JoeMag

Was just looking into switches, fuses, breakers, etc for dash and came by these. Looks like nice way to elimnate need to have fuse/breaker and switch, and get in one package. ...anyone use them or have comments?

http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?fo...action=product

Larry Herman

Looks good to me. I am in the electrical contracting business and Siemens makes a good product. Just make certain that you fuse the main feeder to the switches, because unlike a sealed fusebox where the hot terminals are protected, if the "hot side" shorts, you will melt back to the battery.

Geoffrey

They look heavy...Depending on the number of circuits you need, there are intelligent power management systems available that are computer configured. They have a built in CAN interface so your ECU or dash logger can turn things on and off as well as simple grounded switches. This replaces all of the fueses and relays in a car.

tfro

Heavy? Not really (in my opinion for a club race car).

It really depends on your application. If you're just trying to power a coolsuit or a fan bypass switch, the individual switches are great. Some of the pre-made panels are good if you have a few circuits, and you can easily run an entire car off of one or two panels. The moroso panels are decent, not amazing quality but they work well and are easy to use. Paneltronics makes panels for boats, and they will make it to your needs and the quality is a step up from the moroso panel.

And, while the PCMs look to be really cool, seems like overkill for most applications (can any be had for sub 2k complete?)

Geoffrey

Not that I am aware of.

kurt M

Can you trust a system to replace a breaker or fuse? Are the wires protected in a hot to ground event if the system is compromised?

Geoffrey

I think they can. The Intelligent Power Management systems like the MoTeC PDM are very reliable and extremely configurable. Rather than having a number of relays (minimum 4 wires) and circuit breakers or fuses (minimum 2 wires), you have a small box with 1 large power input, some smaller power outputs, switch ground inputs, and CAN communications. Some functions don't even need a switch because they are controlled over CAN, like a trans pump where the ECU recognizes a hot gearbox and sends a message over CAN to the PDM to turn on the output for the pump. You have a reduction of wiring, simplification of circuitry, all in a small, more reliable package.

The wires are protected by a user configurable amperage fuse which can be set for a maximum threshold (of the wire), and will allow overvoltage for things like motor startup and other devices that may draw 4-5x the normal current when starting. The system IS designed to protect the wiring harness, not the devices themselves.