circuit breaker

boudreaux 23 · August 17, 2010, 11:59:54 AM

what would be the best way to install a circuit breaker on the hot wire going to my trolling motor? I ran 6 awg wire but the connections on the breaker are real small and i cant find connectors for 6 guage wire that small. Can i splice smaller wire on to the hot without it getting too hot on me?

Baron49 · August 17, 2010, 12:31:29 PM

I use a circuit breaker that I mounted directly on the hot battery post. It has a copper base plate that the heavy gauge wire attaches to and the other end attaches to the battery post. Got them from a dealer that sells Motoguide products

Sig Equinox · August 17, 2010, 02:56:01 PM

Quote from: boudreaux 23 on August 17, 2010, 11:59:54 AM
what would be the best way to install a circuit breaker on the hot wire going to my trolling motor? I ran 6 awg wire but the connections on the breaker are real small and i cant find connectors for 6 guage wire that small. Can i splice smaller wire on to the hot without it getting too hot on me?

BassBUFF · August 17, 2010, 04:31:21 PM

I guess the million dollar question is what kind of breaker did you get?

tsmith35 · August 17, 2010, 05:39:18 PM

What rating is your existing circuit breaker? Auto or manual reset?

boudreaux 23 · August 17, 2010, 08:32:10 PM

Its a 50 amp manual reset breaker. Im just worried about if i splice it with smaller wire it getting too hot. Thanks for all the input

tsmith35 · August 17, 2010, 10:42:13 PM

Just curious... is it an inline or a panel mount type breaker? If you would like to keep the existing breaker (vs buying new), you should probably install some appropriately-sized lugs depending on the thread size. Take a look HERE for some types available. These lugs should be crimped on with the correct tool to ensure trouble free operation. While some people solder these lugs on, the American Boat and Yacht Council says, "Solder shall not be the sole means of mechanical connection in any circuit." I would guess that's because solder can loosen up with movement, as it's a soft metal.

So find out what size thread you have and match it (and the wire size) up with the appropriate lug. Smallest I see listed for #6 wire is "#6 Wire, #10 Screws".

BassBUFF · August 18, 2010, 04:39:02 AM

Got to love UB members

! Good job researching that tsmith35!!

boudreaux 23 · August 18, 2010, 10:03:00 AM

I appreciate that tsmith. Its a mount type breaker. Thats the main problem I had was finding the lugs but I guess I can order them or go to a electrical supply store and try to find them. Thanks again

Baron49 · August 18, 2010, 10:24:48 AM

Quote from: BassBUFF on August 17, 2010, 04:31:21 PM
I guess the million dollar question is what kind of breaker did you get?

The one I got is a 50 Amp manual reset breaker and I purchased it directly from a Motorguide dealer called Fishermans Friend in the Carolina's. They are a super store for Motorguide.