Electrical help needed please

navillusdm · 12-09-2008, 07:48

I am new into sailing/boating in general and have a question about a distribution panel - or switch panel (whichever you want to call it.) I just picked up a 5amp switch panel that I am going to hook my battery up to it. I know it is on the small end of the spectrum in terms of amperage, but can I still use this switch board to run my running lights, cd radio, stereo, cabin lights, etc?

rtbates · 12-09-2008, 07:53

As long as no one circuit exceeds 5 amps you should be OK. I assume that the panel is rated at 5 amps per circuit NOT the entire panel. Be sure to use the correct size wire based on circuit's current and wire length (from panel to the device AND BACK).

SilentOption · 12-09-2008, 08:03

Does your distribution panel have a single 5 amp breaker?

**Hud3** · 12-09-2008, 08:06

In my opinion, your nav lights should be on a separate breaker. You don't want them going off when the single breaker trips due to overload.

**David M** · 12-09-2008, 08:27

All of these items need to have their own breakers although you might be able to get away with the CB Radio and the stereo on the same circuit provided they do not exceed 5 amps....which is not much current for a 12 volt load.

Loads that relate to safety such as your VHF, navigation lights and even your cabin lights should each have their own dedicated breaker. Its also a lot more convenient wiring your different loads this way when it is necessary to work on then

My gut feeling is you need to buy or make a circuit breaker panel with a number of breakers so your boat is wired correctly and safely.

navillusdm · 12-09-2008, 08:33

well the panel i bought, they all have their own fuses in there for each separate switch.

FreeSail · 12-09-2008, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by navillusdm

well the panel i bought, they all have their own fuses in there for each separate switch.

Can I buy one of those small 6 rocker arm or fused panels and wire it to my main panel and slowly re wire different items from the main panel to the smaller panel?

**David M** · 12-09-2008, 08:37

If a five amp breaker panel is enough then great!

12-09-2008, 07:48	#1
navillusdm Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5	Electrical help needed please I am new into sailing/boating in general and have a question about a distribution panel - or switch panel (whichever you want to call it.) I just picked up a 5amp switch panel that I am going to hook my battery up to it. I know it is on the small end of the spectrum in terms of amperage, but can I still use this switch board to run my running lights, cd radio, stereo, cabin lights, etc?

12-09-2008, 07:53	#2
rtbates Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 615	As long as no one circuit exceeds 5 amps you should be OK. I assume that the panel is rated at 5 amps per circuit NOT the entire panel. Be sure to use the correct size wire based on circuit's current and wire length (from panel to the device AND BACK). __________________ Randy Cape Dory 25D Seraph

12-09-2008, 08:03	#3
SilentOption Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 282	Does your distribution panel have a single 5 amp breaker? __________________ 11.21.2009 request at help desk to close acct. PW chgd, notifications removed. DOB 04.08.1960

12-09-2008, 08:06	#4
Hud3 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Nevis, West Indies Boat: Island Packet 380 "The Belle of Virginia" Posts: 4,518	In my opinion, your nav lights should be on a separate breaker. You don't want them going off when the single breaker trips due to overload. __________________ Hud s/y The Belle of Virginia, IP 380 Nevis, West Indies Click to Search Cruisers Forum Archives

12-09-2008, 08:27	#5
David M Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Boat: research vessel Posts: 4,660	All of these items need to have their own breakers although you might be able to get away with the CB Radio and the stereo on the same circuit provided they do not exceed 5 amps....which is not much current for a 12 volt load. Loads that relate to safety such as your VHF, navigation lights and even your cabin lights should each have their own dedicated breaker. Its also a lot more convenient wiring your different loads this way when it is necessary to work on then My gut feeling is you need to buy or make a circuit breaker panel with a number of breakers so your boat is wired correctly and safely. __________________ David Where land ends life begins.

12-09-2008, 08:33	#6
navillusdm Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5	well the panel i bought, they all have their own fuses in there for each separate switch.

12-09-2008, 08:37	#8
David M Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Boat: research vessel Posts: 4,660	If a five amp breaker panel is enough then great! __________________ David Where land ends life begins.

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