Ken,
You said in the post to Steve:
"So each branch would need it's own fused service, or in other words a fuse
block, which you already have."
The problem as I see it is that there is NO fuse protection between the +
main battery terminal and the fuse block, or between the + main battery
terminal and the starter, or between the + main battery terminal and the +
auxiliary battery terminal (if you have one). These unfused wires carry
significant amps and they are routed under the van. Should the insulation on
these wires be damaged there is a real danger of them shorting to the frame,
and the potential for a fire. Seems like it would be nice to have them
fused. My 2 cents.
Bill
90 Westy Syncro

-----Original Message-----
From: kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: Battery Circuit Breaker

>Steve;
>        I do not think one fuse/breaker will do what you require. These
>devices should be matched to the load they are protecting. For instance I
>would not try to fuse the starter.It draws such a large and varied
>current it would be hard to get trouble free service. Even if you did get
>a good match a short in a smaller wire would cause a melt down before it
>tripped the starter fuse. See what I am getting at? So each branch would
>need it's own fused service, or in other words a fuse block, which you
>already have.
>        I agree with you that electrical protection is a good thing. I am
>planning to add a separate feed and relays  to the headlights. I will
>branch off the positive terminal with a fuse rated at about 25% more than
>all four lamps draw. Then I will fuse each light 10% over.
>Drive Safely & Good Luck
>Ken Lewis<Kernersville,NC>86 VW crewcab;60 T-5 Coupe
>
>On Mon, 15 Feb 1999 23:03:51 -0800 Steve <Steve@Schwenk-Law.com> writes:
>>I recall seeing circuit breakers or fuses that are attached
>>to the positive terminal of the battery...and to which all
>>wires to the Batt. are attached.  the idea obviously being
>>that the breaker or fuse will cut off power in the event of
>>a short anywhere in the system...at least one big enough to
>>cause a fire.  Has anyone ever tried one of these....any
>>reason not to?  Fire and a crazy driver are my main
>>vulnerabilities and it seems like a cheap bit of insurance.
>>steve
>>
>
>___________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
>or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>