What Size Fuse or Circuit Breaker Should be Used for Brake Controller on a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado
Question:
Is there any reason a 30 amp fuse should not be installed in a 4 brake application that calls for a 20 amp fuse? I would think not... but I am not sure. Thanks.
asked by: Danny
Expert Reply:
The reason you would not want to install a 30 amp fuse or circuit breaker in a 4 brake magnet application, when installing a Prodigy P2 brake controller, # 90885, is that the extra amperage required to break the circuit could cause an issue with the wiring on the trailer or vehicle because it would take longer for the circuit to spike to 30 amps. In applications with 6 to 8 brake magnets or more, more amperage is required to activate the brakes properly so the time for the amperage spike is shorter to break the circuit in a 30 amp circuit breaker or fuse, and does not present an issue.
For brake controllers we do not recommended that fuses be installed in place of circuit breakers. One reason for this is that an auto reset circuit breaker will reset if there is an intermittent short, once the short is no longer present on the circuit, and braking performance would be restored. With a fuse, once blown, braking performance is terminated until the fuse is physically replaced.
On your 2006 Silverado, the installation uses fuses under the hood, see brake controller installation article. For factory tow package wiring installations, fused circuits are typical. Chevrolet typically installs a 30 amp fuse at the power stud where the brake controller power wire is attached. Installing a 20 amp fuse in that location will protect your brake controller better as long as your trailers only have one or two brake axles.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
30 amp. In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 30 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 6" Rise, 6" Drop - 10K
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Mounting Pocket for Tekonsha Prodigy Proportional Brake Controller
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class IV - 2"
- Video: Review of CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness 4-Pole Flat - C55311
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Q&A: Diode Recommendation to Prevent Trailer Battery From Backfeeding onto Vehicle Wiring
- Search Results: prodigy p2
- Search Results: hopkins 47185 multi tow adapter
- Search Results: inline fuse
- Article: How Your RV Water System Works: A Complete Newbie's Guide
- Video: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Express Van
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: c77br
- Search Results: universal trailer brake wiring kit
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Video: Best 2015 Kia Sedona Trailer Wiring Options
- Video: Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire Feature Review
- Q&A: Space Between Tanks on the Complete Propane Tank Holder Mounting Kit
on Trailer Brake Controller
