Do I need a fused distro box?

**TheGuv** · 07-14-2009, 03:11 AM

I've got a JBL GT5-604A sub which has it's own blade fuses and my M2-ATX-HV PSU which has a 15a blade fuse.... Question is, with them both being fused already, do I need to use a fused distro box or can I just use a cheap unfused one?

Thanks in advance!

**DarquePervert** · 07-14-2009, 07:27 AM

A fused distro block is more convenient.
You can use one without fuses, but you still want to fuse the lines after the distro block because of the wire gauge change.

The fuses on the power lines are to protect the wiring, not the components they are powering.

**TheGuv** · 07-14-2009, 07:46 AM

So might be pointless having fuses on 1m lengths of 8AWG cabling? It's got a 60a fuse from the engine bay, 4AWG wire running along the car then needs to be split into 2 8AWG cables for the amp and the carpc which are side by side, so two 1m 8AWG cables will be plenty, to be honest I'd probs only use 0.5m cables as the distro box is next to both inputs of the components...

**ThePistonDoctor** · 07-14-2009, 07:52 AM

Fuse them. A fuse is ~$1. Your cost will be much more if the wire welds itself to your frame. I've seen it many times. Just fuse it.

**Crinos** · 07-14-2009, 08:37 AM

I have a 100A fuse close to the battery, then I have the distro box further down the line with even more fuses.

I want a fuse close to the battery so that incase of something happening, the chances for a car fire is less present.

**TheGuv** · 07-14-2009, 08:53 AM

Yep a fuse in the enginebay is a must, without a doubt... I'll get a fused distro box, shame though as i had a non-fused one with a LCD readout for amps & volts which matched perfectly with my other readouts in the boot!

**nalav** · 07-14-2009, 10:02 AM

The fuses on the amps are to protect the amps. The fuses on the cables are to protect the cables. You need them, it's a potential electrical and fire hazard without them.

**DarquePervert** · 07-14-2009, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by TheGuv

Yep a fuse in the enginebay is a must, without a doubt... I'll get a fused distro box, shame though as i had a non-fused one with a LCD readout for amps & volts which matched perfectly with my other readouts in the boot!

No need to lose a distro block you already own.
Just get fuse holders and put them in place after the outputs of the distro block.

As I said... A fused distro block just makes it more convenient. It is not a necessity.

**ThePistonDoctor** · 07-14-2009, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

No need to lose a distro block you already own.
Just get fuse holders and put them in place after the outputs of the distro block.

As I said... A fused distro block just makes it more convenient. It is not a necessity.

Good point. Personally I'd just sell the unfused and buy a fused one so I didn't have to do as much work cutting up the wires lol