A fuse or circuit breaker protects the wiring and electrical system if excessive current flows.
To select the proper protection:
- Determine the normal and maximum current requirements of the connected equipment.
- Check the equipment manufacturer’s recommended fuse or breaker size.
- Make sure the fuse rating does not exceed the safe current rating of the wire.
- Account for normal short-duration surge loads where applicable.
- Install primary overcurrent protection as close to the battery or power source as practical.
Do not simply install a larger fuse because the existing fuse keeps opening. Repeated fuse failures indicate that the circuit, equipment, wiring, or protection sizing should be investigated.
