Why are the AC circuits in our trailers connected to circuit breakers and the DC circuits to fuses? Why not just use circuit breakers for everything?
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Fuses vs Circuit Breakers
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Fuses vs Circuit Breakers
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Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlusTags: None
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Originally posted by howson View PostWhy are the AC circuits in our trailers connected to circuit breakers and the DC circuits to fuses? Why not just use circuit breakers for everything?
You can plug a circuit breaker into any fuse holder. Such as https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Manual-...86RX2WMHH49BND
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post
I expect that this is just a "cost" consideration. Fuses are much less expensive than circuit breakers and provide the same level of protection. Most circuits will live their entire life without ever blowing the fuse.
You can plug a circuit breaker into any fuse holder. Such as https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Manual-...86RX2WMHH49BND
RobForum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Here is a breaker I purchased to replace the cheap unprotected breaker at the front of the trailer next to the junction box on the frame. I'm also purchasing one for the tongue jack. These are resettable and waterproof.
https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surface..._dp&th=1&psc=1
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Originally posted by MidwestCamper View PostHere is a breaker I purchased to replace the cheap unprotected breaker at the front of the trailer next to the junction box on the frame. I'm also purchasing one for the tongue jack. These are resettable and waterproof.
https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Surface..._dp&th=1&psc=1Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Howard,
The resettable breaker can also be used to intentionally open the circuit to the front jack as a method of theft prevention if mounted inside the passthrough. I'm not sure how many rigs are stolen and towed away but thinking it wouldn't hurt.
Jim
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Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post...the cheap unprotected breaker at the front of the trailer next to the junction box on the frame...
-Steve
2018 Solitude 310GK, disc brakes
Morryde SRE4000/XFactor with heavy duty shackles, V-Brackets in spring hangers
2012 Ram 3500 SRW 6.7 Diesel, air bags
18k B&W Companion, non-slider
640 watts solar, 400 amp-hour Lion Safari UT 1300 battery bank
Aims 1500 watt inverter/charger with ATS
Somerset, WI
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Many Many Many years ago in electronics class we tested circuit breakers against various fuses and measured reaction time and overload time required. At that time the fuses reacted faster, maybe a few milla seconds. Instructor indicated that for the electronics the fuse protected that would be an eternity. Not sure if it is still true today, but for the price of the circuit breakers shown you can buy a heck of a lot of fuses. When I wired in my CPAP circuits I use a new type of fuse that lights up when blown. The actual fuse light up.2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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Originally posted by steve&renee View Post
I'm confused. What does this breaker control, and why do you say it's unprotected? I don't know what it means to protect a breaker.
-Steve
These breakers protect the camper from the incoming current from the battery, and (for my camper) the stabilizers, front tongue jack, and emergency brake actuator.
The diagram below should give you an idea (hopefully!). Note this circuit is specific to my modified electrical setup.
Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Originally posted by steve&renee View Post
I'm confused. What does this breaker control, and why do you say it's unprotected? I don't know what it means to protect a breaker.
-Steve
My comment on the breaker is based on being unprotected from the environment, moisture, corrosion, etc. On my Imagine, there is a single breaker that protects the main 12V circuit on the camper. My tongue jack is protected by an inline fuse currently.
JimLast edited by Guest; 01-12-2020, 10:24 PM.
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Originally posted by steve&renee View Post
I'm confused. What does this breaker control, and why do you say it's unprotected? I don't know what it means to protect a breaker.
-Steve
The breakers that these guys are talking about are "marine" quality. This means water proof (weather protected) and not a spark source (ignition protected). For this application, the weather (water) protection is probably the most significant. This circuit breaker is close to the propane tanks, but in an open environment, so ignition risk is probably slight. Marine parts are built to standards far beyond anything OEM RV. Anytime that you can use a marine part in an RV, you are well above the RVIA "requirements".
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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