I want to put in a 60 amp fusethe wiring is only running a short distance. I know that I need to use #6 gauge wiring between the fuse and the electrical componentdo I need to use #6 gauge for the supply side too??
Yes. Make sure you're using the NEC to size your cable though, it may not be #6 wire depending on what type of wire and insulation you choose.
You should never up size your wire downstream of where your main panel is, which is what I am guessing that you want do. Let's say you are trying to feed a piece of equipment that requires 60A protection but you plan on feeding it with an existing, smaller wire that is not rated for that amount of current (say a #8 or #10 gauge wire) then you are asking for trouble in the long run. Having too much current running in that existing wire will eventually cause heating problems on that wire. This WILL eventually break down the existing insulation on the wire and cause a fire. Also, if the existing wire is fed from a circuit breaker or fuse that is rated less than 60A (for example a 30A breaker) then you will always trip the circuit at the panel if your new piece of equipment draws above 30A which makes your 60A fuse useless and superfluous. Please be safeuse #6 on both sides of your fuse and make sure that your circuit breaker or fuse at the panel from where you are getting your juice is also rated for 60A or above. Hope this helps!
