Blue Sea Systems 8271 Contura Water Resistant 12V DC Circuit Breaker Panel - White 8 Position - Manual (Page 2)

1. Disconnect all AC and DC power
Before starting, disconnect the main positive cable from all batteries to
eliminate the possibility of a short circuit while installing the distribution
panel. Also disconnect the AC shore power cord from the boat to
eliminate the possibility of electrocution from AC wiring in the proximity
of the DC distribution panel.
2. Select mounting location and cut opening
Using the panel template provided, make a cut out in the mounting
surface where the distribution panel is to be mounted. Do not yet
fasten the panel to the mounting surface.
3. Select positive feed wire
Determine the positive feed (red) wire size by calculating the total
amperage of the circuits that will be routed through the panel. Blue Sea
Systems water-resistant electrical panels are rated at 45 amp total
capacity. The positive feed wire must be sized for 3% voltage drop at
the 45 amp panel rating or the maximum amperage that will be routed
through the panel in any particular installation, whichever is less. It is
recommended that the positive feed wire be sized for the full panel
capacity, which, in most cases, will require at least 8 AWG wire,
assuming a 10 foot wire run between the panel and the batteries in
12 volt systems. Refer to the Wire Sizing Chart for other situations.
Remember that the length of the circuit is the total of the positive wire
from the power source and the negative wire back to the DC Negative
Bus. Be certain that there is a fuse or circuit breaker of the correct size
protecting the positive feed wire.
Use a 16 AWG wire to connect the LED negative feed (yellow) wire to
the DC Negative Bus.
Determine the proper wire size for each branch circuit using the
guidelines in step 3. Verify that the standard 15 ampere circuit breakers
installed in the panel are large enough for each branch circuit.
Remove and replace with a higher amperage any that are undersized
(15 ampere maximum for 24 volt or 20 ampere for 12 volt systems).
Connect a positive (red) branch circuit wire to the load terminal of
each switch. Connect each negative (yellow) branch circuit wire to a
DC Negative Bus such as Blue Sea Systems BusBar PN 2301 or
MiniBus PN 2304.
For each branch circuit, select a label from the 60 basic labels
provided, and apply it to the recessed area on the front of the panel.
A gasket has been included for sealing the panel against the mounting
surface. The gasket will easily stretch around the panel when applied
from the front. Place the gasket between the panel and the mounting
surface. Make sure all surfaces are clean and free from debris.
Fasten the panel to the mounting surface using the screws provided.
Reconnect the main positive cable to the battery terminals and turn the
main switch on to supply power to the panel. Turn on all branch circuits
and test the voltage at the panel. Compare this voltage to the battery
terminal voltage to determine that the voltage drop is within 3%. With
all branch circuits still on, test the voltage at one device on each circuit
to determine that there is a 3% or 10% drop as is appropriate.
This Blue Sea Systems water resistant electrical distribution panel is
furnished with 15 ampere push button circuit breakers. This rating was
selected to minimize the need for removing the circuit breakers and
reinstalling different size circuit breakers. 15 ampere circuit breakers will
satisfy the vast majority of marine circuit protection situations.
• American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standards and
Recommended Practices for Small Craft sections: E-9.
• United States Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations 33, Part 183,
Subpart I, Electrical Systems on Boats.
Installation
Wiring Diagram
DC Water Resistant Circuit Breaker Panel
PN 8272/8372
Wiring Diagram
DC Water Resistant Circuit Breaker Panel
PN 8271/8371