Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio why not use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse??

Everyone always says to put a fuse as close to your battery as possible, which makes sense but.. Why not use one of the available car audio circuit breakers available? I mean at least if you accidently ground out your wire you can reset it and not have to buy another expensive fuse.. Any thoughts?

I guess it's just a matter of personal preference.

Also, lots of folks, like myself, bought wiring kits that came with a fuse holder. I can't see shelling out $30 - $40 for a circuit breaker. I've only blown the big fuse once, and I just went around back at Circuit City and asked them for a new one; it's hard to track down those big ole fuses. They gave it to me free of charge.

I guess you prolly shouldn't be blowin' fuses eh? I used one in my formula b/c when I would go racing I would take all the stuff outta the back (the amp rack and sub box had handles and quick disconnects and lifted outta the car) but I guess you wouldn't really need one in a permanent installation.
Are circuit breakers acceptable in competition?

They are acceptable in competition and I've seen plenty of cars use them. Of course...that doesn't mean they're good. Look at all the people who have stiffening capacitors...but thats another thread.

I had a CB in my last car and liked being able to push a button and kill power to the system. I'm planning to replace and/or use a ciruit breaker with my current system. It comes in handy. The only downside, that I'm aware of, is a rumor I heard. A guy at a stereo shop warned about breakers because they have the potential to simply 'melt' into one piece before they have a chance to break the circuit. Whereas a fuse simply splits. Something to do with the moving parts inside a CB I'm imagine. I honestly can't comment on the validity of this statement but it does kind of make sense. I'm still planning to use one in my car though so...

My amp uses circuit breakers rather than fuses. But near the wiring, I used a fuse. There is no difference aside from the ease of use. I bought a fuse based on matching the rest of my electrical components.