[solidaxel]

OK, I am connecting my main circuits to a connecting block what is the best protection for the 8 and 10Ga. Alt to starter and main circuit to the fuse panel?

I understand MAD Electronics explanation, but have heard other opinions, so lets hear them all !!

[Dave 39]

The best protection is probably a 50 amp maxifuse. A fuseable link will be hard to replace; mine is buried in the wiring harness. Ron Francis catalog has pictures of one going off, it would make quite a mess and be tough to replace on the road. With a maxifuse you have to find a place to mount the fuse holder. On my current build I mounted it vert low on the firewall close to the solenoid, it's out of the way but easy to change if needed. Hope this helps, Dave

[Irelands child]

I too have read the MAD write up but tend to agree with Ron Francis instead about the fuse link and installed a Maxi-Fuse. I carry a couple spares and can change it out in a couple minutes rather then dig around for a failed link. If there's a big fault, I'll know immediately - then can call the roll back . Then the fun of changing a link out on the road.........not gonna happen. It's call the roll back first then repair the link.

Dave W

[302 Z28]

MaxiFuse, I do not like fusible links for that level of power.

Vince

[cobalt327]

X4 on a fuse. Before you use whatever amp fuse, add the loads that it will see plus a bit of cushion extra. IMHO, don't just use whatever fuse falls to hand, amp-wise.

I believe the fusable link was used by the OEM because of cost, not because it is better.

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

I believe the fusable link was used by the OEM because of cost, not because it is better.

Bingo

Vince

[solidaxel]

Looks like a Maxi fuse for this project,
Just returned from the hot rod shop with a LARGE fuse holder and a 70 amp fuse !!
Now I know why the OE's used fuse links $$$$$

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

X4 on a fuse. Before you use whatever amp fuse, add the loads that it will see plus a bit of cushion extra. IMHO, don't just use whatever fuse falls to hand, amp-wise.

I believe the fusable link was used by the OEM because of cost, not because it is better.

Do they make a 90 amp fuse?

[solidaxel]

I stopped at the stereo store and all they had was Large glass fuse, with a holder that had a set screw to bite into the copper but I went with the crimp and lug connector for the screw on blade type.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Do they make a 90 amp fuse?

I see them up to 80 amp.

[OLNOLAN]

Here's a link to whats out there on the automotive fuse market;
http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/d96.html
olnolan

[Joe G]

I use both maxi-fuses (actually mega-fuses) and fuselinks. The idea being that every inch of the wire needs to be protected, and if you use a maxi or a mega fuse, the wire from there to whatever is feeding it (solenoid, battery, or whatever) is still unprotected, and if a short was to occur there it would melt the wire and possibly cause other damage.

I have read the Ron Francis position and because I had never seen a fuse link burn up in the manner they show, it prompted me to do some testing of my own. I used my battery load tester to put a known load on the fuselink. What I found is the fuse links I use don't burst into flames, but they do give off quite a bit of smoke. Another thing I found is that it takes about 300 amps to smoke a 12 gauge fuse link. So I would never use a fuse link INSIDE a car, but I do use them because it is the only way to protect every inch of the wire.

Hope this helps...

[302 Z28]

My Maxi Fuse is located in the trunk as is my battery. The Maxi Fuse is less than a foot from the battery and the "unprotected" wire is only about 6" long.

Vince

[Irelands child]

This in the trunk is where my battery, maxi fuse - 2 of them. One for the AAW module, the other for the start circuit, starter switch (solenoid is on the starter) and the master switch is located. The trunk lift is on an unswitched circuit (this 'messy' wiring along with the Battery Tender has been neatened up since the photo was taken).

The AAW module is by wire length about 18" away just behind that upholstered panel, the start circuit, 6-8"

[65ELCMO]

Bob, Did you buy anything yet? Clyde had a maxi fuse holder made by Littlefuse that can be moumted whatever you need it. I am going to see if Don, The guy with the mobile service, can get us some. I'll show it to you when I get back home. Steve