It was a good question.
Right of the bat, there are two key concepts you need to understand about fusing.
YOU MUST
-USE A CORRECTLY CHOSEN FUSE WITHIN 12" OF THE BATTERY
-USE ANOTHER FUSE WHEN STEPPING UP/DOWN A CABLE SIZE
Please see here for what fuses are, how they work, and what they do (how they protect you and your devices)
http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/in...showtopic=42206
Please see here to know when to use a fuse, and how to choose its size/type.
http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/in...showtopic=42643
So, heres the pm i recieved from louie
QUOTE
Hey. I'm wondering if fused distroblocks are really necessary, or if I could use inline fuses on the individual cables running from the D Block to the amplifiers.
This is my example
0awg to unfused distro block
4/8awg to amps, with a fuse set up in between the distro block and the amp
Would this work, or is it necessary to have the fused D Blocks?
Thanks for any help
Ben
This is my example
0awg to unfused distro block
4/8awg to amps, with a fuse set up in between the distro block and the amp
Would this work, or is it necessary to have the fused D Blocks?
Thanks for any help
Ben
Its a good question.
What you describe, does in theory work but in practice, isnt the best idea.
Points to consider
1) A fused db, can usually be picked up for less than multiple fuse holders and associated fuses.
2) The aim of the game is to ABSOLUTELY MINIMISE risk. Thus, introducing even a short run of cable between a unfused db and a "inline fuse" exposes you to greater risk. That "short run" of cable is at risk of failure if a short occurs along there. Maybe not something to consider in everyday usage, but what about an accident where metal can be bent in any number of ways, or that "Short length" can have an end ripped out, be live, exposed, and unfused?
3) Fused db's usually have some features, for instance led lights/alarms that will indicate to you immediately when a fuse is blown/damaged, and precisely which fuse it is.
4) Points of failure. Adding inline fuse holders, adds more connections, which adds more resistance, and adds another potential part that can come undone, not be done up correctly, etc etc. Fused db's have nice, sturdy, clip in fuse connections, minimal inputs and outputs, and usually, insulating covers.
5) Space. Frankly, a fused db takes up less space, and lets you be "neater" with your wiring.
So yes, having said all that, to summarise
Yes, it is possible, yes it would offer more protection than "no fusing at all"...but no, in practice it probably would be easier, cheaper, and definently safer, to use a fused dB.