TM In-line fuse holder

[Abbeysdad]

So I'm using the trolling motor and after about 10-15 minutes she just quits. The inline fuse/fuse holder blew. So this morning I go to the auto parts store to get an inline fuse holder rated for a 30 amp fuse. Biggest the had was heavy duty 12 gauge wire. My wire from rear to front is 10 gauge.
Is this okay to use or should I keep looking for a 10 gauge inline fuse holder?

[Abbeysdad]

Well, I didn't feel warm 'n fuzzy using the in-line fuse with 12 gauge wire even though it was rated for up to 30 amps. After striking out at 3 auto parts stores and the boat dealer, I got the 10 gauge / 30 amp in-line fuse holder I need at Radio Shack.

[bamabassman]

Good deal abby.

[Rebbasser]

Abby, if you have to change it again I's go to a circuit breaker. I wired it in just like the inline fuse but now if something happens instead of a blown fuse I just have to flip the circuit breaker. I got one of these and wouldn't go back to an inline fuse:

http://www.iboats.com/50-Amp-Trollin...view_id.168891

[Abbeysdad]

Well Reb, from the factory, I have 10 gauge wire and it had a 30 amp fuse, so I replaced it with the same, except switched to blade type fuse w/cover instead of glass.
I think the circuit breaker is a great idea, but not at 50amps. Matter of fact, I'm testing the new setup right now with a 25amp fuse and it seems good so far...knock wood.

[1FASTLASER]

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

Abby, if you have to change it again I's go to a circuit breaker. I wired it in just like the inline fuse but now if something happens instead of a blown fuse I just have to flip the circuit breaker. I got one of these and wouldn't go back to an inline fuse:

http://www.iboats.com/50-Amp-Trollin...view_id.168891

There is always a better way and as Reb stated this is it. The inline fuse holders are semi ok for small amperage units.......nothing that pulls anymore than about 3 amps should be run with an inline.........reason being is the contact points are very weak..........and what results is a drop in amperage at the holder...LOW AMPERAGE will fry a unit just as fast as High amperage will.......The circut breaker are inexpensive and time tested to do there job period.

[Abbeysdad]

I'm sorry 1fast, but the factory designed this with a 10 gauge wire run rear to front with a 30 amp inline fuse at the battery. I really don't think a 50amp circuit breaker w/8 gauge wire is appropriate on a 10 gauge wire run of this type. Now if it was a 30amp breaker, I'd buy-in quickly as breakers are always better than old school fuses. Fact is that I've tested this now with a 25amp fuse and it runs just fine. I'd always prefer to blow a fuse or trip a breaker over smoking wires.

[MississippiBoy]

I'm probably goint to be re-doing some of the wiring in my boat, also, so I have some interest in this topic. What about this kind of circuit breakers? 20, 30, 40, and 50 amp versions...

[nofearengineer]

Originally Posted by Abbeysdad

I'm sorry 1fast, but the factory designed this with a 10 gauge wire run rear to front with a 30 amp inline fuse at the battery. I really don't think a 50amp circuit breaker w/8 gauge wire is appropriate on a 10 gauge wire run of this type. Now if it was a 30amp breaker, I'd buy-in quickly as breakers are always better than old school fuses. Fact is that I've tested this now with a 25amp fuse and it runs just fine. I'd always prefer to blow a fuse or trip a breaker over smoking wires.

No better excuse to go buy some #6 wire, Abbey.

One of these days, when she gets a bit run down and needs a good refreshing, I'm going to completely re-wire my boat, and will make all of the main wiring #6. Nothing's too good for my baby.

[Abbeysdad]

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

No better excuse to go buy some #6 wire, Abbey.

One of these days, when she gets a bit run down and needs a good refreshing, I'm going to completely re-wire my boat, and will make all of the main wiring #6. Nothing's too good for my baby.

Then I guess you won't need no stinkin fuses



Footnote: The wires to the plug on my Minnkota TM are 10 gauge too.

[bassboogieman]

12v trolling motor? I think #8 is the lightest you can run for a 24v application.
Mine is #6 for a 36v.

[nofearengineer]

Originally Posted by Abbeysdad

Then I guess you won't need no stinkin fuses
.

Oh, you still need overcurrent protection, for sure. A typical marine battery can deliver around 1000 amps into a dead short. If that happens without a fuse, it isn't pretty. First the wire insulation bursts into flames, then melts, and then the battery pops.

[MississippiBoy]

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

Oh, you still need overcurrent protection, for sure. A typical marine battery can deliver around 1000 amps into a dead short. If that happens without a fuse, it isn't pretty. First the wire insulation bursts into flames, then melts, and then the battery pops.

I'd pay 10 bucks to see that...

[Abbeysdad]

Originally Posted by bassboogieman

12v trolling motor? I think #8 is the lightest you can run for a 24v application.
Mine is #6 for a 36v.

yes, it's a 12v TM.

[Abbeysdad]

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

Oh, you still need overcurrent protection, for sure. A typical marine battery can deliver around 1000 amps into a dead short. If that happens without a fuse, it isn't pretty. First the wire insulation bursts into flames, then melts, and then the battery pops.

yes, for sure. I was just funnin ya.
My real point going back to reb and 1fast, was in putting a 50 amp breaker on an original 10gauge/30 amp fused system - I just wouldn't do it.... just like I went all over to find an in-line blade fuse holder on 10 gauge rather than 12 gauge wire.