A series of POs have left the wiring on both the AC and DC sides of my distribution panel a bit a mess to say the least; not the worst I've ever seen, but a proper rat's nest nonetheless. I have looked into replacing the panel with a pretty Blue Sea Systems rig, but the dimensions of their available products don't quite work with the space I have available. Instead, I would like to tear everything out of the factory metal panel and start from scratch. There are precious few markings on the circuit breakers presently installed, and I want to make sure I'm sizing them correctly. Has anyone done a job like this? Is there a way to test the breaker itself for its rating, or do I have to undertake the unenviable task of tracking down the draw from each load on each of the circuit branches?
Vision 32 AC/DC panel re-work
- Thread starter zephyr070
- Start date
The breakers in the panel are sized for the wires from the panel, not the load. Most panels have standard breaker sizes anyway. Find the OEM manual for your boat that should show each of the circuits originally installed and that should tell you the purpose and size of each of the OEM breakers. Only YOU know what you have on you boat now, so a lot of detective work is required. You can do it. Even without buying a new panel, since a new panel is going to do nothing about helping you in what's happening downstream.
Are you saying that there is no "number" on each of the circuit breakers in your current panel?
All of my original breakers, though from 1979, had the amperage number on the breaker.
If not, you'll need to assess the amperage load and wire size on each circuit.
That is a job for an electrician.
All of my original breakers, though from 1979, had the amperage number on the breaker.
If not, you'll need to assess the amperage load and wire size on each circuit.
That is a job for an electrician.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,162
