Circuit breaker failure

[videonerd]

I have a Blue Sea Systems 185-series 50A breaker in my vehicle... and today, it just crapped out! It's a year old. Just out of the blue (pun intended,) all my radios, laptop power supply, everything... turned off. For 15 minutes it totally stumped me as I pulled into my work parking lot and began going through the vehicle.

The breaker didn't trip... and I have another power distro block with individual ATO fuses to each component. Nothing blown. Wierd. Went to our engineers who though it might be a loose grounding strap. Nope, on tight. Borrowed a multimeter and the 50A breaker right beside the main battery was letting through 0.47v. After resetting the breaker a couple times, it worked for about 15 minutes before all my gear died again.

Probably a loose arm or carbon deposits inside? Vibration from the road? Anyone else had this problem? I thought I'd buy some waterproof marine gear specifically for harsh-environment use!?

[akardam]

Well, things do happen, and I'd certianly contact the company for warranty service, especially if it's only a year old. I've been using Blue Sea equipment in my truck for years and have been very satisfied with their products. In fact I've got a couple of the 187 surface mount fuse blocks, which I like because you can manually trip them if you need to disconnect a mains.

[videonerd]

Called Blue Sea Systems today, the tech said that they've heard of other similar failures on the 185-series as well. They'll mail me a warranty replacement on it.

[Bat2way]

Sounds like the contacts going resistive with current flow. I've already heard about Chinese metal used in various parts (even truck engine parts) is not up to par. Hope that isn't the problem there.

[videonerd]

I sure hope not. These are Bussman breakers who I guess OEMed them for Blue Seas.