yo i was just wondering which one would be a better choice between a circuit breaker and a fuse..seems like the breaker would be a more convenient choice since you dont have to replace anything when you trip it.........any thoughts?
Replies (6)
swez on 09/1/2007 23:06:12
Either is fine. The breaker is nice as it is easy to reset and go. As long as it is designed and packaged for under the hood or Marine use, go for it.
Swez
Victor on 09/2/2007 04:15:54
depends on the quality of the breaker... if its not a good built then its safer to use a fuse to protect ur equipment.... buy a breaker from a reputed manufacturer and it should be perfect.
Ash on 09/2/2007 14:21:59
I think breakers are a excellent choice for those that don't like going under the hood and fool with anything. My first system was ran with a breaker that I simply bought at a electrical supply store. Never had a problem, though it did trip a few times when driving the system too hard. The best part I remember was not having to replace anything! Just wait a few seconds and turn the system off and then on again.
MrBrownstone on 09/5/2007 15:07:43
in the past...not speaking for current models... breakers are set off mechanically vs fuses which melt as soon as they get hot enough.
Typically if you are blowing fuses all the time, you should definitely stay with fuses as there's something wrong with your installation. If you've never (or rarely) ever blown a fuse, go with a breaker.
My reasoning is that breakers have a much longer delay in going off. They are very good at protection against catastrophic loss when you ground the power wire or have a mamor short. There's nothing better about them from a protection standpoint....but there is a lot to be said about the convenience of merely flipping a switch when swapping out audio equipment, etc.
If you're blowing fuses, stay with them. If not a breaker is fine.
trunkisloud on 09/5/2007 19:48:18
no fuse blowing here...im just running a crappy fuseblock ...always loses connection between the terminal and fuse....plus i think the breaker would be more convenient and look a little better than a fuse block bolted to my fender.
swez on 09/5/2007 20:20:02
As I read Mr. B's comments, I had to stop and think... Breakers use Bi-metal strips that flex when heated. The ambient temperature of a breaker under the hood can be over 200 degrees F in the summer months. (Location dependent)
Knowing that in advance, breakers are also slower to trip and then a cooling off period is needed to reset the Bi-metal strips. The sooner it cools, the sooner the circuit will reset. If the breaker trips too often, consider installing a heat shield to insulate it against premature trips.
Swez
Replies (6)
swez on 09/1/2007 23:06:12
Either is fine. The breaker is nice as it is easy to reset and go. As long as it is designed and packaged for under the hood or Marine use, go for it.
Swez
Victor on 09/2/2007 04:15:54
depends on the quality of the breaker... if its not a good built then its safer to use a fuse to protect ur equipment.... buy a breaker from a reputed manufacturer and it should be perfect.
Ash on 09/2/2007 14:21:59
I think breakers are a excellent choice for those that don't like going under the hood and fool with anything. My first system was ran with a breaker that I simply bought at a electrical supply store. Never had a problem, though it did trip a few times when driving the system too hard. The best part I remember was not having to replace anything! Just wait a few seconds and turn the system off and then on again.
MrBrownstone on 09/5/2007 15:07:43
in the past...not speaking for current models... breakers are set off mechanically vs fuses which melt as soon as they get hot enough.
Typically if you are blowing fuses all the time, you should definitely stay with fuses as there's something wrong with your installation. If you've never (or rarely) ever blown a fuse, go with a breaker.
My reasoning is that breakers have a much longer delay in going off. They are very good at protection against catastrophic loss when you ground the power wire or have a mamor short. There's nothing better about them from a protection standpoint....but there is a lot to be said about the convenience of merely flipping a switch when swapping out audio equipment, etc.
If you're blowing fuses, stay with them. If not a breaker is fine.
trunkisloud on 09/5/2007 19:48:18
no fuse blowing here...im just running a crappy fuseblock ...always loses connection between the terminal and fuse....plus i think the breaker would be more convenient and look a little better than a fuse block bolted to my fender.
swez on 09/5/2007 20:20:02
As I read Mr. B's comments, I had to stop and think... Breakers use Bi-metal strips that flex when heated. The ambient temperature of a breaker under the hood can be over 200 degrees F in the summer months. (Location dependent)
Knowing that in advance, breakers are also slower to trip and then a cooling off period is needed to reset the Bi-metal strips. The sooner it cools, the sooner the circuit will reset. If the breaker trips too often, consider installing a heat shield to insulate it against premature trips.
Swez
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