1. Product Overview
The Bussmann CB185 Series Type III High Amp Circuit Breaker is designed for use in auxiliary and accessory circuits across various applications including trucks, buses, RVs, and marine vessels. This 60 Amp, 42 Vdc circuit breaker features a flush mount design and a push-to-trip button, which serves as a master disconnect for the protected circuit. Key features include manual reset capability, a sealed waterproof housing, and 1/4-28 threaded studs with installed SEMS nuts for secure connections. The CB185 circuit breakers comply with the SAE J1171 standard for ignition protection, making them suitable for battery charging systems that utilize battery isolators in multi-battery installations.
Image 1.1: Front view of the Bussmann CB185-60 Automotive Circuit Breaker.
2. Safety Information
- Always disconnect power before installing or servicing the circuit breaker.
- Ensure the circuit breaker's current rating (60A) matches the circuit requirements.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and insulated gloves, during installation.
- Do not use this device in applications exceeding its specified voltage (42 Vdc) or current ratings.
- Consult a qualified electrician or automotive technician if you are unsure about any installation steps.
3. Product Features
- Type III Circuit Breaker: Manual reset capability.
- High Amp Rating: 60 Amp capacity for demanding auxiliary and accessory circuits.
- Flush Mount Design: Allows for a clean, integrated installation.
- Push-to-Trip Button: Functions as a master disconnect for the protected circuit.
- Sealed Waterproof Housing: Provides protection in harsh environments, suitable for marine applications.
- Threaded Studs (1/4-28) with SEMS Nuts: Ensures secure and reliable electrical connections.
- SAE J1171 Compliant: Ignition protected for enhanced safety.
Image 3.1: Example of Bussmann circuit breakers in a marine application, highlighting waterproof design.
4. Installation
The CB185-60 circuit breaker is designed for flush mounting. Follow these general steps for installation:
- Select Mounting Location: Choose a flat, secure surface that allows for the flush mounting of the breaker and provides adequate access for wiring. Ensure the location is protected from physical damage.
- Prepare Mounting Hole: Cut an appropriately sized opening for the circuit breaker body, leaving enough space for the front bezel to sit flush.
- Secure the Breaker: Insert the circuit breaker into the prepared opening and secure it using appropriate fasteners (not included unless specified) through the mounting holes.
- Wire Connections: Connect the input and output wires to the 1/4-28 threaded studs. Use the installed SEMS nuts to tighten connections securely. Ensure all connections are clean and free of corrosion.
- Verify Polarity: Connect the positive (+) lead from the power source to the input terminal and the positive (+) lead to the protected circuit to the output terminal.
- Test Functionality: After installation, restore power and test the circuit breaker's operation by activating the protected circuit and verifying the push-to-trip function.
This circuit breaker is commonly used in automotive, RV, and marine auxiliary circuits.
Image 4.1: The CB185-60 is suitable for various automotive applications.
5. Operation
The Bussmann CB185-60 is a manual reset, Type III circuit breaker. Its operation is straightforward:
- Normal Operation: When the circuit breaker is in the