I'm trying to rebuild my DC Contol Panel after it spent some time underwater. On the Hunter 25' wiring specs, all the wiring is 16 gauge. I was planning on using AC/DC 15 amp breakers. Does this sound alright?
Replacing Circuit Breakers
- Thread starter sealegs
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Sounds pretty good.. but ya may want to consider sizing the breakers for the load plus a bit to increase protection.. Circuits like "anchor Light" can be 5 ampere, Steaming Light , same.. Nav lights might be 10, deck light same, Electric water pump might be 15a with 10 gauge wire replacing the old (too small) stuff. The trick is to size the breaker to not trip under normal expected loads but trip before the insulation burns on the wire..
These guys have a great price on a good breaker..
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|296553|299262|825439&id=335133
These guys have a great price on a good breaker..
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|296553|299262|825439&id=335133
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Sealegs,
You may want to also consider getting the control panel up out of the bottom of the boat.
I have a 1981 27, and i could not figure out why they designed the interior with a breaker panel 3 inches of the sole of the boat. Especially with a bilge that is only 2.5 inches deep. I had the same problem with my panel going under water.
I brought Blue Sea breakers and took the opportunity to separate the AC form the DC. I also put it 3-4 feet up in the boat. I have seen other people on this site doing the same thing to fix what I consider to be a major oversight and design flaw.
If I were you I would move the box if you had not already planned to do so.
You may want to also consider getting the control panel up out of the bottom of the boat.
I have a 1981 27, and i could not figure out why they designed the interior with a breaker panel 3 inches of the sole of the boat. Especially with a bilge that is only 2.5 inches deep. I had the same problem with my panel going under water.
I brought Blue Sea breakers and took the opportunity to separate the AC form the DC. I also put it 3-4 feet up in the boat. I have seen other people on this site doing the same thing to fix what I consider to be a major oversight and design flaw.
If I were you I would move the box if you had not already planned to do so.
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