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		johnbright
 
  
  Joined: 14 Dec 2011 Posts: 166 Location: Newport News, VA
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				 Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2023 5:35 pm    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				I have to wonder what Bob and others think about this test Dan Horton of VAF  did re ATO “regular size” blade fuses in series.
 
 The relevant text is below the photo.
 
 https://vansairforce.net/community/showpost.php?p=1668674&postcount=55
 
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 _________________ John Bright, RV-6A, at FWF, O-360
 
Z-101 single batt dual alt SDS EM-5-F.
 
john_s_bright@yahoo.com, Newport News, Va
 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 7:18 pm    Post subject: Re: fuses in series | 
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				Theories need to be proven by experimenting and testing.
 Dan's testing shows that it is OK to have fuses in series.
 On the other hand, why take a chance on the main fuse blowing when there are are alternatives?
 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:48 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				At 09:18 PM 2/23/2023, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com>
 
  Theories need to be proven by experimenting and testing.
  Dan's testing shows that it is OK to have fuses in series.
  On the other hand, why take a chance on the main fuse blowing when there are are alternatives? | 	  
   
     What FMEA conditions ever suggest that fuses
     in series are a good and necessary thing?
 
     I've read several narratives where the writer
     talks about a "main" breaker . . . and I cannot
     imagine what they're talking about or just how
     such a device became a part of his/her
     airplane.
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
    Un impeachable logic: George Carlin asked, "If black boxes
    survive crashes, why don't they make the whole airplane
    out of that stuff?"
 
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		Voyager
 
 
  Joined: 30 Jun 2020 Posts: 77
 
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				 Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:01 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building electrical distribution systems where series fuses/breakers are very common.  Electric utilities have fuses on their distribution lines.  Most buildings have a main breaker on the incoming service.  And then each circuit has a breaker.  And finally many end devices have their own internal fuses or breakers.  So, fuses/breakers in series are common in many applications.
 
 I don’t recall seeing that in a vehicle though, although I think my new Equinox does have a fuse on the main positive battery lead, which is a first.
 Why would one not want to have a fuse on the main battery lead to protect a short of the battery cable?  I know this isn’t common, but I also have seen battery cables contact ground a few times and the results are generally fairly impressive.  Is the issue just one of not wanting an additional point of failure?  Or the cost of a large fuse and fuse holder?
 Regards,
 Matt
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 24, 2023, at 8:47 AM, Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com> wrote:
   At 09:18 PM 2/23/2023, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com>
 
  Theories need to be proven by experimenting and testing.
  Dan's testing shows that it is OK to have fuses in series.
  On the other hand, why take a chance on the main fuse blowing when there are are alternatives? | 	  
   
     What FMEA conditions ever suggest that fuses
     in series are a good and necessary thing?
 
     I've read several narratives where the writer
     talks about a "main" breaker . . . and I cannot
     imagine what they're talking about or just how
     such a device became a part of his/her
     airplane.
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
    Un impeachable logic: George Carlin asked, "If black boxes
    survive crashes, why don't they make the whole airplane
    out of that stuff?"
    
 
  | 	 
 
 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:05 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				At 08:00 AM 2/24/2023, you wrote:
  I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building electrical distribution systems where series fuses/breakers are very common.  Electric utilities have fuses on their distribution lines.  Most buildings have a main breaker on the incoming service.  And then each circuit has a breaker.  And finally many end devices have their own internal fuses or breakers.  So, fuses/breakers in series are common in many applications.
 
    In large scale distribution systems, failure mode effects
    analysis will define the risks to conductors and equipment
    based on known and anticipated failures.
 
    Needless to say, the power grid is LARGE scale and
    fraught with risks for faults. So indeed, from power
    plant down to your wall outlet, there will be
    many protective devices.
   
    Our airplanes are very small scale systems. Fault
    risks are pretty well understood by virtue of a
    century of experience that gives rise to a
    volumes of standard practices.
 
  I don't recall seeing that in a vehicle though, although
  I think my new Equinox does have a fuse on the main positive
  battery lead, which is a first.
 
    Yeah, my Sedona has a cluster of current limiters
    built into a rather busy battery(+) terminal.
 
  Why would one not want to have a fuse on the main battery lead to
  protect a short of the battery cable?  I know this isn't common,
  but I also have seen battery cables contact ground a few
  times and the results are generally fairly impressive. 
  Is the issue just one of not wanting an additional point of
  failure?  Or the cost of a large fuse and fuse holder?
 
