Switch Panel ?'s

[RivRunR]

BigTerp » Today, 08:57[/url]"]Thanks RivRunR!! This is all starting to make much more sense to me now.

I definetly swayed on the + side for figuring my total amperage. For the accessories that were < 1 amp, I figured on 1 amp of draw for them. For the stereo I couldn't find what amp draw it had, but it comes with a 10 amp fuse, so I figured 10 amps for the stereo. Not sure on the spotlight either, but a quick search of a few different models looks like 8 amps is a safe guess. So realisiticly I'm probably looking at less than 20 amps total on my panel, especially when not running my spotlight. It's probably closer to 15 or so amps without running my spotlight and 22 or so amps while running my spotlight. Is a 30 amp circuit breaker still sufficient? Or should I be looking to get a circuit breaker rated for lower than 30 amps?

So the control panel I'm looking at comes with each switch fused with a 15amp fuse. Should I be swapping these fuses out for more appropriate sized fuses based on what accessory is on that switch? For instance my running lights, anchor lights and interior lights are all less than 1 amp of draw. Should I go with something like a 2 amp fuse for these a 5 amp fuse for my bilge pump and leave the 15 amp fuse for the stereo?

This is the one part of my build I wasn't looking forward to. But the guidance I've gotten here makes me feel MUCH more comfortable tackling the job!!!

Given all that, a smaller breaker is probably what you need. Since they are so cheap, maybe just get a 20, 25 and 30...wire up the 20, turn everything on and see if it trips, LOL! I expect a 25 is where you'll land.

Yeah, you should use right-sized fuses for each circuit. If I recall, I think I ran 3A on my navs, 5A on my bilges, and 15 on my 12V cig socket. Your fishfinder book should tell you what size to run, usually it's like a 1A, and you can just run it thru an in-line fuse directly to the battery to help avoid interference from other devices.

Electrical used to spook me too, but it's really pretty straightforward.

Oh, and I'd recommend getting terminal connectors like these heat shrink terminals which crimp, but also have heat-shrink plus adhesive for a good tight fit.

 

[BigTerp]

Thanks RivRunR, I appreciate the help!!