Marine Electrical Products
DC Power Distribution Panel
Panel Specifications
Voltage Rating:
Panels are rated for 12 or 24 Volts DC
Amperage Rating: Switches and Circuit Breakers:
20 Amperes maximum for 12 Volt systems
15 Amperes maximum for 24 Volt systems
Cumulative Rating: 45 Amperes
Circuit Indicator:
LED embedded in switch, rated 100,000 hour 1/2 life
Material:
0.100" 5052-H32 Aluminum Alloy
Primary Finish:
Chemical Treatment per MIL-SPEC C-5541
Final Panel Finish: White/Black color 2 part textured Polyurethane
Panel Depth:
2-3/4"
69.90mm
PN
Inches
Millimeters
Overall Dimensions: 8271/8371 9-3/8 x 4-1/4
238.00 x 108.00
8272/8372 5-1/4 x 4-1/4
133.40 x 108.00
Mounting Centers: 8271/8371 8-17/32 x 3-13/32 216.90 x 86.90
8272/8372 4-13/32 x 3-13/32 112.30 x 86.90
Water Resistant:
Will withstand the water exposures normally
encountered in above deck applications: Salt spray,
rain, hose washdowns, momentary immersions.
The Purpose of a Panel
There are five purposes of a marine electrical panel:
• Power distribution
• Circuit (wire) protection
• Circuit ON/OFF switching
• Metering of voltage and amperage (panels with meters)
• Condition Indication (circuit energized)
Blue Sea Systems Inc.
Phone (360) 738-8230
425 Sequoia Drive
Fax (360) 734-4195
Bellingham, WA 98226 USA
www.bluesea.com
9111 Rev.005
WARNING
]
These instructions are intended to provide assistance with the
installation of this product, and are not a substitute for a more
comprehensive understanding of electrical systems. We strongly
recommend that a competent electrical professional perform the
installation of this product.
]
If the panel front is to be exposed to water it must be properly sealed to
the instrument panel surface. The included gasket must be in place
and the panel screwed down tight.
]
The panels must not be installed in explosive environments such as
gas engine rooms or battery compartments as the switches are not
ignition proof.
]
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
Any Blue Sea Systems product with which a customer is not satisfied
may be returned for a refund or replacement at any time.
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
• Fuses, fuse blocks, and BusBars
• Analog and digital meters
1. Calculate the maximum sustained amperage of the circuit. Measure
the length of the circuit from the power source to the load and back.
2. Decide whether the circuit runs in an or . Engine spaces are assumed
to be at 50 degrees C, non engine
spaces are assumed to
be at 30 degrees C.
3. Multiply the maximum current times the length of the circuit to calculate
(Feet x amps).
4. Base the wire on either the 3% or 10% . In general, items
which affect the safe operation of the boat and its passengers (running
lights, bilge blowers, electronics and distribution panel supply circuits)
use 3%; all other loads use 10% (cabin lights, bait pumps).
5. Starting in the column which has the right and
shown at the top, run down the list of numbers until arriving at a value
which is greater than the calculated . Move left to the
column to verify that the total amperage of the circuit does not exceed
the maximum allowable amperage of the wire size for that row. If it
does, move down until the wire ampacity exceeds the circuit
amperage. Finally, move left to the column to select the wire
size.
a. A 12 Volt system at 10% drop with a 40' circuit x 45 Amps = 1800
Famps. A wire size of 8 is required.
b. A 24 Volt system at 3% drop with a 10' circuit x 100 Amps = 1000
Famps. A wire size of 6 is required.
Note: This chart assumes wire with 105°C insulation rating and AWG wire sizes.
*Metric wire sizes may be used if of equivalent circular mil area.
PN 8272 / PN 8372 4 Position Water Resistant
PN 8271 / PN 8371 8 Position Water Resistant
Wire Sizing Chart
