Perhaps a dumb question: breaker location in circuit

[scsmith]

should a breaker be wired before, or after, a toggle switch that activates a circuit? I don't really see much practical difference, unless the toggle switch has the possibility of failing as a short to ground. In that case, it would be better to have the breaker before the switch. Maybe I answered my own question?

 

[Ironflight]

As a general rule, the breaker goes before the switch - just look at a few wiring diagrams. Remember that the breaker is protecting the electrical system UPSTREAM from damage caused by devices downstream of it.

 

[Taltruda]

I think you want it as early as possible upstream (close to the positive terminal) in order to protect as much of the wire downstream of the breaker.