    Experience has demonstrated that such faults
    are exceedingly rare and generally limited to
    accidents of human origin. Hence the admonition
    to unhook the battery (-) terminal before
    swinging a wrench on your car. Airplanes
    uniquely enjoy battery master switches . . .
    very convenient for making the system 'cold'.
 
    They are demonstrably immune to hard faults
    that might be expected to trip active protection.
    A robust wire's inadvertent connection with
    ground is more likely to be a soft fault that
    burns structure rather than the wire itself.
 
    I've cited an example incident waaayyy back when
    where a Beech C90 on short final to New Mexico airport
    suddenly found the elevator mechanically disconnected
    from the control column. They managed to land the
    aircraft using pitch trim.
 
    Subsequent investigation found the elevator
    cables completely slack.
 
    It seems that during maintenance activity
    some time ago, some wire bundles under the floorboard
    were mis-positioned for access but not properly
    returned to as-manufactured.
 
    One of the wires was feeder to the copilot's
    windshield electric de-ice inverter . . . a relatively
    fat wire protected at 75A or so. This wire was
    being rubbed against the elevator control cables
    until insulation was penetrated.
 
    The intermittent arcing was so subtle that the
    breaker never opened . . . and nothing untoward
    was noticed by crew. Over a period of time
    the steel control cable was eroded to failure
    while copper wire strands were barely marked.
 
    A similar thing would happen if a rear mounted
    battery feeder were to become inappropriately
    involved with the edge of a bulkhead lightening
    hole under the floorboard . . . A little
    insulation might smell bad but subsequent electrical
    effects are more likely to burn away the aluminum
    as opposed to over-stressing the wire.
 
    Battery cable protection in cars goes to crash
    safety. Batteries are generally mounted right
    up front and exceedingly vulnerable to major
    munching of sheet metal. Those protective
    devices will be of the current-limiter/fusible-link
    variety.
 
    In airplanes, experience has demonstrated that
    the lest destructive of unplanned arrivals with
    the earth are controlled . . . i.e. pilot shuts
    off fuel and master before striving to minimize
    violence of the following events. The other
    side of the coin is a completely unanticipated
    termination of flight at high speed . . . wherein
    condition of the electrical and fuel systems is
    probably not relevant to the outcome.
 
    Many moons ago I did some analysis of the bits-n-
    pieces left of a King Air that hit a mountain in the Swiss
    Alps at cruise. There were few chunks of
    debris that would not fit into a 1-square foot
    box.  The thing they asked me to look at was
    an Avionics Master switch that was missing some
    wires . . . disconnected causing loss of nav aids
    or ripped off as result of crash? The wires had
    been 'tack soldered' as opposed to standard
    practice of wrapping through the terminal's
    wiring hole. Microscopic examination of exposed solder
    surfaces showed that the wires were pulled off
    and did not fall off due to joint failure.
 
    The short answer is a study of power distribution
    systems in hundreds of thousands of type
    certified aircraft will reveal a minimalist
    philosophy for power distribution current
    limiting.
 
  
    Bob . . .
 
    Un impeachable logic: George Carlin asked, "If black boxes
    survive crashes, why don't they make the whole airplane
    out of that stuff?"
 
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		fly4grins(at)gmail.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:21 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				 	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 
 A couple more data points:
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge.  
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.    
 
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
   YMMV-
 
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		Voyager
 
 
  Joined: 30 Jun 2020 Posts: 77
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 8:34 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				I agree that the likelihood of a direct short of a main battery cable is small.  However, it is not zero and the localized heating from such a short could ignite combustibles.  As long as the cable is kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an issue.
 
 The difference in current between starting and a significant short is pretty large so viable overcurrent protection is feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less during starting.  It takes a fairly large engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current when the starter is not turning can be twice or more the normal cranking current, but that is very short duration and is not likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can easily draw 1000 amps or more which would blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
 [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
 PDF Document · 163 KB
 
 [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]Cessna Flyer Association - Save your Starter
 cessnaflyer.org
 
 youtu.be
 
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
 I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed unnecessary and for good reason. One could argue the same for aircraft.
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK <fly4grins(at)gmail.com> wrote:
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 
 A couple more data points:
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge.  
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.   
 
