What Size Circuit Breaker for 12V Trolling Motor?

Many individuals have inquired, “what size circuit breaker for 12V trolling motor? “Over time, the best solution that seems to fit the bill is that it can either be 50 or 60 amps. Which of these two options should you pick relies on several factors, including but not limited to?

● The entire amount of current that your motor requires is sometimes called its amp draw

● The diameter of the wire that you will use to make the connection from the motor to the battery that you will be utilizing

In addition, if the manufacturer provides a specific recommendation in the handbook for the product, it is strongly recommended that you adhere to it. You’ll better understand this topic if you read the additional information I’ve provided below.

Other Things to Take into Account When Sizing a Breaker for a 12V Trolling Motor.

Even though I indicated that the two factors I described above should be what you should primarily consider when deciding on the trolling motor circuit breaker, that does not imply that they solely will affect your boat’s performance in any way. There is a good chance that you may need to consider the following:

• The total length of the wire that will be used
• The amount of weight that the motor has.
• As a general rule, the maximum amp draw of the motor should be at least ten percent less than the breaker.

More specifically, a circuit breaker used in trolling motor must always handle more than 10 percent of the current required by the motor, regardless of whether it is a 50-amp or 60-amp circuit breaker. The same principle applies to determining the total length of the wire.

Regarding the weight factor, remember that this characteristic is always directly proportional to the amperage capacity of any trolling motor circuit breaker. In general, it is recommended to choose a 50-amp breaker if your trolling motor weight is between 30 and 45 pounds; those that peak out at 50 to 55 pounds typically function better when connected with a 60-amp breaker. If the trolling motor weighs more than 55 pounds, it is best to choose a 60-amp breaker.

In terms of the length of the wire that you will be utilizing, I would suggest that it only becomes a problem if the whole running length is excessively long. In the vast majority of boats, the scenario does not typically occur. However, if this is the situation you find yourself in, you will need to consider the resistance resulting from the length in question.

• If such is the case, you will probably need to select a MotorGuide trolling motor circuit breaker that is larger.
• Are there any situations where a 60-Amp motor with a bigger capacity would be preferred over a 12V trolling motor?

There are likely to be additional circumstances in which you may want a circuit breaker rated at 60 amps instead of one rated at 50 amps. If the primary advice is the latter, I can say the same thing, but it trips or overheats more frequently in practice. Some boats operate normally, but the circuit breaker may become overheated and trip after extended use.

If this is the case, it may be best to increase the capacity of the breaker so that it can act as a buffer for any additional load that may accumulate while you are riding. This will allow the breaker to handle any additional strain that may be placed on it. Getting in touch with the motor’s maker will allow you to determine whether or not this is the best course of action to follow.

Why You Should Exercise Extreme Caution When Selecting the Appropriate Wire Gauge?

A lot of boat owners who have had problems with their breakers fast overheating, and I found out that the problem was caused by the fact that they had been using the wrong wire gauge the whole time. Some individuals even experience the typical repercussion of utilizing a wire incapable of handling the motor’s pull. These issues, in the vast majority of cases, cause the fuses to overheat, which, in turn, causes the insulation to melt and renders the circuit breaker ineffective.

If you find yourself with the incorrect circuit breaker and wire mix, you will almost certainly be required to rewire the building and replace the breaker. Naturally, this will result in additional costs that are not essential.

Always remember that you will need a wire with a gauge of 8 for a trolling motor rated at 50 amps, but you will need a wire with a gauge of 6 for one rated at 60 amps. I can state the same thing if you are wiring a fuse for a 12V trolling motor, which is, by the way, nearly always more cost-effective than using a breaker.

With Trolling Motors, Can A Fuse Be Used In Place Of A Circuit Breaker?

No, a regular fuse cannot be a suitable replacement for a circuit breaker when it comes to a trolling motor.

The operation of fuses is quite distinct from that of circuit breakers that can be manually reset. When too much amperage passes through, a fuse will heat up and eventually blow, stopping the current flow. Because it can only be used once, you will need to get a new one if the one you have breaks.

On the other hand, circuit breakers can be utilized multiple times with only one reset button push.

Conclusion

To summarize on circuit breaker size for a 12v trolling motor, if you are utilizing a 12V trolling motor, pick between a 50-amp and a 60-amp breaker. If you are experiencing problems with how things are now set up, choosing the circuit breaker with a larger capacity won’t hurt anything. In addition to that, I strongly suggest that you base your decision on the following considerations:

• Always remember the power draw of the motor shown on its label and the suitable wiring.
• Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or contact them for information regarding the appropriate size breaker to use.

Lastly for more details on 12v trolling motor circuit breakers and other electrical components purchase, contact us at ICRFQ. We manufacture the best electrical components in China.

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