Power Distribution Panel Problems

[Frank Bean]

I have a 1981 Cherubini 37C. I have issues with the DC power panel. I have some burned out indicator lights and I believe I have some malfunctioning breaker switches. I am at a loss after taking the panel and loosening the screws securing it in place and trying to lay it flat., what to do next. It seems that there isn't a great deal of extra wire to pull the panel out to work on it or to take out a single breaker. Are they all attached together or what?

Where does one get replacement bulbs for the indicator lights next to the switches and if a switch/breaker is bad where does one get a replacement?

I need some advice and or help with this. Any help or advice will be appreciated.

Frank
Fair winds and following seas

 

[Jim Legere]

Hi Frank,
Its not pretty in there! A few of us have grappled with the issue as you will find if you search the archives. My project is detailed here. In a nutshell, label all the circuits, disconnect the wiring from the breaker panel and start fresh. The wiring to the various lights and pumps, etc. stays but the panel gets re-wired to make everything more accessible and tidy. Replacement breakers and pilot lights from Blue Seas can be purchased from the chandler's store here on the website.

BTW, I don't believe I have your boat in the H37C database - if you are interested, send me your details (HIN, boat name, home port, etc.) by PM or email me at jameslegere[at]eastlink.ca

Good luck!
Jim

 

[Bill Roosa]

The indicator lamps and breakers can be purchased at digikey.com
The lights are pretty simple as the just take power off the switched side of the breaker and the othe wire is ground. Be sure you either get the 12 volt lights or install a resistor to drop the voltage to what the light takes. the breakers are all independent but there is a buss bar to supply them all with power. take off the buss bar and you should be able to replace the breakers without taking all the wiring apart.

 

[kloudie1]

I am not familiar with the 37's indicator lamps but you can save some battery power by going to 12V LED indicators like this:
http://www.radioshack.com/family/in...um=RSCOM&znt_source=CAT&znt_content=CT2032233
you have a choice of red, green, or yellow (# 276-270, 276-271, 276-272 in that order).. You have to measure to be sure they'll fit your application. I changed all of my lamps a few years back with these from Radio Shack and haven't had any problems with them since. I didn't bother with the AC side lamps since they don't use battery power.

 

[Alctel]

I have a perfectly functioning panel from a H36 if you are interested, I recently replaced it with a Blue Seas one