The DC switch panel on CHRISTMAS - a 1961 Challenger - is original. I've considered replacing it in the past, but always with other more pressing projects, I've left it alone.
Mainly because, it works fine (amazingly,...).
The glaring problems aside; multiple connections on both the + - power posts, inline fuses, mind boggling heaps of wires, it's interesting to see how standards have changed since 1961.
The main unfused feed comes into the panel on the right and the + is distributed via a stiff exposed copper wire, to the switches. As well as connected with copper bands around the exposed wire, plus the connections are soldered.
All switches were STDP (single throw, double pole). Some of these STDP switches divide individual circuits - as many as 4 circuits on one switch - that have devices with independent switches such as cabin lights, or navigation and mast wiring, which have their own switches in the cockpit.
The feed and terminals are still exposed, and not fused at this point.
Through the STDP switches, the individual circuits are sent off the switch terminals (some with 2 ring terminals on one screw - to create 4 circuits), to individual soldered SFE fuse holders mounted in the panel. The feeds - finally fuse protected - then connect onto standard terminal strips (invisible under the spaghetti), and run to various devices.
I haven't any pressing projects on Xmas, so this winter I'm replacing the panel. The panel is well used up.
The simplest solution would be to buy a generic breaker panel. As I plan to keep the enclosure that hides the panel (I especially appreciate the space to store a few most used tools, a knife etc. in the storage forward), options were limited to stock panels that would fit inside.
I'd spend 1k in parts and end up with a panel with too few circuit capability, and have to put another fuse block, somewhere.
Having decided to keep the original cabinetry, I promptly tore the cabinet out, in pieces.
Restoring the cabinet carcass would have been more work than building a new one. I'd restore the door that was built by the Danish craftsmen at the Poul Molich yard in 1960, and replace the rest.
With wires snipped and everything torn out, I built a duplicate of the "box".
Then returned to the boat to see if it would fit as planned: It will have to slide under the bridge deck,...
....rotate into the cut out in the countertop,...
...rise up to the bridge deck, and Bob's your uncle.
Fitting as original, the piece allows the galley counter top to be removed(in 2 pieces) for major access below.
Satisfied, I took the box home to complete, at my leisure, in a warm shop.
Once the work is done, the plan is to install the completely finished and wired piece at a later (and warmer) date, with only the connections to make to new terminal strips, buss bars, etc.
Things are coming along. Winter is perfect for work like this. No hurry. It seems a zillion parts are needed and take several trips to suppliers (and more to come).
There's also time to research a myriad of marine panels, from DIY to custom made breaker panels, online. I should end up with cleaner, safer wiring that is easier to do work on in the future.
Best of all, this type of work is great fun! You can design in your head, sketch ideas as winter slowly passes, confident you have a good plan.
We'll see:
Mainly because, it works fine (amazingly,...).
The glaring problems aside; multiple connections on both the + - power posts, inline fuses, mind boggling heaps of wires, it's interesting to see how standards have changed since 1961.
The main unfused feed comes into the panel on the right and the + is distributed via a stiff exposed copper wire, to the switches. As well as connected with copper bands around the exposed wire, plus the connections are soldered.
All switches were STDP (single throw, double pole). Some of these STDP switches divide individual circuits - as many as 4 circuits on one switch - that have devices with independent switches such as cabin lights, or navigation and mast wiring, which have their own switches in the cockpit.
The feed and terminals are still exposed, and not fused at this point.
Through the STDP switches, the individual circuits are sent off the switch terminals (some with 2 ring terminals on one screw - to create 4 circuits), to individual soldered SFE fuse holders mounted in the panel. The feeds - finally fuse protected - then connect onto standard terminal strips (invisible under the spaghetti), and run to various devices.
I haven't any pressing projects on Xmas, so this winter I'm replacing the panel. The panel is well used up.
The simplest solution would be to buy a generic breaker panel. As I plan to keep the enclosure that hides the panel (I especially appreciate the space to store a few most used tools, a knife etc. in the storage forward), options were limited to stock panels that would fit inside.
I'd spend 1k in parts and end up with a panel with too few circuit capability, and have to put another fuse block, somewhere.
Having decided to keep the original cabinetry, I promptly tore the cabinet out, in pieces.
Restoring the cabinet carcass would have been more work than building a new one. I'd restore the door that was built by the Danish craftsmen at the Poul Molich yard in 1960, and replace the rest.
With wires snipped and everything torn out, I built a duplicate of the "box".
Then returned to the boat to see if it would fit as planned: It will have to slide under the bridge deck,...
....rotate into the cut out in the countertop,...
...rise up to the bridge deck, and Bob's your uncle.
Fitting as original, the piece allows the galley counter top to be removed(in 2 pieces) for major access below.
Satisfied, I took the box home to complete, at my leisure, in a warm shop.
Once the work is done, the plan is to install the completely finished and wired piece at a later (and warmer) date, with only the connections to make to new terminal strips, buss bars, etc.
Things are coming along. Winter is perfect for work like this. No hurry. It seems a zillion parts are needed and take several trips to suppliers (and more to come).
There's also time to research a myriad of marine panels, from DIY to custom made breaker panels, online. I should end up with cleaner, safer wiring that is easier to do work on in the future.
Best of all, this type of work is great fun! You can design in your head, sketch ideas as winter slowly passes, confident you have a good plan.
We'll see:
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