Determing Fuse Size

[Capebuild]

I've got a Dometic CX35 fridge. I looked under the cover and it states, used at 12 volts the max draw is 7.5 amps. In setting up the wiring and fuse for this device (which I'll put on its own circuit) is using a 7.5 amp fuse what I'd want to use (with 14 awg wire), or should I use a higher fuse, like a 10 amp fuse?

(I realize I can use 16 awg wire but I've already got the 14 awg)...... any comments welcome.

Thank you.

John

[flboy]

The fuse is to protect the wiring. 14 gage is apprx. 15A max, so you'd want a fuse no larger than that.. Your load is 7.5 A, so it needs to be larger than that. A 10A fuse would be a good fit here.

I'd typically go somewhere between the max wire current and the max load expected.


Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

[TimC]

Ditto... protect the wire. If you fridge is like mine under the cover just inside the outlet is a ATM type fuse. Dometic has your fridge covered. You need to protect the wire near the source (fuse panel or inline).

This is a photo just inside the cover on an Alpicool (only with my additional APP outlet with a ply backup on the thin plastic cover). The black fuse block (atm) is just to the left in a bundle of wire.

[tony.latham]

Think of it this way. Your home has several 120-volt circuits. If they are 14 gauge wire, they are protected by a 15 amp breaker. If they are 12 gauge, they are protected by a 20 amp breaker.

Whether DC or AC, it's all about wire size and protecting that run, not what's plugged into the outlet.

Tony

[Capebuild]

Thanks Tony, Tim and flboy. I appreciate the quick help. Exactly what I needed to know. Helpful!

Thanks

I'm starting to finalize my electrical layout and circuit runs.... I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions

John