Size fuses based on wire size, not device amps?

PaulLad

New Member

Joined

Jul 14, 2020

Messages

170

• Jan 9, 2024

• #1

So if your wire supports 20A (12ga) but you have a 10A inverter, the fuse should be 25-30A correct?

 

J

JJJJ

Aspiring apprentice

Joined

Feb 25, 2021

Messages

1,123

• Jan 9, 2024

• #2

Fuse should always be lower than wire. Fire prevention.

 

OffGridInTheCity

Solar Wizard

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May 23, 2021

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1,838

Location

Southern Oregon

• Jan 9, 2024

• #3

12ga = 20a breaker (not 25-30a).

As @JJJJ said, a fuse or breaker is to protect the wire! (not the devices or loads). Devices, such as an inverter, will have their own protection if they need it.

 

T

time2roll

Solar Wizard

Joined

Mar 20, 2021

Messages

5,899

Location

SoCal

• Jan 9, 2024

• #4

PaulLad said:

So if your wire supports 20A (12ga) but you have a 10A inverter, the fuse should be 25-30A correct?

Click to expand...

I would be more in the 15-20 amp zone.

 

S

Skypower

Solar Wizard

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Aug 23, 2021

Messages

2,113

• Jan 9, 2024

• #5

I fuse to the lesser, component or cable.

 

T

timselectric

If I can do it, you can do it.

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Feb 5, 2022

Messages

19,550

• Jan 9, 2024

• #6

The purpose of OCP (Over Current Protection) is to protect the conductors.