What is the size of the 12v trolling motor circuit breaker?
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Circuit breakers play an important role in keeping boat owners safe. Their regular maintenance and replacement prevents damage to the boat's trolling motor.
Typically, a 12 volt trolling motor requires a 50 or 60 amp circuit breaker at 12 volts DC. The size of the circuit breaker usually depends on the maximum current of the trolling motor. The selected circuit breaker must have a rated current equal to or slightly greater than the maximum current drawn by the motor. You also need to consider the size and power of the trolling motor.
We will take a closer look at the various factors to consider when choosing a circuit breaker size.
Circuit breaker size selection
The size of your circuit breaker depends on the power of the trolling motor.
Essentially, the circuit breaker must be able to handle the maximum current drawn by the trolling motor. If the trolling motor's maximum current is 50 amps, you will need a 50 amp circuit breaker. A smaller circuit breaker often trips unnecessarily. At the same time, circuit breakers that are too large may not work at the right time and damage the motor.
You also need to consider other factors when sizing your trolling motor circuit breaker, such as:
- Trolling motor thrust
- DC voltage or power
- Wire extension length and wire gauge
Thrust is the pulling power of the trolling motor.
Circuit breakers control traction by controlling the current flowing through it. An incorrectly sized circuit breaker reduces maximum traction, resulting in poor engine performance.
Voltage or capacitance VDC current is the current from the engine batteries.
The battery circuit breaker must be able to withstand the amount of electricity passing through it. For trolling motors, the lowest DC voltage available is 12 volts. Several small batteries are often used if higher voltage is required. You can find out the DC power by checking the battery information of the electric outboard motor.
The length of the wire extension and the cross section of the wire refer to the dimensions of the wire to be connected.
The extension wire length is the distance from the batteries to the trolling motor wires. Its length ranges from 5 feet to 25 feet in length. Meanwhile, wire gauge (AWG) is the diameter of the wire used. The manometer determines the maximum current consumption passing through the wire.
The circuit breaker must be matched with the correct gauge wire to ensure that the trolling motor operates flawlessly.
Dimensions of circuit breakers
The types of circuit breakers correspond to the maximum current drawn by the trolling motor.
There are two types of trolling circuit breakers: 50 amp and 60 amp circuit breakers.
50 amp circuit breakers
50A circuit breakers are classified into subclasses based on their DC power.
- Circuit breaker 50 A - 12 V DC
12V DC models are often used for 30lbs, 40lbs and 45lbs. motors. They are able to withstand a maximum current of 30 to 42 amperes.
- Circuit breaker 50 A - 24 V DC
24 V DC is used for 70 lbs. trolling motors. These models have a maximum current draw of 42 amps.
- Circuit breaker 50 A - 36 V DC
36 VDC is used for 101 lbs. trolling motors. The maximum current consumption is 46 amperes.
- Circuit breaker 50 A - 48 V DC
Finally, 48VDC are E-drive motors. The maximum current consumption is 40 amperes. For those who don't know, E-drive motors are powered entirely by electricity, providing silent yet powerful thrust.
60 amp circuit breakers
Similarly, a 60 amp circuit breaker is categorized according to its DC power.
- Circuit breaker 60 A - 12 V DC
The 12V DC model is used for 50 lbs. and 55 pounds. trolling motors. It has a maximum current draw of 50 amps.
- Circuit breaker 60 A - 24 V DC
24VDC is used for 80 lbs. trolling motors. The maximum current consumption is 56 amperes.
- Circuit breaker 60 A - 36 V DC
36V DC is used for 112 lbs. trolling motors and type 101 motor mounts. The maximum current draw for this model is 50 to 52 amps.
- 60A Circuit Breaker - Dual 24VDC
Last but not least is the dual 24VDC circuit breaker.
This model is unique due to its design with two circuit breakers. It is typically used for larger motors such as Engine Mount 160 motors. Combination circuit breakers have a maximum current draw of 120 amps.
Fitting the correct size circuit breaker to your trolling motor
In most cases, there is no circuit breaker that perfectly matches the maximum current drawn by your trolling motor.
The rated current of the circuit breaker should be the same or slightly higher than the maximum current drawn by the motor. The general recommendation is that the difference between the two amplifier values is at least 10%. For example, if the motor draws a maximum of 42 amps, you will need a 50 amp circuit breaker.
There are two important things to remember when choosing a circuit breaker size.
Never select a circuit breaker less than the maximum current drawn by the motor. This will cause the circuit breaker to operate continuously and often erroneously.
Conversely, do not take a size larger than necessary. There is no need to purchase a 60 amp circuit if 50 amps work fine. This can lead to malfunction of the releases, which will not trip in case of overload.
Does a trolling motor need a circuit breaker?
The US Coast Guard requires all trolling motor users to install a circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical system.
Trolling motors are easily overloaded when overheated or jammed with fishing line and other debris. A circuit breaker or fuse protects the motor circuit by cutting off current before serious damage occurs.
Circuit breakers are important safety features for your trolling motor.
The circuit breaker creates a path for electricity to flow from the battery to the motor. It controls the current to prevent power surges and damage to the system. It has a built-in shutdown that activates when excess current is detected. This causes the circuit breaker to automatically close the electrical connection.
Trolling motor circuit breakers are often preferred over fuses.
Fuses are thin metal parts that melt when excessive current is passed through them. Fuses melt incredibly quickly and instantly stop the supply of electricity. Despite the cheaper options, fuses are disposable and should be replaced immediately. In addition, fuses are easily destroyed when exposed to high temperatures.
A circuit breaker with manual reset allows it to be used again when tripped. Another advantage of circuit breakers is their compatibility with all brands of trolling motors. The Minn Kota trolling motor does not necessarily need a circuit breaker of the same brand. Any brand will work as intended, as long as it's the right size.
When to replace the circuit breaker
It would be better to replace the circuit breaker's trolling motor regularly to maintain its safety features.
Look out for four common signs of a bad circuit breaker:
- Increasingly frequent shutdowns
- Reset for trip not working
- overheating
- Smell of burning or burning coming from the trip
Remember that prevention is the best approach to safety. Always check the condition of the circuit breakers when performing maintenance on the trolling motor. Check if the switches are working to reset the trip. Inspect the device for any signs of damage or burns.
Replace the circuit breaker with a new one immediately if any of these symptoms are present.
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