By signing into your account, you represent that you have read and agree to our Terms and our Privacy Policy
By signing into your account, you represent that you have read and agree to our Terms and our Privacy Policy
Blue Sea Systems 12 Circuit ST Blade Fuse Blocks Customer Questions and Answers
Question
How do you know to get one with a ground or without a ground?
Asked on 09/12/2012 by UndisclosedTop Answer
The ground buss bar is included in the one covered unit. Without that, you would have to install a separate ground buss bar for all your ground wires.
Answered on 09/13/2012 by RICHARD DARLINGAnswer
I always use on with a ground. This way you come from the battery with two heavy wires one red and one black for + and - Then you can feed all your equipment from the block. Easier troubleshooting when a problems occur.
Answered on 09/12/2012 by LARRY BROWNINGQuestion
would i have trouble using all 12 circuits on one 12 volt battery? Can i connect two batteries to the block? Will it overload the circuit block if i bridge two 12 volt batteries together?
Asked on 10/05/2011 by Daron BickleTop Answer
Hi Daron, Your question is not really about the fuse block, it is more a basic wiring question. I recommend you pick up an excellent book by Nigel Calder called "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual". There are also many other books on boat wiring. That said, yes, you can bridge two 12V batteries together in parallel and connect to the fuse block (or connect in series if you want a 24V system). There are several important things that really matter for wiring your fuse block. First, the sum of your circuits must not exceed 100 amps, which is the fuse block rating. Second, none of your individual circuits on the fuse block can exceed 30 amps, which is the highest amperage ATO/ATC fuse you can buy. Third, you absolutely must use a large enough wire for both positive and negative cables from battery to fuse block or bus bar and proper marine terminals properly crimped with the right tool (and adhesive lined heat shrink tubing is highly recommended). A book like Nigel Calder's will explain what goes into deciding on that wire size, but if it helps any I'm using 4 AWG Ancor battery cable and HD lugs. Your cable should be covered in plastic split loom to prevent chafing and secured the entire length with cable ties or other method to prevent flexing, and ABYC says (with a couple exceptions) you need a fuse or circuit breaker very close to the battery, which will prevent your boat from catching fire if the insulation gets chafed or your terminals are not installed as well as you thought they were, because those cables will short like an arc welder. A couple options include a MRBF fuse on the positive battery terminal or a surface mounted circuit breaker next to the battery. Good luck with your project.
Answered on 11/04/2011 by STEVEN ANDERSONAnswer
Yes you can connect two batteries to the block but be sure they are in parallel which will provide 12 at double the current. All 12 circuits will be just fine with only one battery if the current draw is not too much to drain the batteries between charges. You have to add the amp ratings of each large item connected to the Block. hope that helps Larry Browning
Answered on 10/05/2011 by LARRY BROWNINGBy signing into your account, you represent that you have read and agree to our Terms and our Privacy Policy
