wiring

joe0508 wrote:
I have multiple devices running switched power to my fuse panel.The way i did it was i twisted each wire around a fuse at the fuse panel.I have learned that is is a fire hazard.I have also found what i think is a good alternative to the method that i have used.The method is called fuse taps.Is the fuse tap method a good alternative?

Both, adding wire to a fuse, and fuse taps can be fire hazards because, the wire supplying power to the original fuse, was sized for the amperage of that fuse. When you add circuits, there is more amperage coming through that supply wire. It will act like the wires in a toaster and get hot. The twisting wire method, can have loose connecttions that cause sparks, in addition to a hot supply wire.

Same thing can happen with installing a sub panel. The original supply wire and fuse must be heavy enough to handle the combined amperage of all the circuits, they are supplying.

When I added a sub panel, I wired the panel straight from the battery. I used wire, heavy enough to handle 30 amps, with inline 30 amp fuse, from the battery to the panel. Then smaller guage wires from the panel to it's branch circuits.