New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Hello All:<br /><br />I am putting a new ATC fuse box in my 21 Foot Cuddy to replace the Glass fuses type that is currently in there. <br />
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<br /><br />I would or was thinking about running a new power wire from the battery to the box. My question is what Gauge wire would a person use? Does anyone know how the wire is normally run? Is it usually part of the wire harness that attaches to the engine?<br /><br />MERRY CHRISTMAS! :p <br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /><br />Tallman
 

sloopy

Captain
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Jul 12, 2002
Messages
3,000
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

Nothing smaller then 10 gauge, I would USE six gauge, put an automotive marine style fuse between that fuse box and the battery.
 

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
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Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

I see that on Blue sea's web site that the pannel is rated for up to 100 amps total, which you will probably never need all that power.... <br /><br />The correct size wire to use depends on the wires length... The longer the wire, the bigger the wire needs to be..<br /><br />Sloopy's on the right track here... I too would use at least a 6 gauge wire with an inline fuse between the pannel and the battery or battery switch... One of Blue sea's "ANL" fuse block with maybe a 60 amp or 80 amp fuse would do nicely..
 

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

Ok fellas thanks for the input, I was thinking about running probably a 4 gauge but that may be over kill.. <br /><br />I have to go about 15- 20ft or so, so I figure 6 should be plenty.<br /><br />Does anyone know, does the fuse box normaly get power thru the mercruiser cannon plug on the engine. I have not looked at the boat lately (in storage) but I do not recall having a seperate power lead running to the fuse box that is attached to the battery.???? :confused: <br /><br />Do you think I should run also seperate ground as well?? :confused: <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Tallman
 

mole2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Dec 21, 2003
Messages
153
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

The lead probably comes off your battery switch and not directly off the battery. I installed a power post with the terminal block built in. I have a battery cable 18" long that goes from the load side of the battery switch to the power post. The leads for my fuse box, bilge pumps and CO detector come off this power post. Since I trailer the boat I don't have to leave the blige pumps connected all the time (and the CO dectector either). If I had the boat in a slip I would install another power post on the line side of the switch to attach the bilge pumps to.<br /><br />Power post with terminals:<br /><br />http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=42830<br /><br />And yes, I did the same with the grounds. I ran a battery cable to a power post and from the power post to the motor. I connected all the grounds to the power post. Cleaned things up quite nice. And it's nice to not have all those connections at the battery. I also put my batteries in these boxes which make everything nice and clean:<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=10001&classNum=208&subdeptNum=207&storeNum=9 <br /><br />I purchased two of the VW solar chargers off of EBay and plug them into the battery boxes while the boat is in the driveway. I also reversed the suction cups on them so when I'm anchored I attach them to the splash well on the transom. Works pretty good. :)
 

crab bait

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Feb 5, 2002
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Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

MOLE...how do you like those VW solar chargers..?? i just bought one at a flea market yesterday...
 

mole2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Dec 21, 2003
Messages
153
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

Seems to work nice. From what I see, it's the highest wattage of the small chargers. It's 3.2 watts while everything else I've looked at is 1.5. To get anything greater than 3.2 watts costs $100 on up. I only paid $12 each (I have two...one for each battery) including the shipping so I think I did pretty good. They keep the batteries topped off between outings. And, as I said above, I plug them in when I'm on the hook. I have the GPS, FF, VHF and AM/FM/CD going while on the hook so I figure any input is worth it. :)
 

crab bait

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Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

thanks.. yeah, i paid 20 bucs for one.. it seemed like good one... 3.2 watts at 18.? volts.. seemed like it's got some punch.. i bought it just to have it, for the most part..can always find uses.. dead batteries in lawn tractor,vehicles,boat , trolmo,,ect...new it must be goodin' when i saw it was made by VW.. <br /><br />figured what the heck,, it ain't the first time i spent 20 bucs..
 

sloopy

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Joined
Jul 12, 2002
Messages
3,000
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

6 gauge wire is what I would use, it is not to light for you application and you can still by adapters and terminals that will fit on it at any hardware store. I use a United Solar Systems flexible panel on my sailboat, it is governed by a SUN SELECTOR Regulator. All my navigation, courtesy, and cabin lights are LED. Just thought you should know...<br />Merry Christmas
 

Ralph 123

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Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

For future reference, Ancor marine provides a great wire size calculator for marine wiring. You can find it by going to this link and clicking on technical information -> Wire calculator<br /><br /> http://www.ancorproducts.com/ <br /><br />6 awg (which is bigger than automotive 6 gauge) is good for up to about 45 amps, 3% drop on a 20' run<br /><br />Before you install that type of fuse box, you should really consider making your own or purchasing a push-button breaker distribution panel. The great thing about this approach is you can tell if you have a blown circuit at a glace. No pulling fuses and testing, etc.<br /><br />I rewired my 79 Formula w/ twin 350s from scratch. I put sealed marine circuit breakers right under sealed lighted rocker switches at the helm.
 

Vector501

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 25, 2003
Messages
36
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

Hey Tallman,<br />I was wondering where I could find a Atc Fuse holder like the one you have shown.<br />I appreciate it.
 

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

It is made by blueseas<br /><br />I placed order about week or 2 ago havent gotten it yet. I will let you know when I get it.<br /><br />T
 

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Re: New ATC Fuse Box and New Power wire

Vector:<br /><br />Finally got the hew fuse box. <br /><br />try these guys for the part<br /><br /> http://www.pkys.com <br /><br />T
 
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