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Marine Electrical Products

Blue Sea Systems Inc. 

 

Phone (360) 738-8230

425 Sequoia Drive  

 

Fax (360) 734-4195

Bellingham, WA  98226  USA  

 

www.bluesea.com

  

6346 Rev. 005

 

 

WARNING

The Dual Circuit Plus

 Battery Switch turns the house and start batteries 

on at the same time, but isolates them from each other. Battery isolation 

protects the start battery from being discharged from the many house loads 

like refrigerators, stereos, and lights, preserving it for starting the engine. 

Battery isolation also protects sensitive electronics from voltage spikes and 

sags that may occur during engine starting. The Dual Circuit Plus

 Battery 

Switch simplifies battery switch operation--it performs the same operation 

as three ON/OFF battery switches. The engine and house batteries are 

turned ON at the same time when the boat is boarded and OFF when the 

boat is not in use. This minimizes the opportunity for error. In an emergency 

requiring that both batteries be combined—e.g., a discharged start battery—

the operator simply turns the switch knob to the COMBINE BATTERIES 

position.  

The Dual Circuit Plus

 Battery Switch automates the charging of two battery 

banks when coupled with an Automatic Charge Relay (PN 7610 or PN 

9112). This combination creates a complete battery management system 

of isolated battery circuits, emergency cross connect (emergency parallel) 

functions, and automated charge management.

Triple Battery Main Distribution Panel

Two Dual Circuit Plus

 Battery Switches

PN 8689/8693

How it works 

Installation 

1.  Disconnect all DC power

  

    To eliminate the possibility of a short circuit while installing the panel,  

  disconnect the main positive cable from all batteries.

2.  Select mounting location and cut opening 

    Select a mounting location that is protected from water on the panel front 

    and back and is not in an area where flammable vapors from propane, 

    gas or lead acid batteries accumulate.
    Using the panel template provided, make a cut out in the mounting 

    surface where the panel is to be mounted. Do not fasten the panel to the 

    mounting surface.

3.  Install LED negative feed wire

    Use a 16 AWG wire to connect the LED negative feed (Yellow) wires to a 

    DC negative bus.

4.  Electrical Connections

    Battery cable terminals must be attached under battery switch stud nut 

    and lock washer. The electrical connection illustration is general in 

    nature and is not meant to be a guide for the wiring of any specific 

    vessel. There are many possible wiring configurations. Consult your  

  marine electrical professional for the wiring system applicable to 

    your boat.
    Make appropriate adjustments to the wiring diagram to suit your specific 

    installation and equipment. Fusing may be appropriate in several of the 

    lines depending on the proximity of components, conductor sheathing, 

    and the conductivity of the surrounding structure. Consult the 

Wire

    Sizing Chart

 to determine the appropriate wire sizes. 

5.  Apply Labels and Mount Panel

    Apply a label to each of the circuits from the label sheet provided.    

  Additional labels are available from Blue Sea Systems. Fasten the 

    panel to the mounting surface using the screws provided.

Features

 

•  Power distribution, switching, and circuit protection combined in one panel

•  Configurable to suit specific needs of individual boat owners

•  Dual Circuit Plus

TM

 Battery Switch: m-Series (8689) or e-Series (8693) 

•  Three (8689) or four (8693) 15A thermal circuit breakers provide 24-hour 

  circuit protection 

•  Each circuit contains circuit labels and LED indicator lights that provide 

  circuit status 

•  Blank slots to accommodate additional circuit breakers or switches

Panel Specifications

 

Material:   

 

0.125" 5052-H32 Aluminum Alloy 

Primary Finish:  

 

Chemical Treatment per MIL SPEC C-5541C

Final Panel Finish:   

Graphite color 2 part textured Polyurethane

Maximum Voltage Rating: 

24V DC

House Amperage Rating:  

100A Max (on installed circuit)

Switch Amperage Ratings: 

Continuous:

 8689-300A, 8693-350A 

          

 

Intermittent (5 min.):

 8689-450A, 8693-525A 

         

 

 

Cranking (10 sec.):

 8689-1,000A, 8693-1,000A 

          

 

        

 

PN   

Inches   

Millimeters

Dimensions: 

 

8689   

7.25 x 8.00 

184.15 x 203.20

        

 

8693   

10.50 x 8.00  266.70 x 203.20

Mounting Centers:   

8689   

6.42 x 7.17 

163.07 x 182.12

        

 

8693   

9.67 x 7.17 

245.62 x 182.12

Switch Terminal Studs:  

3/8"-16 (accepts M10 terminal) 

Torque:  

 

140 in-lbs.

]

 If the installer is not knowledgeable about electrical systems, 

  consult an electrical professional.

]

 If either the panel front or back is to be exposed to water it must be 

  protected with a waterproof shield. 

]

 Standard Blue Sea Systems battery management panels are ignition

  protected as shipped. 

]

 Custom panels are ignition protected when supplied with ignition

  protected circuit breakers.

]

 The main positive connection must be disconnected at the battery post 

  to avoid the possibility of a short circuit during the installation of 

  this distribution panel.

  

Guarantee:

   

Blue Sea Systems stands behind its products for as long as you own  

   them. Find detailed information at www.bluesea.com/about. For        

   customer service, call 800-222-7617.

Applicable Standards

 

•  American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standards and  

 

 

  Recommended Practices for Small Craft sections: E-1, E-3, E-11.

 

•  United States Coast Guard 33 CFR Sub Part 1, Electrical Systems.

 

•  National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 302

Useful Reference Books

 

•  Calder, Nigel (2005). 

Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual 

 

  (3d ed). Camden, ME: International Marine / McGraw-Hill.

 

•  Wing, Charlie (2006). 

Boatowner’s Illustrated Electrical Handbook 

   

  (2d ed). Camden, ME: International Marine / McGraw-Hill.

Other Innovative Products from Blue Sea Systems

 

•  360 Panel System

 

•  Battery management solutions

 

•  AC and DC circuit protection devices

 

•  WeatherDeck™ waterproof panels

 

•  BusBars, fuses, and fuse blocks 

      •  Analog and digital meters

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