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
   YMMV-
  
  | 	 
 
 
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		cluros(at)gmail.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:36 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				We definitely need SOME way to cut electrical power to the aircraft for several different emergency situations. A battery contactor solves this for all but the most sudden and catastrophic situations. A friend of mine crashed his F1 rocket at during a go-around at full throttle and ended up trapped upside down. He could smell the fuel from the damaged wing tank but couldn't reach the master switch. Fortunately the electrical system stayed intact and the fuel never ignited. I don't know of a single crash where a battery fuse could have changed the outcome.
 As for current limiters rated for short starting loads, I flew King Airs for years with current limiters. We carried spares because they blew on engine start more than once. Beech eventually replaced them with bus ties.
 When Cessna starts producing single engine aircraft with battery fuses, I think it will be worth another look. In the meantime I don't see a benefit to adding odds and ends to a proven system.
 
 On Sat, 25 Feb 2023, 08:38 Matthew S. Whiting, <m.whiting(at)frontier.com (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  I agree that the likelihood of a direct short of a main battery cable is small.  However, it is not zero and the localized heating from such a short could ignite combustibles.  As long as the cable is kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an issue.
 
 The difference in current between starting and a significant short is pretty large so viable overcurrent protection is feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less during starting.  It takes a fairly large engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current when the starter is not turning can be twice or more the normal cranking current, but that is very short duration and is not likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can easily draw 1000 amps or more which would blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
 [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
 PDF Document · 163 KB
 
 [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]Cessna Flyer Association - Save your Starter
 cessnaflyer.org
 
 youtu.be
 
 [url=https://youtu.be/d2nPHWNoDSA][/url]
 
 I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed unnecessary and for good reason.  One could argue the same for aircraft.
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK <fly4grins(at)gmail.com (fly4grins(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 
 A couple more data points:
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge.  
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.    
 
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
   YMMV-
  
  | 	  
 
  | 	 
 
 
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		Voyager
 
 
  Joined: 30 Jun 2020 Posts: 77
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 12:40 pm    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				That is the beauty of EA-B.  We can evaluate the risks and rewards and make our own decision.  I am still on the fence, but leaning against overcurrent protection at the battery.  Mainly since I am hoping to fit both batteries on the firewall.  A battery under the baggage compartment or in the cockpit would most likely get an overcurrent protection device at the battery as I’d rather not have a 1,000 amp hot spot in the cabin area should a cable wear through the insulation.
 
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Sebastien <cluros(at)gmail.com> wrote:
 
 We definitely need SOME way to cut electrical power to the aircraft for several different emergency situations. A battery contactor solves this for all but the most sudden and catastrophic situations. A friend of mine crashed his F1 rocket at during a go-around at full throttle and ended up trapped upside down. He could smell the fuel from the damaged wing tank but couldn't reach the master switch. Fortunately the electrical system stayed intact and the fuel never ignited. I don't know of a single crash where a battery fuse could have changed the outcome.
 As for current limiters rated for short starting loads, I flew King Airs for years with current limiters. We carried spares because they blew on engine start more than once. Beech eventually replaced them with bus ties.
 When Cessna starts producing single engine aircraft with battery fuses, I think it will be worth another look. In the meantime I don't see a benefit to adding odds and ends to a proven system.
 
 On Sat, 25 Feb 2023, 08:38 Matthew S. Whiting, <m.whiting(at)frontier.com (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  I agree that the likelihood of a direct short of a main battery cable is small.  However, it is not zero and the localized heating from such a short could ignite combustibles. As long as the cable is kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an issue.
 
 The difference in current between starting and a significant short is pretty large so viable overcurrent protection is feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less during starting.  It takes a fairly large engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current when the starter is not turning can be twice or more the normal cranking current, but that is very short duration and is not likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can easily draw 1000 amps or more which would blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
 [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
 PDF Document · 163 KB
 
 [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]Cessna Flyer Association - Save your Starter
 cessnaflyer.org
 
 youtu.be
 
 [url=https://youtu.be/d2nPHWNoDSA][/url]
 
 I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed unnecessary and for good reason.  One could argue the same for aircraft.
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK <fly4grins(at)gmail.com (fly4grins(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 
 A couple more data points:
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge. 
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.    
 
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendencyto shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
  YMMV-
  
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		alec(at)alecmyers.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 1:37 pm    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				You can start a very healthy fire with a 10 or 20 amp short circuit, as evidenced by the old fashioned cigarette lighters, as it will apply sustained heat for long enough to ignite nearby materiel.
 
