Fuse or breaker?

[ChrisCraftFan]

I am upgrading my battery system. after some research I will be adding some main fuses coming off the battery to the ACR charging switch. I am going back and forth between using an actual fuse or adding a breaker like this one for $25. I am worried about the quality of those breakers verses a fuse. It would be nice to be able to just reset it instead of getting out the wrenches to replace a fuse. Anyone have luck with these breakers? I see some mixed reviews on them

 

[sam am I]

I've use 3 of those exact breakers now for several several yrs..........

I've use one as a breaker off my Promainer charge management main feed out to my rec/reg for 4 or 5 yrs now, no problems yet. I use the other 2 as breakers/power switches on 2 true sine wave inverters, a 1000W on-board and a 1000W standby emergency garage lighting backup with no problem yet. 5 Stars IMHO

 

[gm280]

Actually there are pros and cons to both fuses and circuit breakers. I chose to use exclusively circuit breakers in my boat project. And I used many of them as well.

Nice to not be looking around for the proper size fuse when you need to replace a blown one. And the chances of finding the proper size gets iffy and some times the wrong size gets installed to get you going again. That compromises the entire circuit and allows for a possible fire down the road if anything wrong happens with a larger fuse replaced then the wire size can handle.

Circuit breakers can get corrosion inside over the years and also become problematic as well. But I am willing to replace any circuit breaker(s) if that happens. You can buy clear rubber shields to fit over circuit breakers minimizing that corrosion possibility. So your choice.... And of course this is only my opinion!

 

[dingbat]

I do not and will not install a circuit breaker on a boat.

Because there are mechanical components involved, failure rates of circuit breakers in high vibration and moisture environments is substantially higher than fuses.

On top of that you have the spares issue. It's' a lot easier change and cheaper to carry replacement fuses than a circuit breaker should it fail.

I've had the same MAXI 32V fuses in my ACR circuit going on 10 years now without a failure. Takes all of 30 seconds to replace and no tools require. Use a good quality, water proof housing fuse holder and your set.

 

[loco]

I always thought a circuit breaker would be better as you don’t need spare fuses!

 

[dingbat]

I always thought a circuit breaker would be better as you don’t need spare fuses!

Circuit breakers are mechanical devices. It's not if, it's when they fail.

Do you want to carry a $4 fuse that you can change out in seconds or a $40 circuit breaker and the tools to remove and replace it at the most inopportune time?

 

[ChrisCraftFan]

That is the real reason i was asking and leaning towards a fuse. Although Volvo Penta does have some circuit breakers from the factory, one 50 amp breaker on the Tilt/Trim for example. Its been there 20 years so far. As for the fuses at 100 amps (recommended by tech support at Blue Seas for the ACR) they need to be changed with wrenches and it is not easy to tell if they are blown or not. I thought that a breaker would be obvious and if it blows a second time because i didn't find the issue the first time i can still reset it as many times as needed. Not sure how many of those 100 amp fuses I would carry as extra.
What a dilemma LOL

 

[gm280]

Okay, if circuit breakers are so prone to mechanical vibration failures, why does every aircraft from fighter jets to cargo aircraft use circuit breakers exclusively? Every circuit breaker in my boat IS aircraft quality. I worked a lot of different Military aircraft in my days, and from B52's to F4's to C130's to C17's to C5's to F15's and beyond use circuit breaker for everything. Not even trying to start an argument, merely posting my opinion!

 

[sam am I]

https://www.c3controls.com/blog/circ...he-difference/

https://www.c3controls.com/white-pap...ker-breakdown/

" The Bottom Line
The operations of circuit breakers are not only complex but also delicate. A slight mishap can have far-reaching consequences. The circuit breaker you use in your applications should be highly reliable (limited false trips) and accurate."

I found that the breaker that OP is asking about was just that.........."highly reliable (limited false trips) and accurate."

I agree that a fuse is ultimately considered "safest" BUT, considering my (others?) applications, the term "safest" is subjective. Breakers can serve better (double as) as power shut offs as well and that's why I'm still using this (these) particular breakers after 4'ish + yrs with 100% no trouble and NO false trips at all and I can easily kill the power to the load device.

They're (OP's breaker in question) lower cost then similar ig. safe mil spec airpax's I've seen and used for 40+ yrs for example.

I have to concur w gm280 on mil app's of breakers over fuses, although mine is underwater, no fuses on instrumentation or control systems, only HUGH fuses w knife switches in steel boxes (or fusible links on 1000+ amp main motors and main battery feeds, not even sure there even is that big of re-settable breakers made?)

......JMO and Experiences

 

[ChrisCraftFan]

just as a follow up i ended up adding Blue seas terminal fuse blocks that are attached right to the battery post with 100 amp fuses. just thought i would send an update as to what i did.

 

[gm280]

Everyone has their favorites and own reasons for what they decide to use. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with either fuses or circuit breakers. As long as you use something, everything is good. JMHO

 

[dingbat]

just as a follow up i ended up adding Blue seas terminal fuse blocks that are attached right to the battery post with 100 amp fuses. just thought i would send an update as to what i did.

Ended up using one of those when I wired the truck for a winch. Nice clean installation