I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

M

Maxx102

Seaman Apprentice
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Aug 31, 2008
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Hello everyone, I have 6 switches that will be replacing the old switches we have on our old boat. Now I am wondering what fuses or breakers I should use. I saw the switch / break combo when I visited the Minneapolis Boat Show two weeks ago and I liked what I saw.

Here are the switches and what they will be used for - oh they are all Carling Tech contura switches. Can anyone suggest what ratings of breakers / fuses I should use?

Mom. On / Off / Mom. On = Outboard Engine Tilt Up / Down.

Mom. On / Off = Horn

On / Off / On = Nav. Lights / Anchor Light

On / Off = AM/FM/CD Player

On / Off = Bilge

On / Off = Depth Finder


Thanks
 
Rocky_Road

Rocky_Road

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Messages
1,798
Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

Here is the wiring for my 2005 Bayliner...may be of some help.

Sorry...scan too big to upload.

Accessory...10A
12v power supply...10A
All around light...10A
Navigation light...10A
Horn...10A
Blower...10A
Bilge pump...5A
Ignition switch...15A
 
M

Maxx102

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Messages
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Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

That helps. Thanks. I didn't include the ignition switch because that is actually part of the side mount hand throttle.
 
D

DJ

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Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

I have no idea why a bilge pump would be 5 amp when Nav. lights are 10 amp.

If anything, the bilge pump could draw a lot more power than lights ever would. 5 amp is more in line with a depth finder or GPS.
 
Rocky_Road

Rocky_Road

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Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

DJ said:
I have no idea why a bilge pump would be 5 amp when Nav. lights are 10 amp.

If anything, the bilge pump could draw a lot more power than lights ever would. 5 amp is more in line with a depth finder or GPS.
Click to expand...

Perhaps because it is an electrical component...in a 'submerged' environment?

If I could figure out how to attach a JPG file, the size of my wiring schematic scan...I would do it. I tried resizing the file to about half the original resolution...but no go. If I reduce it any further, it would probably be useless!
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

The environment has nothing to do with fuse size. Projected electrical load does. Fuses should be sized based on wiring guage and maximum expected component electrical draw.

Of all the components listed, the electrical load, in order of most to least, would be.

1. tilt/trim.

2. horn.

3. bilge pump.

Any bit of "sludge" going through a bilge pump could pop a 5 A fuse in a hurry. Not a component you want to lose in an emergency.
 
M

Maxx102

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Joined
Aug 31, 2008
Messages
43
Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

Also for the tilt up / down switch, after I spoke to a staff member of local boating supply shop, I was under the impression that the tilt switch would be wired to a relay, and the relay would then do all of the work for the tilt functions.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: I have the switches - now what size breakers / fuses should I use?

Maxx102 said:
Also for the tilt up / down switch, after I spoke to a staff member of local boating supply shop, I was under the impression that the tilt switch would be wired to a relay, and the relay would then do all of the work for the tilt functions.
Click to expand...

That is USUALLY the case but not always. It depends on what you have (engine).
 
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