Do I need a beaker?

[NYRanger]

I am running dedicated 8awg to fuse box for electronics. There will be on/off switch in compartment. 3 solix 15, mega live 2 and 360. Do I need a breaker at the battery?

[Wayne P.]

The circuit from the battery to the fuse panel should be protected via circuit breaker or fuse. You can use a switch duty circuit breaker as a cut-off switch.

[leo13]

Or a fuse that is rated for the wires working capacity at the batteries positive.

[Zone18]

I would add the 20 amp switchable breaker at the battery so you can kill the power to the circuit for charging or service. The breaker will also give you some added short circuit protection

[NYRanger]

I have a blue seas on off switch right before the fuse box in my front compartment. I guess I’ll add a breaker in battery compartment

[bobcoy]

Excellent idea. If you ever have your boat checked by the CG or auxiliary they would tell you it is the law. Nobody likes boat fires anyway. Bob

[lpugh]

Or a fuse that is rated for the wires working capacity at the batteries positive.

absoluty not, the switch/breaker at the battery is to protect that circuit which should ran to a fuse which protects all circuits connected too it. The problem with useing a fuse at the battery is it can only supply one device, no you can use a higher amp fuse and add another device because then the first device is no protected properly

[lpugh]

I have a blue seas on off switch right before the fuse box in my front compartment. I guess I’ll add a breaker in battery compartment

relocate to within 8 in of the pos battery terminal
notice the stainless strap, doubles as a mount for the breaker and a connection to the battery

breakerconnect.jpg

[champ210]

Cut off switch is all ive ever used on starting battery or isolated electronics battery besides a seperate fuse on each unit being powered

[billnorman1]

Yup. The breaker is to protect the wiring. Having a switchable breaker is convenient. Must be at the + source.

[leo13]

I have know idea what you are claiming. Why reinvent what is standard on all marine applications from the manufacturers? A fuse or breaker can be used at the source and should match the rating of the run. The devices should be protected by an individual fuse or breaker that is rated for the device as per the manufacturer. This can be at the transition or a fuse box.

absoluty not, the switch/breaker at the battery is to protect that circuit which should ran to a fuse which protects all circuits connected too it. The problem with useing a fuse at the battery is it can only supply one device, no you can use a higher amp fuse and add another device because then the first device is no protected properly