 A short circuit that takes out a 200A fusible link is more like a small fast explosion and as Bob points out, the structure to which the short circuit is made will evaporate, acting as it’s own fusible device 
 A 200 amp breaker won’t stop a cabin fire.
 Sent from my iPhone
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 15:41, Matthew S. Whiting <m.whiting(at)frontier.com> wrote:
 
 That is the beauty of EA-B.  We can evaluate the risks and rewards and make our own decision.  I am still on the fence, but leaning against overcurrent protection at the battery.  Mainly since I am hoping to fit both batteries on the firewall.  A battery under the baggage compartment or in the cockpit would most likely get an overcurrent protection device at the battery as I’d rather not have a 1,000 amp hot spot in the cabin area should a cable wear through the insulation.
 
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Sebastien <cluros(at)gmail.com> wrote:
 
 We definitely need SOME way to cut electrical power to the aircraft for several different emergency situations. A battery contactor solves this for all but the most sudden and catastrophic situations. A friend of mine crashed his F1 rocket at during a go-around at full throttle and ended up trapped upside down. He could smell the fuel from the damaged wing tank but couldn't reach the master switch. Fortunately the electrical system stayed intact and the fuel never ignited. I don't know of a single crash where a battery fuse could have changed the outcome.
 As for current limiters rated for short starting loads, I flew King Airs for years with current limiters. We carried spares because they blew on engine start more than once. Beech eventually replaced them with bus ties.
 When Cessna starts producing single engine aircraft with battery fuses, I think it will be worth another look. In the meantime I don't see a benefit to adding odds and ends to a proven system.
 
 On Sat, 25 Feb 2023, 08:38 Matthew S. Whiting, <m.whiting(at)frontier.com (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  I agree that the likelihood of a direct short of a main battery cable is small. However, it is not zero and the localized heating from such a short could ignite combustibles.  As long as the cable is kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an issue.
 
 The difference in current between starting and a significant short is pretty large so viable overcurrent protection is feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less during starting.  It takes a fairly large engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current when the starter is not turning can be twice or more the normal cranking current, but that is very short duration and is not likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can easily draw 1000 amps or more which would blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
 [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
 PDF Document · 163 KB
 
 [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]Cessna Flyer Association - Save your Starter
 cessnaflyer.org
 
 youtu.be
 
 [url=https://youtu.be/d2nPHWNoDSA][/url]
 
 I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed unnecessary and for good reason. One could argue the same for aircraft.
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK <fly4grins(at)gmail.com (fly4grins(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 
 A couple more data points:
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge.  
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.   
 
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
   YMMV-
  
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  <03224d1fcb0108937e9b07deb18cf473_M.jpg>
 <preview.png>
 
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		ashleysc(at)broadstripe.n Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 5:36 pm    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				Hi All;
 I suppose it's a matter of opinion, but I think two fuses in series confuses diagnosis and increases the time for replacement, when that time sometimes may not be available.
 Cheers!   Stu.
 From: "Matthew S. Whiting" <m.whiting(at)frontier.com>
 To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
 Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 12:40:02 PM
 Subject: Re: Re: fuses in series
 
 That is the beauty of EA-B.  We can evaluate the risks and rewards and make our own decision.  I am still on the fence, but leaning against overcurrent protection at the battery.  Mainly since I am hoping to fit both batteries on the firewall.  A battery under the baggage compartment or in the cockpit would most likely get an overcurrent protection device at the battery as I’d rather not have a 1,000 amp hot spot in the cabin area should a cable wear through the insulation.
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Sebastien <cluros(at)gmail.com> wrote:
 
 We definitely need SOME way to cut electrical power to the aircraft for several different emergency situations. A battery contactor solves this for all but the most sudden and catastrophic situations. A friend of mine crashed his F1 rocket at during a go-around at full throttle and ended up trapped upside down. He could smell the fuel from the damaged wing tank but couldn't reach the master switch. Fortunately the electrical system stayed intact and the fuel never ignited. I don't know of a single crash where a battery fuse could have changed the outcome.
 As for current limiters rated for short starting loads, I flew King Airs for years with current limiters. We carried spares because they blew on engine start more than once. Beech eventually replaced them with bus ties.
 When Cessna starts producing single engine aircraft with battery fuses, I think it will be worth another look. In the meantime I don't see a benefit to adding odds and ends to a proven system.
 
