Distribution Panel Hole Covers?

[LeeV]

After converting a Euro 230V boat we have 2 “holes” in our distribution panel, one small where an inverter switch used to be, and another larger one from a gauge. I’ve searched Blue Sea’s site but can’t seem to find “plugs” for these holes. Can anybody recommend a source? They need to be metal (black).

Thanks in advance!
Lee

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by LeeV

After converting a Euro 230V boat we have 2 “holes” in our distribution panel, one small where an inverter switch used to be, and another larger one from a gauge. I’ve searched Blue Sea’s site but can’t seem to find “plugs” for these holes. Can anybody recommend a source? They need to be metal (black).



Thanks in advance!

Lee

Wander around a hardware Diy store and pick up something with a black abs cover , cut it to size and stick it over the whole

Failing that a nice label covers things

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Wander around a hardware Diy store and pick up something with a black abs cover , cut it to size and stick it over the whole

Failing that a nice label covers things

Thanks; both are good ideas, but I was hoping somebody makes an off the shelf solution specifically designed for that so it “looks nice” for a prospective buyer.

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by LeeV

Thanks; both are good ideas, but I was hoping somebody makes an off the shelf solution specifically designed for that so it “looks nice” for a prospective buyer.

Actually, in afterthought, a sheet of .125 x 12 x 12 is $12.00 on Amazon and will be here tomorrow. I’ll see how it looks.
Thanks!

[sailingunity]

Same thing here but with a 1-2-off switch. I went to Home Depot and bought a round cover for a 4" round electrical box.

[davil]

depends, above suggested solutions will work, I had a Link 1000 monitor no longer use, decided to leave it alone, looks "nice techie look" and better than anything I could glue on.
When get to selling the boat, will see, even may need to install some new stuff before.


Lazy approach

[P3sailor]

Not sure if the spelling is correct but there is a product out there that I will call "Wilke" buttons or plugs. They're metal and the ones I used are chrome. Might be able to procure them online or at a good hardware store. Why, may I ask, do they have to be metal? I've seen black rubber plugs, similar to a grommet, that work very well.

[SaylorMade]

Do you know someone with a 3D printer?

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by P3sailor

Not sure if the spelling is correct but there is a product out there that I will call "Wilke" buttons or plugs. They're metal and the ones I used are chrome. Might be able to procure them online or at a good hardware store. Why, may I ask, do they have to be metal? I've seen black rubber plugs, similar to a grommet, that work very well.

Plastic often looks shabby on a metal distribution panel, at least what I’ve seen, and I’m not sure I’d find a rubber 3”x5” insert. I’ll give this ABS sheet a go and see what happens. It just arrived so I’ll know by the weekend.

For the price of these boats most prospective buyers (and spouses) expect a nice level of finish.

[oleman]

Mcmaster in the US has hole plugs in various sizees. They are commonly used in industrial equipment to cove surplus holes in panels. They snap-in and look like they were designed in. I have seen them in various materials including brass. The plug-caps are also commonly used in electrical boxes to keep rodents out.

Good luck with your project

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by oleman

Mcmaster in the US has hole plugs in various sizees. They are commonly used in industrial equipment to cove surplus holes in panels. They snap-in and look like they were designed in. I have seen them in various materials including brass. The plug-caps are also commonly used in electrical boxes to keep rodents out.

Good luck with your project

Thx; I just gave it a go with the black ABS; not easy to cut on the boat with a jig saw but I think it’ll suffice.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by oleman

Mcmaster in the US has hole plugs in various sizees. They are commonly used in industrial equipment to cove surplus holes in panels. They snap-in and look like they were designed in. I have seen them in various materials including brass. The plug-caps are also commonly used in electrical boxes to keep rodents out.

Good luck with your project

Yes. Another source would be an electronics supply vendor.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by oleman

Mcmaster in the US has hole plugs in various sizees. They are commonly used in industrial equipment to cove surplus holes in panels. They snap-in and look like they were designed in. I have seen them in various materials including brass. The plug-caps are also commonly used in electrical boxes to keep rodents out.

Good luck with your project

Yes. Another source would be an electronics supply vendor.

[Rjt]

They look good. But maybe round the corners to match the rest of the panel…

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by Rjt

They look good. But maybe round the corners to match the rest of the panel…

Yep; you’re right. If I’d had more than a jigsaw on hand - or was better with it - that would’ve happened. That was back in April. The new owners didn’t mention it so it’ll have to do.