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What size fuse for 8 gauge wire?

DougG69

DougG69

Member
I ran an 8 gauge wire into the passenger compartment for an auxiliary fuse panel setup. What size fuse/megafuse/maxi-fuse/circuit breaker should I run for this wire? I've seen anything from 50 amps to 100 amps when searching the internet.
 
My first inclination would be to say 50. What will be you max amperage being drawn from that circuit?

I would think you would run larger gauge wire for a 100 amp circuit.
 
"Sluggo" said:
My first inclination would be to say 50. What will be you max amperage being drawn from that circuit?

I would think you would run larger gauge wire for a 100 amp circuit.
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I am going to be running:

power windows
power door locks
stereo (15 amp max draw according to manufacturer - no separate amp)

How about a 50 amp self-resetting circuit breaker? If I run into issues I can grab a larger gauge wire & a mega fuse or the like. The continuous duty solenoid I am running the power lead to can take either 80 or 85 amps, I'd have to look.
 
I like the idea of a re-setting circuit breaker. If you find your breaker is too low, you can replace it easily enough.

Amperage of wiring depends upon the wire composition (copper, aluminum), how many strands, how thin is each strand, etc., which is why you're seeing values all over the place. With copper multi-strand wiring, I would be more comfortable with higher amperage than equivalent gauge aluminum.
 
An 8 gauge wire can handle about 75 amps. I would keep the fuse/breaker as low as you can and still operate your devices.

I would start at 50 and go from there.

-Shannon
 
"Midlife" said:
Amperage of wiring depends upon the wire composition (copper, aluminum), how many strands, how thin is each strand, etc., which is why you're seeing values all over the place. With copper multi-strand wiring, I would be more comfortable with higher amperage than equivalent gauge aluminum.
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I took another look because I wasn't sure. It is definitely copper, so that's good.



"LastDeadLast" said:
An 8 gauge wire can handle about 75 amps. I would keep the fuse/breaker as low as you can and still operate your devices.

I would start at 50 and go from there.

-Shannon
Click to expand...

Sounds good. I just so happened to order a 50 amp CB last night :)



Thanks to all for the advice. Much appreciated.
 
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