 On Sat, 25 Feb 2023, 08:38 Matthew S. Whiting, <m.whiting(at)frontier.com (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  I agree that the likelihood of a direct short of a main battery cable is small.  However, it is not zero and the localized heating from such a short could ignite combustibles.  As long as the cable is kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an issue.
 The difference in current between starting and a significant short is pretty large so viable overcurrent protection is feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less during starting.  It takes a fairly large engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current when the starter is not turning can be twice or more the normal cranking current, but that is very short duration and is not likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can easily draw 1000 amps or more which would blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
 
 [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]
 
 VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
 PDF Document · 163 KB
 
 
  | 	  
 [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]
 
 Cessna Flyer Association - Save your Starter
 cessnaflyer.org
 
 youtu.be
 
 [url=https://youtu.be/d2nPHWNoDSA][/url]
  | 	  
 
 I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed unnecessary and for good reason.  One could argue the same for aircraft.
 
 Matt
 
 Sent from my iPad
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK <fly4grins(at)gmail.com (fly4grins(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
 
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 Re: fuses in series
 
 I could see someone following the architecture used in home and building
 electrical distribution systems ...
  | 	  
 A couple more data points:
 
 My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked to learn many cars were so equipped without it being general knowledge.  
 
 There are transport category aircraft with current limiters geographically distributed around the system to prevent hard faults from taking out the whole system. 
 No clue if that strategy is based upon crashworthiness considerations, maintenance considerations, corporate history, or some combination.   
 In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs through the crushable structure under the cabin floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a hard fault in a crash, especially given the model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure the practicality of trying to size a current limiter that would not open under cranking loads but still open with a hard fault.  The guestimated risk for me centers on the probability of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming and thereby not getting the master off in time.  Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very order threat and one I can live with.
 
   YMMV-
  
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  <03224d1fcb0108937e9b07deb18cf473_M.jpg>
 <preview.png>
 
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		Ceengland
 
 
  Joined: 11 Oct 2020 Posts: 394 Location: MS
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				 Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 5:56 pm    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				So, you're pressed for time because       you're flying IFR and about to fly an approach? Kinda violates the       whole idea of saving troubleshooting until you're on the ground.
        
        On 2/25/2023 7:36 PM, ashleysc(at)broadstripe.net (ashleysc(at)broadstripe.net) wrote:
      
       	  | Quote: | 	 		                         Hi All;
          I suppose it's a matter of opinion, but I think two fuses           in series confuses diagnosis and increases the time for           replacement, when that time sometimes may not be available.
          Cheers!   Stu.
          
          
                   From: "Matthew S.           Whiting" <m.whiting(at)frontier.com> (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)
            To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com (aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com)
            Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 12:40:02 PM
            Subject: Re: Re: fuses in series
          
          
          
          That is the beauty of EA-B.            We can evaluate the risks and rewards and make our own           decision.  I am still on the fence, but leaning against           overcurrent protection at the battery.  Mainly since I am           hoping to fit both batteries on the firewall.  A battery under           the baggage compartment or in the cockpit would most likely           get an overcurrent protection device at the battery as I’d           rather not have a 1,000 amp hot spot in the cabin area should           a cable wear through the insulation.
            Matt
              
              Sent from my iPad
              
                 	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Sebastien                 <cluros(at)gmail.com> (cluros(at)gmail.com) wrote:
                  
                                                                   We definitely need SOME way to cut electrical                     power to the aircraft for several different                     emergency situations. A battery contactor solves                     this for all but the most sudden and catastrophic                     situations. A friend of mine crashed his F1 rocket                     at during a go-around at full throttle and ended up                     trapped upside down. He could smell the fuel from                     the damaged wing tank but couldn't reach the master                     switch. Fortunately the electrical system stayed                     intact and the fuel never ignited. I don't know of a                     single crash where a battery fuse could have changed                     the outcome.
                    
                    
                    As for current limiters rated for                     short starting loads, I flew King Airs for years                     with current limiters. We carried spares because                     they blew on engine start more than once. Beech                     eventually replaced them with bus ties.
                    
                    
                    When Cessna starts producing single                     engine aircraft with battery fuses, I think it will                     be worth another look. In the meantime I don't see a                     benefit to adding odds and ends to a proven system.
                      
