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power to electric panel

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cat25
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140 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/25/2022 : 06:29:43

Does anyone know if there is an in line fuse on the red power wire to the main panel?
thanks.

Ken
Chenango~
1990~TR~WK~C25~#6022
Candlewood Lake, Ct

keats
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Response Posted - 08/25/2022 : 07:28:47

Probably not in any original configuration but it could be added.

Tim Keating
1985 C-25 TR/FK #4940
Midsummer
Lake Don Pedro, CA

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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5231 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2022 : 13:31:41

Ken, I�ll go one step further: you should have a 30A or 40A fuse in-line from the battery to the panel, and it should be located within a few inches of the positive battery terminal. If a short circuit occurred between the battery and the panel, the fuse would blow and save the boat. Without one, the wire would catch fire and burn the boat to the waterline. Happens very often.
If you have your outboard starter/charging circuit wired into the battery, I�d strongly recommend a separate 50A fuse in that circuit close to the battery terminal too.
I say fuse because mechanical circuit breakers can rust in a marine environment after a few years.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 08/25/2022 13:32:44

redeye
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3474 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2022 : 14:14:48

From my battery install in 2014.. battery still running.

So .. top right big reg wire is power from battery into the black 100 amp fuse that basically does nothing ( I'm not running a starter ) but coming out below is a 10 gage red wire running down and back up to the red 30 amp fuse and coming out if that on top is two (12 and 10) gauge wires, one to a voltage gauge and then to the switched wiring panel. the second red wire goes to an unstitched panel which will run the sump pump if I install it one day.......

I think the other function for the 100 amp fuse was to get the lug connector down to a 12 gauge connector for the 30 amp fuse... I couldn't find a 1/0 ( or 2/0 whatever the big wire is ) to 12 gauge terminal... if that makes any sense to you.

Folks say how easy it is and then you look into it and find you need a $300 wire crimper for 1/0 wire lug ...... or sum such... so talk it out before you start buying parts..

Draw the diagram... find one your friends that does electrical...

But yes.. fuses are good.. I burnt up a wire in Nanoseconds on a short before I got my fuse installed on another boat.. all the insulation on the wire dripping off of it.. could have easily been a fire..

always do your fuse work first.

Funny I was thinking today how when you buy a battery they have the plastic terminal covers on them and the first thing Ive done is thrown them away... Gonna keep the next set and put them on whenever I'm working on an electrical system..

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 08/25/2022 14:21:26

cat25
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140 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2022 : 17:49:16

Thanks guys for the tips, I am going to check it out tomorrow!

Ken
Chenango~
1990~TR~WK~C25~#6022
Candlewood Lake, Ct

redeye
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3474 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2022 : 05:20:51

sorry to drone on like that ..yep 30 amp inline fuses are at the auto stores now adays..

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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5231 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2022 : 05:45:47

Absolutely agree with Ray - while BlueSea makes a great boat wiring and fusing system, auto-part fuse blocks are just as serviceable. Because autos are exposed to road salts, these are generally as long-lasting as boaty items, but at a lower price point.
Don�t, however, skimp on the electrical wire. Boat wire is stranded, not solid like home 12-3 romex wire, and it is individually tinned with solder, so the wire inside the insulation is coated and protected. That makes a difference, both in reliability and also in cost. Definitely worth it. Don�t use THHN from the home stores.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 08/30/2022 06:05:59

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.