15 amp fuse replace with a breaker

AFAIK arc fault breakers are for 120V AC in homes and not DC. Never heard of an arc fault breaker for DC.

So what is going on?

pianotuna wrote:
My need is quite simple. I run a 400 watt inverter from a cigarette lighter plug (ya I know, I should not).

Let's see: 400W/12.7V = 31A. Really? Dam* right you should not!

Why not do it right?

Arc Fault Breaker For DC

LUCAS anything electrical...

They arc

They fault

They break

1/4" male faston terminal to 16 gauge wire. 12" length. A pair of them. Connect to auto reset stud breaker. Goop finished connections. Jam faston studs into ATO fuse block slots. .250" is their size. Good to go.

To answer the O/P's questionl.. Yes Buss, Fustron, Little Fuse.. all make 'em

Where to find 'em

Any auto parts store.. Such as Advance Auto, Bumper to Bumper, Discount Auto, Auto Zone.. NAPA.. You likely will not find them at super store Auto Departments but may get lucky at Truck stops and likely will at "Chrome Shops"

Very easy to find 'em.

Oh, they come in assorted types as well. Some respond to over load faster, or slower

Some will remain tripped till power or load are removed, then reset shortly after. Some will reset after time and cause the load to "Blink"l.... The ones I have hold off till power is removed or the load is removed... I got 'em at Auto Zone.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Arc Fault Breaker For DC

LUCAS anything electrical...

They arc

They fault

They break

Funny!

3oaks wrote:
120VAC Arc Fault Circuit Breakers are specialized breakers and expensive compared to a standard breaker.

NEMA

x2 - I've never heard of a 12v arc fault breaker.

I've worked to eliminate the plug in type 12v breakers, as they're terrible. The cheapo ones I've experienced created a huge voltage drop, and also haven't reliably opened at anything close to their rated current.

I have a few Blue Sea / Cooper Bussman marine grade non resetting breakers, they work well and have a lot less voltage drop.

If you have a circuit that is constantly blowing fuses, describe it to us, it sounds like something is wrong, and putting in a breaker could do more harm than good.

Are you going through fuses for some reason? Fix the issue s/b primary focus.
For general purpose bring a few spares.

An Arc Fault Breaker sounds like something required for explosive atmospheres.

Arc fault breakers are analogous to GFCIs, except they sense downstream arcing instead of leakage to ground. One of their main purposes is to detect arcing in damaged extension cords. They are now required in many residential living spaces, bedrooms being an example.