Do I need battery fuses?

[Stu Jackson]

https://www.bluesea.com/support/reference

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[pk104]

Stu
Thanks I was looking at the Blue Sea chart but looks like I was thinking wrong. I should be reading the line for #6 single wire, outside engine room and I would need a 125amp fuse.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Gary, glad to hear. I try to provide links for folks so they can do their own research. Getting answert to your original question, like someone saying: "Use a 94.5 amp fuse" wouldn't help you in any way. You wouldn't know if they were right or off the wall. Except for Maine Sail, who is both!

 

[pk104]

Stu

I love your links and I will usually look at them regardless of subject because tomorrow I may need to know. I've been boating my entire life and there is always more to learn.

Gary

 

[Saxacussionist]

I recently installed a Mercury 9.9 electric start outboard. I have 25' of #4 wire to the battery. I installed a 30 amp manual reset circuit breaker close to the battery but easily accessible. I have been sailing for about a month now and all is working well. Remember, you are not fusing to protect the motor, that is already provided by the manufacturer. You are protecting for a short circuit which is what causes the fires.

The key points is to fuse correctly for the wire. Install the fuse as close to the battery as practical, do not use an automatic-reset circuit breaker or fuse.

 

[roundlites]

The <<short high power cables >> will become a high current high heat fuse if there is a circuit failure lol.