inline fuse necessary?

**dirt ninja** · 12-04-2010, 06:29 AM

I just installed a li dual unit on my motorcycle and was wondering if it was necessary to add an inline fuse to protect the unit? If so what amp rating would you recommend? Thanks for the help fellows.

**category4** · 12-04-2010, 06:53 AM

Yes and 2 amp should be way more than adequate. The fuse is to protect the wiring in case of an accidental ground, which seems more likely on a motorcycle than a car in my mind.

**Laser-InterceptorUSA** · 12-04-2010, 07:13 AM

The LI has an internal, bi-metal fuse so no additional protection is really needed. You may add the additional fuse if you still wish to.

Cliff

**dirt ninja** · 12-04-2010, 08:06 AM

Thanks for response. Much appreciated.

**Won Hunglo** · 12-04-2010, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Laser-InterceptorUSA

The LI has an internal, bi-metal fuse so no additional protection is really needed. You may add the additional fuse if you still wish to.

Cliff

Cliff, I respectfully disagree! The fuse does much more than protect the product, it also protects the run of wire going to the product, reducing the risk of a fire in case of a wiring short before the internal product protection.

An external fuse might also protect the internal fuse that might not be user servicable.

**CJR238** · 12-04-2010, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Won Hunglo

Originally Posted by Laser-InterceptorUSA

The LI has an internal, bi-metal fuse so no additional protection is really needed. You may add the additional fuse if you still wish to.

Cliff

Cliff, I respectfully disagree! The fuse does much more than protect the product, it also protects the run of wire going to the product, reducing the risk of a fire in case of a wiring short before the internal product protection.

An external fuse might also protect the internal fuse that might not be user servicable.

I agree, but only if it blows before the internal fuse.

Cliff, what's the specks on the internal bi-metal fuse if one wants to put an additional lower rated inline fuse for additional protection?

**Laser-InterceptorUSA** · 12-04-2010, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by Won Hunglo

Cliff, I respectfully disagree!

Your disagreement is cheerfully accepted!

Yes, you can never have too much protection in a circuit that carries any type of current but at the levels found in most passenger automobiles, the bi-metal does an excellent job. As part of my QC, I deliberately cross polarize the internal bi-metal fuse and it has yet to have ever failed and has never allowed any damage to occur to any LI CPU.

Cliff

**category4** · 12-04-2010, 04:59 PM

Good to know the LI has an internal fuse to protect the CPU. An inline fuse though is not to protect the LI, but rather the wiring from the battery source to the LI. 14 gauge wire is rated for 15 amps and 18 gauge is rated for 7 amps. As stated before a 2 amp inline fuse will work nicely.

**QuirkyQuark** · 12-04-2010, 05:52 PM

That is good to know. Unless you're directly connected to the battery (or an unfused power connection), I'm guessing the usual accessory fuse for us add-a-connection types should be ok?