wiring

[joe0508]

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?

[Wayne_Dohnal]

Nothing wrong with a fuse tap like this one if you don't exceed the capacity of the wiring or the fuse block. My WFCO power center, for instance, says you can use up to a 20 amp fuse in any of its positions. If the sum of the 2 fuses in the tap doesn't exceed 20 amps you should be good to go.

[RJsfishin]

Depends what you mean by MT slot, but if you mean an unused terminal, it would be a fuse tap in itself.
There is nothing unsafe about what you want to do, as long as you don't fuse larger than the wire feeding the fuse.
But if you want to believe all these guys that really know better, go for it !

[joe0508]

All i am really adding is (two) 2 inch gauges and a 7 inch backup camera monitor.How many amps could each individual item load into the circuit.I know the two inch gauges couldnt be much at all,Not sure about the monitor.If i have an empty slot in the fuse panel with switched power will it make the fuse tap any safer?

[RJsfishin]

Quote:
"For instance, you mite (sic)
--------------------------------------------
Did you have any trouble reading it ? Quityer*****in, and count your blessings, man !

[SaltiDawg]

"For instance, you mite (sic) have a radio fused for 5 amps, but the wire feeding the fuse is good for 15 amps."

Makes one wonder why there was "only" a five amp fuse initially... to protect a device? If you replace the 5 amp with a 15 amp, do you include an additional 5 amp fuse in your "run another circuit off it."

[RJsfishin]

Fuse taps are made by major wire terminal mfgs, and are perfectly safe when used correctly.
For instance, you mite have a radio fused for 5 amps, but the wire feeding the fuse is good for 15 amps. There is nothing wrong w/ upsizing the fuse to 10 or 15 amps to run another circuit off it. Even the ac panel has more than 1 item (sometimes 3) connected to the same breaker.

Why not tell it like it is,....give a guy a break !

[handye9]

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.

[RoyB]

I use these BLUE SEA 12VDC SUB PANELS (AMAZON) in both my trailer and truck anytime I need to add more fused circuits for my RADIOS and other 12VDC circuits...

The BLUE SEA SUB PANELS are wired directly to my 12VDC at the main battery bank selector switches.


I also use proper fusing and terminal blocks to feed the DC SUB PANELS as well. All wiring is ANCOR BRAND 4AWG marine cables and using ring terminal hand crimped connections...


I always make a great effort to do things proper for my protection as well as the next owner of my trailers if that ever happens.

Roy Ken

[Shadow_Catcher]

There is NO substitute for doing wiring correctly and fuse taps come under the heading of a bad Idea. If you have something like one of the old WAFCO power centers with very few circuits install a fuse block wired properly http://www.westmarine.com/blue-sea-systems--st-blade-fuse-blocks--P009_275_002_501