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Circuit breaker

Sorry, that it wasn't clear enough...8 gauge feeds the fuse panel.

 

[RicMic]

Re: Circuit breaker

Fuses or circuit breakers are meant to protect the wire downstream, so the circuit breaker needs to be sized to the wire. I have three Minn Kotas and they all recommend a 60 amp cb. I wouldn't recommend smaller than number 8 wire for that.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Circuit breaker

I found on-line some info on this older TM...
12 volt, variable speed, dual 10 gauge leads{2 hot, 2 ground - terminated together accordingly} maximum ampere draw* 58 {* - max amp draw is representative of actual on-the-water- performance}

So will a 60 amp breaker be enough? would their saying "Maximum" include the 'start-up/load' draw {hope that last bit made sense} :redface:

 

[RicMic]

Re: Circuit breaker

Since they are variable speed, they ramp up the amps. I have 60 amp breakers on my 55# MK's and I have never had one pop yet, even when running flat out. I do use the kind with the manual test button. I found the digital type MK's still draw a bit of current when "off", so I can just hit the "test" button to shut all power off to them.