Replacement circuit breaker question

[fireman_bob]

Hi All,
I found that the original surface mount circuit breaker for my windlass has gone bad. It is one of the Bussman 185025F style breakers (about $45 retail and says it complies with SAE J1625). What's the difference between this type of breaker and one of the lower cost stud mount manual reset breakers that run about $4 retail (says it meets RVIA and S.A.E. J553 specifications) ? They are both rated for marine environment and have manual reset capability. The only thing I can see that's functionally different is that the 185025F style can be used as a switch by pressing the red button on the cover. I don't use that switch since I don't need to turn off my windlass. There's a switch on the helm for control of on/off.
Do I really need a $45 breaker here?
Thank you.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Replacement circuit breaker question

As long as you have the protection there you're fine...the more expensive one is just want you said, it has a switch. My boat has the cheaper ones and all is well, but I've never found them for $4.00, more like $8 - $10 range.

 

[fireman_bob]

Re: Replacement circuit breaker question

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I did some more research and found that the more expensive unit has ignition protection (J1171), which the cheaper one does not. This is probably necessary since the unit is mounted in the bilge area on the transom (I have an internal gas tank that, if breeched, would leak into the bilge). The only conditions that I would need this protection is if the windlass was in use AND had a problem where the breaker needed to trip AND my fuel tank was leaking into the bilge AND the fuel to air mixture in the bilge was above the LEL - quite a stretch, but I guess I'll have to ante up the $40. Better safe than dead.

 

[lauke]

Re: Replacement circuit breaker question

Is the circuit breaker located in the engine room or not? If it is, then it must be ignition protected. If it is not, then you can opt for "el cheapo".

~Ken

 

[fireman_bob]

Re: Replacement circuit breaker question

It's an outboard engine with a 140 gal inboard gas tank. The bilge is just aft of the inboard gas tank and the batteries, battery switch, breakers and fuses are in this aft area mounted to the transom.