Adding Additional/Sub DC Panel

[SBJO_1555]

Hi All,

New to the forum and had a question on adding an Additional/Sub DC Panel...looking to add radar, a water pump and clean up a few things (VHF, radio and Autopilot are currently wired straight to battery). My question is can I have the new panel run as a sub panel and draw off the original panel? If so, what would be the process? Or would it be better to just wire the new panel directly to one of my batteries? I've included a front pic of the original panel. Sadly the previous owner cut that circular hole for a clock, my plan is to put the panel there, but refill it to where it'd fit properly and paint that entire board white, so the panels have pop.


Thanks in advance for the help, I tried searching for a similar topic before posting this, but couldn't find anything. - SBJO - Hull #1555

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Welcome to the site.

My question is can I have the new panel run as a sub panel and draw off the original panel?

You would tap your (+) and (-) lines from the original panel most likely with the (+) after its main breaker. A single main breaker controls both panels. Watch your loading and breaker size on each circuit.

I don't know if you could get a similar electrical panel with desired labels from Catalina Direct but in MHO, I think it would look quite sharp.

 

[SBJO_1555]

Thanks for the reply! So to be clear, just the positive of the new panel to the original panel? Would I then connect the negative to a bus bar that's connected to the negative of the battery? Appreciate the help and yeah wish i could find the same panel as that would look really nice.

 

[dlochner]

You might find it easier to simply replace the old panel with a new panel with more breakers. It will be neater, easier to wire, and you'll get rid of those glass fuses.

Check out the Blue Sea website and their panel builder.

Panel Wizard by Blue Sea Systems

panelwizard.bluesea.com

 

[SBJO_1555]

Thanks dlochner - yeah i was thinking about this too, but i'm somewhat a if it ain't broke, don't fix it type person. But now you got me thinking .

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

So to be clear, just the positive of the new panel to the original panel? Would I then connect the negative to a bus bar that's connected to the negative of the battery?

That's it exactly. As mentioned, all you have to do now is watch the wire sizing and breaker size.