wiring fuse panel

cowboyup

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
155
I'm in the process of rewiring my boat and have read several posts regarding putting a single in-line fuse to protect the distribution panel. Seems kind of redundant since the distribution panel has fuses for each piece of equipment, i.e. trim tabs, windshield wipers, lites etc..Unless of course the idea is to protect the distribution panel itself. Some say put a 30 amp in line fuse while others opt not to put anything. Any suggesttions? :)
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: wiring fuse panel

I put a 20 or 30 inline right near the battery. My "distribution panel" is a barriar block with a shorting strap on one side. Simple but effective on a boat with running lights and a horn.<br /><br />
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crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: wiring fuse panel

it's to protect the 'main feed' wire from battery to panel.. <br /><br />i'd do it as per 'murphy's law'..
 

sangerwaker

Commander
Joined
Jul 29, 2004
Messages
2,074
Re: wiring fuse panel

A fuse acts not only to protect the end device, but the wire before the fuse from meltdown. If you didn't have a main fuse (or breaker), and your main wire got a nick or crack in it and shorted against something, your wire insulation could melt and start a fire.
 

cowboyup

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2004
Messages
155
Re: wiring fuse panel

Thanks for the advice fellas. It's back to the store one last time...yeah right.
 
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