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Bob Bidonde 03-29-2024 09:33 AM

Electrical Fuses
 

I do not have any fuses in my Model A's. However, I plan to add inline fuses into their 12V electrical systems. Both of my A's have 60 Amp alternators, so after starting them there is a brief surge of current that rapidly recharges the batteries. My concern is that the surge current, that approaches 30A, will blow any fuses I install. What size fuse will work in the power wire between the alternator and terminal box and also into the wire from the starter switch to the terminal box. Should they be slow-blow fuses?

Diastole 03-29-2024 09:44 AM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

Why not use a breaker instead of fuse?
Slow-blow and fast-blow breakers are available of good quality for waterproof DC systems

https://a.co/d/3M5OlbY

They come in 30,A, 40A, 50A, 60A

It would work as a cutoff switch as well as being easier.

Diastole

Big hammer 03-29-2024 11:50 AM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

From the starter to terminal box wire size an inline glass fuse to protect the wire, this will also give some alternator protection, if the wire from the alternator shorts to ground that wire becomes the fuse. A fusible link at the alternator would be better choice than a inline glass fuse or a circuit breaker. Size fuses or circuit breakers to provide protection for your wires size, if you have too many accessories that pull more current than the properly sized fuse for the wire size don’t use a higher rated fuse, the wire size now becomes your fuse the entire length of the wire !

Y-Blockhead 03-29-2024 12:08 PM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big hammer (Post 2301095)
From the starter to terminal box wire size an inline glass fuse to protect the wire, this will also give some alternator protection, if the wire from the alternator shorts to ground that wire becomes the fuse. A fusible link at the alternator would be better choice than a inline glass fuse or a circuit breaker. Size fuses or circuit breakers to provide protection for your wires size, if you have too many accessories that pull more current than the properly sized fuse for the wire size don’t use a higher rated fuse, the wire size now becomes your fuse the entire length of the wire !

Ron Francis Wiring sez No, No, No to fusible links.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2e548517_o.jpg

nkaminar 03-29-2024 03:11 PM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

The fused distribution panels used on boats work well and are easy to use. See https://defender.com/en_us/blue-sea-...ith-cover-5035

There are many styles available at different prices.

Y-Blockhead 03-29-2024 08:12 PM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar (Post 2301143)
The fused distribution panels used on boats work well and are easy to use. See https://defender.com/en_us/blue-sea-...ith-cover-5035

There are many styles available at different prices.

I have a fuse box under my tank on the back side of the junction bux. I also have a 30amp circuit breaker on the main power line and a 20amp circuit breaker on my headlights.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1711761120

katy 03-30-2024 10:41 AM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde (Post 2301057)
What size fuse will work in the power wire between the alternator and terminal box?

The fuse rating should be about 20% over the output rating of the alternator.

https://alternatorparts.com/should-a...%20240A%20fuse.

Badpuppy 03-31-2024 09:59 AM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy (Post 2301332)
The fuse rating should be about 20% over the output rating of the alternator.

https://alternatorparts.com/should-a...%20240A%20fuse.

If your wiring can handle it.

Bob Bidonde 03-31-2024 10:08 AM

Re: Electrical Fuses
 

Thanks all for your guidance. Y-Blockhead, your panel is very nice setup. Thanks for sharing it. Katy, thanks for info about sizing fuses.


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