Redarc- Fuse or No Fuse

Submitted: Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 00:37

ThreadID: 59967 Views:6454 Replies:5 FollowUps:8

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Kroozer

A mate of mine has recently had a Redarc dual battery isolator fitted to his car and they didnt fit any fuses. He was told that they will blow if using the Over ride push button jump start feature. I am about to install mine myself and was wondering if anyone else has not installed fuses with theres. In the instructions it says that they recommend fitting fuses, 100amp if using over ride or 60 amp if not. I dont want my car up in flames.

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Reply By: Waynepd (NSW) - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:33

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 05:33

I am no expert in this field but I think you answered your own question.
I have main fuses as close to the battery as possible for exactly that reason, flames.
All it takes is a cable to rub through its insulation and connect to earth and you have current enough to weld with, a fuse would blow and save your car.

AnswerID: 316268

Follow Up By: Waynepd (NSW) - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:25

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:25

Couldn't think of the words at the time too early :), I have a "fusible link" on my batteries which is what i meant instead of 'main fuses'. Comes straight off the positive post and connects between the post and the positive cable before any cable runs and potential short circuits. This came as a component in my Rotronics System.

FollowupID: 582574

Reply By: Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:37

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:37

There is a fuse available designed for cranking but will blown if short circuited. Rated at 150A and 900 cca. I would use this fuse if you crank off the Redarc or do heavy winching.

If both batteries are close together and under the bonnet then it may not be necessary to fit fuses if the wiring is done correctly as your winch and cars starter cables will not be fused either.

Regards

Derek.

AnswerID: 316277

Follow Up By: Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:41

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 07:41

Here is the cal fuse in the holder. (Black fuse).

FollowupID: 582564

Follow Up By: Kroozer - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:45

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 10:45

Yeah both batteries are end to end and only using about 50cm- 60cm of cable to link each battery and isolator. Probably will never use the jump start feature but its good to have it all ready to go.

FollowupID: 582585

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 at 08:48

Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 at 08:48

Kroozer, with the batteries so close why not just use short jumper cables between the two batteries or even make up a "mini" (20 cm) cable with 'alligator clip' ends that will connect between the two battery cable attachment bolts on the Redarc to bypass the solenoid ?
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This cable is what I use to bring the cranking battery into the solar system charging circuit.
It works by attaching it to the two battery cable attachment bolts on my Rotronics battery isolator, this bypass's the Rotronics isolator.

Mainey . . .

FollowupID: 582963

Reply By: Louie the fly - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:37

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:37

I have a fusible link both sides of my Redarc. I have used my "super atomic power boost button" once and it didn't blow the fusible links. I'd recommend them (and a few spares in the toolbox) but on the other side of the coin, I was also told by an auto electrician that they "might" blow if the aux battery was used for cranking assistance for to long at a time.

AnswerID: 316307

Reply By: Mainey (wa) - Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 22:03

Monday, Jul 21, 2008 at 22:03

Kroozer,
The number of vehicles with NO fuse on the (+) battery cables of a dual battery system may astound you and some others too.

If the cables are tightly secured and out of the way of all possible damage, I personally don't see any problems, but in saying that, I know I will be howled down by many, it's my choice, I don't advocate doing it and have never wired a vehicle (other than my own) without a fuse.

My own vehicle has no fuse on the dual battery circuit.
I still have the two 150 Amp circuit breakers, but have never fitted them because I believe my system is safe, as they are only a short distance apart and with no moving parts or firewalls between them, the (+) cable from the Alternator to the Cranking battery is twice as long and less secured. I accept the risk and know the dangers.

All accessories are fused at the relevant batteries.

Mainey . . .

AnswerID: 316430