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Connecting DC Cables
3–13
Fuse/Circuit Breaker Sizing Guidelines
Because your batteries can produce thousands of amps, you need fuses or
circuit breakers that can safely withstand the short-circuit current they can
produce.
To select the correct fuse type and size:
1. Determine the total cold cranking amp rating for your battery(s). (The
cold cranking amp rating of each battery is displayed on the battery
case. If it is not, contact the battery manufacturer.) For example:
•If you are using one battery to power your inverter and its rating is 500,
the total cold cranking amp rating is 500.
•If you are powering your inverter with two batteries, and each has a
rating of 500, the total cold cranking amp rating is 1000.
2. Once you have determined the total cold cranking amp rating of your
batteries, identify the corresponding Ampere Interrupting Capacity
(AIC) of the fuse or breaker required for your system by referring to
Table 3-2. (The AIC is the amount of battery short-circuit amperage that
the fuse can safely withstand.)
•If the Total Cold Cranking Amps indicate that the AIC is 2,700 amps or
less, choose an ANL 150 fuse.
•If the Total Cold Cranking Amps indicate that the AIC is up to 20,000
amps or if you require a “code fuse”, choose a Class T 150 A fuse.
1
Table 3-2 Cold Cranking Amps / Ampere Interrupting Capacity
Total Cold Cranking
Amps
Ampere Interrupting Capacity
(AIC)
650 or less 1500
651–1100 3000
over 1100 5000
1.The figures in Table 3-2 are based on standards developed by the
ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council).
PROWatt100.book Page 13 Friday, January 5, 2001 3:03 PM