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Unread 11-01-2002, 22:23
s_alaniz s_alaniz is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, Tx
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Fuses

Actually, ELECTRICALLY SPEAKING, it doesn't matter if you put the negative terminal on the fused side of the panel or the positive terminal on the fused side of the panel. The effect is the same. (OK I could point out Kirchhoff's current law but talk about overkill...)

HOWEVER!!!!

Traditionally we fuse the positive side because so many electrical systems have a negative GROUNDED chasis. F.I.R.S.T. doesn't allow us to connect our chasis to the negative terminal of the battery so it doesn't matter in this case. But in the unlikely event you did have a negative grounded chasis and fused grounds on your circuits... and you accidently short a positive lead to the chasis... BIG TIME SPARKS!
I'd highly recommend sticking with the traditional method and connect the positive battery post to the fused side for two reasons.

1) it's good practice and most engineers assume the fuse goes on the positive side anyway

AND

2) the diagrams F.I.R.S.T. provides shows the positive terminals fused. (Don't upset the robot inspectors at check in time!)


Best Wishes


Steve Alaniz


"What good is technology if you can't abuse it?" - Ted Forth