Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: croy_00 on March 03, 2014, 09:41:18 AM

Title: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: croy_00 on March 03, 2014, 09:41:18 AM
Hey Guys,

I recently purchased a 55# thrust Traxxis motor, and a 60 amp waterproof circuit breaker that Minn Kota recommend's you wire between the positive on your battery and motor.

My question is, would it be reasonable to use this wire that Crappy Tire sells as the short lead from my battery to the breaker?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/switch-to-starter-battery-cable-4-gauge-0110961p.html#.UxS8cvldXNw (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/switch-to-starter-battery-cable-4-gauge-0110961p.html#.UxS8cvldXNw)

I would have to buy everything with the exception of a heat gun if I were to make my own, which is why I am curious if this would work, and not cause a mass explosion out on the lake.  :P

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: sandy999 on March 04, 2014, 03:31:04 PM
Hey Guys,

I recently purchased a 55# thrust Traxxis motor, and a 60 amp waterproof circuit breaker that Minn Kota recommend's you wire between the positive on your battery and motor.

My question is, would it be reasonable to use this wire that Crappy Tire sells as the short lead from my battery to the breaker?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/switch-to-starter-battery-cable-4-gauge-0110961p.html#.UxS8cvldXNw (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/switch-to-starter-battery-cable-4-gauge-0110961p.html#.UxS8cvldXNw)

I would have to buy everything with the exception of a heat gun if I were to make my own, which is why I am curious if this would work, and not cause a mass explosion out on the lake.  :P

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated!


I have the same motor and I have never used any kind of circuit breaker. In the two years that I have used the motor I have never had a problem of any kind.
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: Craig on March 04, 2014, 03:54:34 PM
Based on the breaker size of 60 amps (if that is right or not)  #4AWG wire in Aluminum or Copper is more than enough.

If aluminium or fine stranded copper, there are different things you need to consider when terminating the wire. Since you wrote of a heatgun I assume you know this already.

Craig
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: croy_00 on March 04, 2014, 04:03:22 PM

I have the same motor and I have never used any kind of circuit breaker. In the two years that I have used the motor I have never had a problem of any kind.

I know I may never run into problems, but it's like having a seat belt in your car. You don't need it if you never get into an accident. Not to mention a fire on my inflatable out on the water would be nasty  :P
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: croy_00 on March 04, 2014, 04:04:37 PM
Based on the breaker size of 60 amps (if that is right or not)  #4AWG wire in Aluminum or Copper is more than enough.

If aluminium or fine stranded copper, there are different things you need to consider when terminating the wire. Since you wrote of a heatgun I assume you know this already.

Craig

I figured as much, I was just making sure I wasn't missing something. I am going to grab this tonight and see how it goes. I didn't want to have to crimp and heat shrink my own if I didn't have too.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: RyanB on March 04, 2014, 04:07:08 PM
Max amp draw: 50 (so assume that is full load amps)
1.25 x 50 = 62.5 A, so next size down circuit breaker is 60 A, so you are good there
Supply cables sized to FLA, #4 copper is for 100 A so should be fine

Only question is do you trust the crimping and insulation of those cables?
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: croy_00 on March 04, 2014, 04:09:09 PM
Max amp draw: 50 (so assume that is full load amps)
1.25 x 50 = 62.5 A, so next size down circuit breaker is 60 A, so you are good there
Supply cables sized to FLA, #4 copper is for 100 A so should be fine

Only question is do you trust the crimping and insulation of those cables?

That's kind of what I was thinking. I am sealing it off in my battery box, and will be regularly checking it before heading out. May even wrap some electrical tape on the crimps just to make sure nothing gets in.
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: Wool on March 16, 2014, 09:32:57 AM
Don't put the fuse in the battery box... You could have a bigger problem if that ever popped you would be in trouble.

  Keep the fuse in a weatherproof fuse block.

  Hope this helps
Title: Re: Question about circuit breaker for electric motor
Post by: croy_00 on March 17, 2014, 08:19:30 PM
Don't put the fuse in the battery box... You could have a bigger problem if that ever popped you would be in trouble.

  Keep the fuse in a weatherproof fuse block.

  Hope this helps

I actually mounted it on the top of my battery box. The circuit breaker itself is a waterproof marine grade breaker, but thanks for the tip!