Fuses

[Ray]

What size fuses should I fit please. This would be for 12v accessories such as 12v sockets (cig lighter type) and the small windscreen heater/blower etc.

Many thanks in advance.

[JanetAnne]

Watts divided by volts will give you amps so, if your heater blower is say 60watts, divide 60 by 12 (assuming it's 12volt of course) which gives you 5amps. That's the normal current so you would fuse at around 10amps to allow for surges on start up etc. 

Always make sure the wire used is rated at above the fuse rating or the wire can melt before the fuse blows. You'd be amazed at what's lurking behind some boats dashboards...

Hopefully the items you need to fuse will have their ratings on them!

[Ray]

19 minutes ago, JanetAnne said:

You'd be amazed at what's lurking behind some boats dashboards...

That's what I'm trying to avoid lol

 

20 minutes ago, JanetAnne said:

Hopefully the items you need to fuse will have their ratings on them!

If not it's amazing what google can help you find 👍

Thanks for your reply and more so for the advice 🍺

[Vaughan]

On hire boats in the 70s, cigar lighter sockets all had a 15 amp fuse. Nowadays they are on voltage trips, which are safer and easier.

[annv]

Hi Ray If you are talking about the blade or tubberler fuses they have a 50% surge ie 10amp is 15amp continuous. I would suggest that you have one block connected to ignition switch circuit for wipers, horn, nav lights and one connected to domestic's batt switch for TV. heating lights pump etc ideally one fuze per item connected then a separate fuze connected to battery side for the bilge pump this should be live 24/7. when you connect the fuzes and wire ends dip into vaseline to prevent corrosion. If your going to use voltage trips you will need to double up otherwise you will need a lot of space for the panels if individual trips are used these are best but! cost may come into the equation. John