Not Just for Boats: The Many Uses of Marine-Rated Circuit Breakers

Marine-rated circuit breakers have a long-standing reputation for their ability to meet the unique needs of electrical systems in boats. But they can also be ideal for many “land-based” vehicle applications, especially those of a heavy-duty nature. 

Marine-rated circuit breakers are designed to withstand harsh environments—such as salt water, humidity, and vibration—that are common in marine applications. These features can be beneficial for vehicles that are not boats but may encounter similar conditions, such as trucks, buses, RVs, off-road vehicles, agricultural equipment, and heavy equipment. 

Right: The Eaton Bussman line of marine-rated circuit breakers, also used widely in land-based vehicles and equipment. 

Here are some examples of how marine-rated circuit breakers can be used in non-boat applications: 

• Marine-rated circuit breakers can be used to protect high-current applications including winches, lights, and other accessories on off-road vehicles from damage due to water, dust, and vibration.
• They can be used to power inverters in RVs, which convert 12V DC power from the RV's battery to 120V AC power for household appliances and electronics.
• They can be used to protect the electrical systems in commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses, agricultural and construction equipment, from damage due to harsh conditions.
• They can be used to protect fuse blocks in recreational vehicles, agricultural equipment, work trucks, and many other types of heavy-duty vehicles with auxiliary electrical loads.

Reliability and Durability

Marine-rated circuit breakers are water-resistant or waterproof, so they can also be relied upon to protect a vehicle electrical system from moisture and other liquids. They are designed to withstand the vibration of boat engines and other marine equipment, which means they can also handle the vibration of off-road vehicles and other equipment operating in rough conditions. Marine-rated circuit breakers are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or nickel-plated brass, which helps to prevent them from rusting or corroding over time. 

Ignition Protection

Marine-rated circuit breakers are ignition protected, which means they can prevent sparks or flames from igniting flammable gases or vapors in enclosed spaces. This is an important requirement for use in emergency vehicles, mining equipment, and other heavy-duty equipment. Learn more in the article Ignition Protection: Why it Matters. 

High Interrupting Ratings

Many marine-rated circuit breakers can offer high interrupting ratings, which means they can safely stop large amounts of current in the event of a short circuit or overload. This is important for vehicles with high-current accessories, providing the required measure of protection for both the vehicle battery and its electrical system. 

Added Disconnect Function

Some marine-rated circuit breakers also have a switchable function, which means they can act as both a circuit breaker and a main branch disconnect. This can simplify the wiring and installation of the electrical system while providing a convenient way to isolate the battery or the load. Series 87 Circuit Breakers from Mechanical Products, shown at right, are the latest product of this type. (For more information on using circuit breakers for switching, see Considerations for Using Circuit Breakers as Disconnect Switches). 

Other manufacturers have designed innovative products that incorporate a marine-rated circuit breaker and a traditional disconnect switch into a single space-saving mechanism. For example, see the Mechanical Products Series 53 and Series 67 switches, shown below.

Conclusion

Marine-rated circuit breakers are available in different sizes and ratings, depending on the application and the power requirements of the electrical system. In addition to the products mentioned above, be sure to check out other leading marine-rated circuit breakers from OptiFuse, Mechanical Products, and Eaton.