krawler
Well-known member
The fuses on the switch panel are there to protect the wiring and switches encase of a short. Any device (radio, fish finder, vhf radio) should have it's own fuse rated at the gauge of wire for that device. You should also have a circuit breaker or fuse on the main wire going to the switch panel, close to the battery.
Here is a common way to wire up a boat;
Battery to a main battery switch. Usually 4 to 6 gauge wire.
Battery switch common to switch panel. Usually 10 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse/breaker.
10 gauge wire to the three 16/14 gauge wires at back of panel. 15 amp fuses to protect the wire and switches.
From switch common to device. Usually small gauge wire with a 3 to 5 amp fuse.
All the ground wires should terminate at a buss or at a single point and than use a heavy gauge wire (8/10) to the - side of the battery.
Most devices when purchased new will come with an in-line fuse.
Battery switch for two batteries.
Run all the wire into a gang box, makes for a real clean job.
Here is a common way to wire up a boat;
Battery to a main battery switch. Usually 4 to 6 gauge wire.
Battery switch common to switch panel. Usually 10 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse/breaker.
10 gauge wire to the three 16/14 gauge wires at back of panel. 15 amp fuses to protect the wire and switches.
From switch common to device. Usually small gauge wire with a 3 to 5 amp fuse.
All the ground wires should terminate at a buss or at a single point and than use a heavy gauge wire (8/10) to the - side of the battery.
Most devices when purchased new will come with an in-line fuse.
Battery switch for two batteries.
Run all the wire into a gang box, makes for a real clean job.
