DIY ANL Fuse Block?

[CharlieJ]

smac999: I think you are concurring with me that circuit breakers used in marine applications do have AIC ratings. Correct?

Regarding your excerpt from the Blue Sea Systems "abyc AIC chart" there have been some changes:
AIC Table.pdf

Note that the table does not apply to LFP or TPPL batteries because of their higher energy density.

Also note that for battery banks >500Ahr or with >2200CCA; the OCPD must have an AIC equal to or greater than the short circuit potential of the bank based on the battery manufacturer's technical specs. If the short circuit potential of the battery is not available from the manufacturer, than the OCPD AIC must be equal to or greater than 100 x nominal battery (bank) Ahr rating (E-11.10.12.3)

[transmitterdan]

Can't tell from the pictures but a common DIY mistake in DC systems is related to the hardware stackup. Never ever use plastic or fiberglass as part of the layers that compress to fasten an electrical connection. It is common to see a piece of fiberglass squeezed by the nut or screw. This is a big no-no in electrical connections. Only squeeze metal to make the connection. Plastic changes size much more as temperature changes thus the connection will tighten and loosen on its own. This is a good way to start a fire.

Also, never ever allow high current to flow through a washer, threaded bolt or screw. Make sure the high current terminations (e.g. Lugs) are touching one another with nothing between them.

[Marqus]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

Also, never ever allow high current to flow through a washer, threaded bolt or screw.

For the specific case of using a washer, as I sometimes do, what are the negative consequences when two ring terminals on the same stud are screwed down with a soft copper washer separating them?

[transmitterdan]

A soft copper washer isn't the best idea because it can loosen up over time. There isn't a good reason not to let the rings of the lugs touch one another. By adding a washer it doubles the number of surface contacts and increases heating which is what you want to avoid.

[Delancey]

Okay, so let's say you have your buss bar and your fuse holders. How do you connect them? A short cable with two lugs on either end? That's more effIcient than hooking one end of the fuse directly to the buss bar?

[Delancey]

From Sandero -

question:

I have placed a 1/4" thich plexi sheet bolted on stand off over all the 12v main wiring... busses, fuse blocks and switches etc. Most of the lugs have rubber shields (or whatever they are called). I removed the covers for the ANL fuse blocks. Would this approach be considered OK?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Marqus

For the specific case of using a washer, as I sometimes do, what are the negative consequences when two ring terminals on the same stud are screwed down with a soft copper washer separating them?

As noted by Dan, this is a bad idea.

Flat washers should only be used to separate terminals of dissimilar metals, which should be avoided.

ABYC E-11.16.4.1.11
No more than four conductors shall be secured to any one terminal stud. If additional connections are necessary, two or more terminal studs
shall be connected together by means of jumpers or copper straps.
➥ http://www.elettronavigare.it/files/...0americane.pdf

There are some excellent illustrations in the below link that show the best method of assembling ring terminals for stacking, including details about proper orientation of the ring terminals and use of flat washers and lock washers to make a secure electrical and mechanical connection.
➥ https://www.mitrecaasd.org/atsrac/nb...talsPart2a.pdf

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by Delancey

Okay, so let's say you have your buss bar and your fuse holders. How do you connect them? A short cable with two lugs on either end? That's more effIcient than hooking one end of the fuse directly to the buss bar?

You can buy (inexpensively) Bars to connect the fuse holders together

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/4639...ar-7-Position/

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by pcmm

You can buy (inexpensively) Bars to connect the fuse holders together

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/4639...ar-7-Position/

The missing link! Thanks

[Matt Johnson]

Good stuff, but shipping is expensive from them. Last $150 purchase had $60 shipping to Florida for 8 pounds of items.

Sent from my LG-V410 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Good stuff, but shipping is expensive from them. Last $150 purchase had $60 shipping to Florida for 8 pounds of items.

Sent from my LG-V410 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

guess it all depends on what shipping options. I ordered enough crimp fittings, fuse blocks, breakers etc to do my whole 41ft sailboat and the shipping was only $30 to grand Island, NY.