Wiring a second 12 v. panel of new circuit switchs

[Brian Giersch]

I ordered a 6 switch 12 volt panel from Paneltronics, as my original panel in our C 36 was filled up from day one. The new panel, VERY well designed and constructed, will be installed to permit additional circuits for GPS, radar, fans, etc.. But I have a wiring question. I assume that I will run a Red #4 or #6 from the 'common' lug on the selector switch to the red wire on the new panel that connects (and powers) the 6 switches. I assume also that I will run a similarly sized Black from the original bus bar to the black wire on the new panel that connects the 6 switches. I am confused however re: the existence of a GREEN #4, labeled as 'DC Grounding Wire'. No similar wire exists on the original panel, nor am I aware of a ground other than the black (-) from battery to bus bar. An Elec. Eng. friend wonders if this Green would be appropriate on a 120 v. system, but unnessary on the 12v. installation.Any thoughts?Brian Giersch

 

[jchealey sailri30@gateway.net]

green conductor

The green wire is a ground wire for the 120 volt system, but also a common bond wire for your 12 volt system,The new 12 volt panel that you are going to install probally has a metal faceplate, what you will do with that wire is to bond (attach) that to the metal of the face plate.What that does is keep the potential grounds of the complete system the same,thus lessining the proballbillity of a lightning strike and electrolisis.

 

[Bob Pfarr]

Fuse ?

Don't forget to fuse the red cable near the selector switch (unless each battery is fused between the + post and the switch - but this isn't usually done)

 

[Colin]

Check conductor size

Make sure the main conductors from the batteries to the selector switch are adequate as I believe radar is quite a power consumer. While you are at it you might also want to check the rating of your selector switch. Probably everything is OK but you can't be to careful on a boat.