Breakers or Fuses?

[Scott T-Bird]

I have been looking more critically at my panel since I have been making upgrades to my electical systems (new ACR, battery switch & battery monitor) and have been wiring some new components.

I have a panel with DC fuse holders and AC breakers. The DC side has 8 fuse holders and switches. The positive lead from the battery switch is 10 guage and it is attached to a blade on the first fuse holder. Power is distributed with 14 guage jumpers from fuse holder to fuse holder. This seems like an odd set-up (and possibly undersized jumpers) which would be better served with a positive buss bar.

The AC side of the panel has a main breaker and 3 breakers serving outlets on Port side, Stbd side, and the Head. I have connected to shore power only once to see that the outlets indeed do work, but other than that, we have never used AC power. I disconnected the AC ground which was previously wired to the negative side of the battery, when I discovered that somebody in the yard had wired it to the positive post in the spring. There is no need to ground a system I don't touch.

Thinking about re-wiring everything within the panel (mainly for the sake of peace of mind) and wondering if an upgrade should include a new panel. I read that breakers are the modern way to go, but wondering if fuses are better for some reason. Is preference a personal matter?

 

[KD3PC]

you will find that although circuit breakers are much more prevalent...correctly installed fuses are safer...and more reliable. Circuit breakers are mechanical by design, subject to memory and corrosion...even for home installations, many manufacturers suggest set and reset yearly to keep the mechanisms working properly...

I have never had a fuse not blow...however I have had several in homes and in commercial construction not blow and you could even "arc weld" with a shorted cord with them...

Insurance companies in residential uses will often not renew their policies unless you have circuit breakers...

Make sure that the breakers you use are marine related or solid state style, if you do rewire or repanel. Others will have opinions as well...

 

[Texas Lake Sailor]

Scott from my Navy submarine elect. days I prefer DC fuses, one there is less chance of failure and easier to replace if there is an issue. Just make sure wire and fuses are sized correctly for the load. For ac shore pwr I would go with breakers and make sure they are sized correctly and approved for boat use. I try hard to follow the "kiss" eng princ.