switches and circuit breakers

[jmodguy]

http://www.campbells.org/Airplanes/a...rsVsFuses.html

An interesting test comparison of fuses vs CBs

[jrevens]

http://www.campbells.org/Airplanes/a...rsVsFuses.html

An interesting test comparison of fuses vs CBs

That was interesting, Jeff, but it's a pretty old article (2003) and the author specifically tested 3AG type glass fuses, rather than the more modern ATC type that are obviously much more robust. The result is that some of the negative conclusions he made about fuses don't pertain or are not relevant.

[mr bill]

Then there is the cost factor, CBs are nearly an order of magnitude more expensive and take up more room on the panel. Not that I am biased, mind you.

[jiott]

My decision to go with CB's was very simply this: I wanted something that did not require having to have spare pieces stored where they could be quickly found. I already have to carry spare batteries for the headset, emergency handheld radio and flashlight, chargers for the phone, you get the idea. Too much stuff to keep track of.

[jmodguy]

I had a discussion today with a couple peers about this. We are in the wiring and interconnect business and between the 3 of us there was about 87 years of experience and best practice discussed for close to 30 minutes. Education levels included EET, EE, and Masters in Physics. We discussed test methods for both fuses and circuit breakers, systems installation best practices and what ifs. We also discussed things like standard CB in flight reset procedures, i.e. only once, and fuse practicality with the risk of FOD etc. We could not come up with a reason to use fuses over CBs for any reason other than cost.
Granted fuses are cheap and CBs are pricey at @ $20 each. If fuses are a better way then why do aircraft manufacturers from Cessna to Boeing use CBs instead of fuses?

[efwd]

My guess would be that Boeing and others will just pass the cost of those pricey objects on to us anyway.

[HighWing]

Thanks Jeff. That is the way I have always felt. Regarding Bob Nuckolls. He was on one of the early Kitfox lists. He was one of the guys as we all are. It was not difficult to disagree with some of what he posted and agree with the rest. When he became the Guru those feelings persisted especially about Circuit Breakers vs. Fuses. Both N96KL and N338S have CBs. I have twelve on 338S - two labeled "Aux" expecting new add ons. The $$ were not a factor in the decision. In the 900 hours I put on 96KL - no breakers popped. No regrets.