                                             On Sat, 25 Feb                         2023, 08:38 Matthew S. Whiting, <m.whiting(at)frontier.com (m.whiting(at)frontier.com)>                         wrote:
                        
                         	  | Quote: | 	 		                           I agree that the likelihood of a                           direct short of a main battery cable is                           small.  However, it is not zero and the                           localized heating from such a short could                           ignite combustibles.  As long as the cable is                           kept away from combustibles, this isn’t an                           issue.
                            The difference in current between                             starting and a significant short is pretty                             large so viable overcurrent protection is                             feasible.  For example, most engines in EA-B                             aircraft probably draw 100 amps or less                             during starting.  It takes a fairly large                             engine to draw 200 amps (think diesel pickup                             truck or larger).  Yes, the initial current                             when the starter is not turning can be twice                             or more the normal cranking current, but                             that is very short duration and is not                             likely to blow/trip a 200 A fuse or                             breaker.  A short circuit of a battery can                             easily draw 1000 amps or more which would                             blow a 200 A fuse fairly quickly.
                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                [img]cid:E2577D00-CEE6-44B3-963B-7FE9316010E4[/img]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  VRLAshortCurrentsStorageBatterySystems
                                PDF Document                                     · 163 KB
                              
                            
                          
                          
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                                                                                                                                                                                                      [img]cid:22B0F079-6A61-4D4A-B632-9F909E2D9767[/img]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Cessna Flyer Association -                               Save your Starter
                          cessnaflyer.org
                        
                      
                    
                    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        youtu.be
                    
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            I believe overcurrent protection on a battery is easily             accomplished, but I tend to agree with Bob that the             likelihood of needing this is small.  Then again, you can             make a similar argument for the battery contactor.  You             don’t see these in the automobile world as they are deemed             unnecessary and for good reason.  One could argue the same             for aircraft.
            
            Matt
              
              Sent from my iPad
              
                 	  | Quote: | 	 		  On Feb 25, 2023, at 10:23 AM, GLEN MATEJCEK                 <fly4grins(at)gmail.com (fly4grins(at)gmail.com)>                 wrote:
                  
                                                                   
                    
                    
                                          	  | Quote: | 	 		  
                        Re: fuses in series
                        
                        I could see someone following the architecture                       used in home and building
                        electrical distribution systems ...
                       | 	                       
                      A couple more data points:
                      
                      My 1970's VW Rabbit had a fusible link in the                       battery cable, and I guess I wouldn't be shocked                       to learn many cars were so equipped without it                       being general knowledge.  
                      
                      There are transport category aircraft with                       current limiters geographically distributed around                       the system to prevent hard faults from taking out                       the whole system. 
                      No clue if that strategy is based upon                       crashworthiness considerations, maintenance                       considerations, corporate history, or some                       combination.    
                      
                      
                      In my aft-battery RV-8, the fat wire runs                       through the crushable structure under the cabin                       floor, making it susceptible to pinching and a                       hard fault in a crash, especially given the                       model's tendency to shed its main gear.  Not sure                       the practicality of trying to size a current                       limiter that would not open under cranking loads                       but still open with a hard fault.  The                       guestimated risk for me centers on the probability                       of hitting the planet without knowing it's coming                       and thereby not getting the master off in time.                        Given how I operate, I judge that to be a low very                       order threat and one I can live with.
                      
                        YMMV-
                    
                  
                
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:30 am    Post subject: fuses in series | 
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				At 07:58 PM 2/25/2023, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  So, you're pressed for time because you're flying IFR and about to fly an approach? Kinda violates the whole idea of saving troubleshooting until you're on the ground.
 
   | 	  
     Agreed. If failure of ANY component of your project
     places you at operational risk then you need to
     have a back-up for it. Back-up may be totally dependent
     on your personal skills. Ever shoot an approach DG-needle-
     ball-and-airspeed?  I used to ride shotgun for an associate that
     routinely practiced that. Never watched him shoot the
     approaches with everything working, "That's easy sez
     he . . . I need to be prepared for the hard ones"
 
     For every failure that manifests with open circuit
     protection there are dozens of conditions equally
     deleterious to system operations that DO NOT open
     circuit protection. Further, if circuit protection
     does open in flight, what is the probability that
     restoring power will gain use of that system? If
     the fuse opens, something is BROKE. Time to switch
     to plan-B.
 
     FAT wire protection goes to crash safety . . . if
     your airplane is so badly balled up that FAT wires
     are likely to experience hard faults . . . it's
     likely your bod is equally balled up.  That's
     what battery master contactors and current limited
     battery busses are all about.
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
    Un impeachable logic: George Carlin asked, "If black boxes
    survive crashes, why don't they make the whole airplane
    out of that stuff?"
 
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