Need to test 50 amp circuit breaker

[atomb]

Just need to understand hot to test the 50 amp circuit breaker in the engine compartment to know if it is working condition. Any advice would help a bunch thanks..

 

[Kainon]

Re: Need to test 50 amp circuit breaker

First you either need somekind of 12v test light, could be any 12v light with 2 wires or a Multi-Meter.

you would touch the RED or 12v + Lead to one of the terminals on the back of the breaker ( start with the top ) and touch the BLACK 12v - Lead to a GOOD Ground, Batt Neg if you can.. If it lights you have 12v there. then do the same to the lower connection, If it lights, you have a working ( meaning passing 12v through ) Breaker..

Now, the only way to test if it can handle 50amps is to DRAW 50AMPS plus across it, or through it, light a Large Motor, like a Starter motor. ( I dont recommend using your boat starter though )

If you dont have 12v there, you need to trace back to the next thing in line. ( at the moment cant remember if you need the key on.. I think you dont. )

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Need to test 50 amp circuit breaker

First you either need somekind of 12v test light, could be any 12v light with 2 wires or a Multi-Meter.

you would touch the RED or 12v + Lead to one of the terminals on the back of the breaker ( start with the top ) and touch the BLACK 12v - Lead to a GOOD Ground, Batt Neg if you can.. If it lights you have 12v there. then do the same to the lower connection, If it lights, you have a working ( meaning passing 12v through ) Breaker..

Now, the only way to test if it can handle 50amps is to DRAW 50AMPS plus across it, or through it, light a Large Motor, like a Starter motor. ( I dont recommend using your boat starter though )

If you dont have 12v there, you need to trace back to the next thing in line. ( at the moment cant remember if you need the key on.. I think you dont. )

To trip the breaker, you will probably need to draw a minimum of 100 Amps and more likely 150 to 200 amps to trip the breaker. Breakers (and fuses, too) are rather sloppy devices. The breaker will be in series with the load. I personally would turn on everything on that line and add my trolling motor as well at full speed and then stall the trolling motor. MAYBE that will trip it, but even then no promises.

TerryMSU