Fuses always do their job no matter what.  Circuit breakers can fail to open a
shorted circuit.  I would never use a self resetting breaker as it will only
delay the inevitable fire if you can not remove it quickly.  If the fuse
melts, something is wrong and it saved you from having to call your insurance
agent.  Breakers are convenience items for lazy people.  This includes the
wiring on your house.  In industrial applications, expensive motors and
electronic equipment always use fuses for short circuit protection.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From:   Vanagon mailing list  On Behalf Of db25
Sent:   Tuesday, September 09, 1997 3:59 PM
To:     Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
Subject:        30 fan fuse or circuit breaker

Recently, when my '86 Westy was in the body shop getting the front end
repaired, the body shop "technician" air chiseled through the wiring
harness.  Would have liked to see the look on his face when that 30 amp fuse
blew.  Anyway, after I re-connect the harness I was wondering if I should
just replace the fuse or upgrade to a circuit breaker?  I have seen two
types, one with a manual reset button, and the other resets automatically.
The manual one cost $3.99 and the auto costs $2.99.  Sure I can buy a whole
box of fuses for under two bucks, but I was just wondering if getting away
from them is a bad thing.  Just thinking out loud.  What do you all think?

Thanks,
Doug
'86 GL Westy/Maryland