Terminal Block Fuses

[Stephen Butler]

We installed the standard four 6V batteries, but without fusing.  After reading Mainesail and a few other posts, we now realize that when we return to the boat, we will need to get this done ASAP.  Has anyone used terminal block fuses for their 6V batteries, or do they stick up too far and interfere with the compartment cover?   

[Steve W10]

From the Blue Sea website http://www.bluesea.com/products/5191  here is a dimensional drawing....

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I've got an '88, hull 625, but suspect the battery well is the same size.  With Group 27s in there it works fine, but turns out the 27s are only 9 1/2" high.  The 6 volt batteries all seem to be higher, approaching 11" and even more for some.

I know I've got thick stock as the base for my batteries (1 1/2" wood) so I could replace that with something thinner if required; not sure if that's an option for you.

Steve

[Ron Hill]

Steve : Because of the height problem, I use the terminal a block fuse on each bank with out the terminal block. 
I connect the fuse to the battery with the wing nut connection and nut/bolt to the lead from the alternator.  I've been doing this for 23/24 years with no problem.
I have the connections protected with covers. 

A thought

[Stephen Butler]

Thanks Ron.  We will try your solution when we get back to the boat.  Appreciate your suggestion.

[2ndwish]

Ron- Could you possibly take a picture of your configuration and post it? I'm not sure I understand how you're making the connection.

[Ron Hill]

2nd : The computer with the pictures just went down!! 

All I did was to take one end of the block fuse and put it on the wing nut terminal of the battery and used a short nut & bolt W/lockwasher on the other end to the lead from the alternator.  Simple as that!!  Make sure the exposed ends are covered/protected incase you were to drop a wrench/metal on the otherwise exposed positive terminal.

If you can still have the battery box cover on, you're OK.   A few thoughts

[2ndwish]

Ron:I think this might be a terminology issue. I'm attaching 2 photos the first is a terminal block type fuse the second is an ANL type fuse. I think you must be using something like the latter. Might also be a T-class fuse.

[Ron Hill]

2nd : You are so right!!

I use the AML fuse or another just like it!! 

[Stu Jackson]

Steve, we use MEGA fuses.  I bolted them to the wall of the battery box.  Limits the "room" for 6V batteries, which kept us into (3) 12V 130 ah wet cells.  These new fuses hadn't been invented back then.  Wow!  AQUAVITE has now owned us for 15 years, just last week!!!

If I wanted to go to 6 V, I'd have to reconfigure my fuses and the Link 2000 shunt which are inside the "box."  If height is your issue, then you have the information to work it out.  If you have the room on the side of the batteries, try other fusing if the height doesn't work for you.  We have our start bank (battery) and one of the three in the "normal" battery place, the other two are in the forward athwartships settee on a plywood support built by the PO.

I've helped two or three C34 Mark I skippers install (4) 6V batteries in the "hole" and there's simply not a lot of room for stuff that I've considered "extra space on the side" if you do that.

Another thought is to run "some" wires to the starboard side and put the fuses on the water tank side of the "box."