Power Distribution - Low current breakers or fuses?

[Russ Beavis]

I've sent an email to Snap-Action regarding availability and distribution. Hopefully I'll hear back soon.

The clips in the PD for the "30A" positions are Keystone 3557-2. In other words, ATO and ATC fuses should fit just fine. Unfortunately, I think that the case may interfere with such short-legged fuses.

Depending on the rules, you might be allowed to "relieve" the openings and install any "small" bladed fuse/breaker that you wish.

As Chief Inspector, I'll have to abide by FIRST rules. But as an EE, I'd certainly appreciate being allowed to tweak the PD's case and use "appropriately-sized" fuses and breakers. I understand the pros/cons of fuses vs. breakers and don't mind teaching students about these devices and "when to use which". As long as the device is securely held within the PD and you use properly-sized wiring downstream, I don't care whether it's a slow-blow fuse, fast-blow fues, resettable breaker or auto-reset breaker. Breakers (especially auto-reset) should always, of course, be used where there is a decent chance of often tripping (ie motor drives).

I agree - why use a $6 breaker with limited availability when a $0.10 fuse that can be purchased at any auto parts store would be just fine.

Russ