Marine Electrical Products
DC Power Distribution Panel
PN 8081 / PN 3081 5 Position
PN 8082 / PN 3082 10 Position
Panel Specifications
Material: | 0.125” | ||
Primary Finish: | Chemical Treatment per Mil Spec | ||
Final Panel Finish: | Graphite color 2 part textured Polyurethane | ||
Circuit Breakers: | 15 Ampere AC/DC magnetic |
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| 65V DC/277V AC Maximum |
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Amperage Rating: | All components are sized for 100 Amperes of | ||
| continuous current |
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Voltage Rating: | Panels are rated for 12 volts DC. Panels can be | ||
| upgraded to 24 volts with PN 8243, | ||
| Voltmeter. |
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Voltmeter Rating: | |||
Ammeter Rating: | |||
External Shunt: | 50 Millivolt = 50 Ampere resistive manganin element | ||
| PN | Inches | Millimeters |
Overall Dimensions: 8082/3082 | 133.40 x 190.50 | ||
| 8081/3081 | 133.40 x 190.50 | |
Mounting Centers: | 8082/3082 | 112.70 x 265.10 | |
| 8081/3081 | 112.70 x 169.90 | |
Applicable Standards
•United States Coast Guard 33 CFR Sub Part 1, Electrical Systems.
•American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standards and Recommended Practices for Small Craft sections:
Document 9863 Rev.H
Installation
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.Optional - Upgrading to 24 Volts
Remove and replace the existing
3.Apply Voltage Label
All panel components are sized for 12 or 24 Volt systems. Use the labels provided to permanently identify the system voltage and its type (DC) as required by ABYC. Apply the appropriate voltage label to the recessed area on the front of the panel.
4.Select mounting location and cut opening
Select a mounting location which 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. The circuit breakers used in marine electrical panels are not ignition protected and may ignite such vapors.
Using the panel template provided, make a cut out in the mounting surface where the distribution panel is to be mounted. Do not fasten the panel to the mounting surface.
5.Select positive feed wire and negative return
Determine the positive feed (red) and negative return (black or yellow) wire size by calculating the total amperage of the circuits that will be routed through the panel. Blue Sea Systems’ electrical panels are rated at 100 ampere total capacity. The positive feed wire must be sized for 3% voltage drop at the 100 ampere 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 2 AWG wire, assuming a 10 foot wire run
WARNING 
@It is not possible within the scope of these instructions to fully acquaint the installer with all the knowledge of electrical systems that may be necessary to correctly install this product. If the installer is not knowledgeable in electrical systems we recommend that an electrical professional be retained to make the installation.
@If either the panel front or back is to be exposed to water it must be protected with a waterproof shield.
@The panels must not be installed in explosive environments such as gasoline engine rooms or battery compartments as the circuit breakers 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, 1996: Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual,
2nd edition, Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, Inc.
Wing, Charlie, 1993: Boatowner’s Illustrated Handbook of Wiring,
Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, Inc.
Related Products from Blue Sea Systems
PanelBack Insulating Covers
High Amperage Fuses and Circuit Breakers for positive feed wires High Amperage Battery Switches
Terminal Blocks and Common Bus Connectors
AC and DC Voltmeters and Ammeters
Blue Sea Systems Inc. | Phone (360) | |
425 Sequoia Drive | Fax (360) | |
Bellingham, WA 98226 USA | ||
| www.bluesea.com | |
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.
6.Install shunt, positive feed wire and negative return
The panel is supplied with an external shunt ammeter that must be connected in the positive feed line to the panel. The shunt may be mounted at any point in the feed line, but mounting it close to the panel will keep the sense wires that run to the meter short, minimizing voltage loss and interference, creating the most accurate meter reading.
Connect the positive feed wire from the positive source to either of the 2 large bolt terminals on the shunt top. This is now the shunt positive terminal. Connect an additional length of feed wire from the remaining shunt terminal, now the negative terminal, to the panel positive bus. Next, connect a minimum 16 AWG red wire from the screw on the side of the shunt positive terminal to the meter positive terminal and connect a black or yellow wire from the shunt negative terminal to the meter negative terminal. There should be a 1 ampere fuse in the positive sense wire near the shunt terminal. Be certain that on all 4 shunt connections the wire ring terminals sit directly on the brass blocks of the shunt without any washers in between.
Connect a negative return wire from the negative bus on the panel to DC negative.
7.Install battery bank voltage monitor wires
The panel is supplied with a voltmeter and switch to monitor the voltage of three separate sources, usually the batteries. Connect a minimum 16 AWG red wire from each source to be monitored to each of the corresponding input wires of the switch. There should be a 1 ampere fuse in each positive wire near each source.
