DIY electrical panel

[Gixer]

After not being able to find the right size electrical panel and seeing what some of you guys have created I’ve been inspired to build my own small electrical panel.
I’ve bought the toggle switches and fuse holders but have a question.
I want to make the panel face out of wood rather than metal or plastic, is this a big no, no?
Also is there anything I should be aware of? it looks pretty straight forward, I’ve got tinned wire of the right amp rating, etc.

 

[V1701]

No problem that I'm aware of making one out of wood...

 

[Rocksteadee]

I would look at very thin veneer faced ply about 4mm otherwise any thicker may be thick for some switches indicators etc

 

[TernVI]

No problem that I'm aware of making one out of wood...

Walnut is traditional for car dashboards.
The problem is any labels that are needed.

Some switches etc may be designed to latch into a panel only 1 or 2mm thick. You may need to select part accordingly.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Before you use wood, try these guys ... it may work out cheaper.

Signs and Labels Direct - Engraved signs made easy

.... but there is no reason not to use wood.

I got this for €15

 

[neil1967]

I've had a look at their website and they appear to do the engraving but not holes (other than mounting holes) - do you have to do them yourself, or have I missed something?

 

[Gixer]

Thanks guys, I have a piece if veneer that is almost the same colour as the rest of my cabin, I think I’ll try that and see what it looks like. I do like the idea of a nice alloy panel but think I’ll see how I get on with the wood first.
Thanks again
Dave

 

[prv]

Personally I don’t like the look of switches and gauges mounted individually onto wood, but that aesthetic consideration is the only reason not to. If you like the look, go ahead. If a component needs to be mounted through a thin sheet, that wouldn’t be strong enough for the whole panel, you can just mill it down locally using a router.

Pete

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I've had a look at their website and they appear to do the engraving but not holes (other than mounting holes) - do you have to do them yourself, or have I missed something?

When you use the tool and add shapes to your design there is a check-box labelled "cut" .... that tells them to cut a hole.

 

[rogerthebodger]

You could get a panel made from aluminium then glue the veneer onto th aluminium to match your cabin.

 

[stu9000]

Any suggestions on where to source switches and fuses?

 

[William_H]

I am one of the members of our club charged with inspecting boats for compliance to the Fire and Safety standard for the club. This is primarily aimed at minimising the chances of a fire on a boat in the marina. One of the requirements is that the switch panel be made of fireproof material. Now I just put that out there as I don't understand the importance of this requirement. Certainly mains electric power boards are made of fireproof material bu that does involve a greater risk of electric arcing and fire. ol'will

 

[Buck Turgidson]

I am one of the members of our club charged with inspecting boats for compliance to the Fire and Safety standard for the club. This is primarily aimed at minimising the chances of a fire on a boat in the marina. One of the requirements is that the switch panel be made of fireproof material. Now I just put that out there as I don't understand the importance of this requirement. Certainly mains electric power boards are made of fireproof material bu that does involve a greater risk of electric arcing and fire. ol'will

I take it you use the ISO definition of fireproof. Or have you made up your own standard? i've not been on a yacht with a switch panel that is "Fireproof". But that's because i'm familiar with the standard.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Any suggestions on where to source switches and fuses?

12voltplanet.
link

 

[Gixer]

I am one of the members of our club charged with inspecting boats for compliance to the Fire and Safety standard for the club. This is primarily aimed at minimising the chances of a fire on a boat in the marina. One of the requirements is that the switch panel be made of fireproof material. Now I just put that out there as I don't understand the importance of this requirement. Certainly mains electric power boards are made of fireproof material bu that does involve a greater risk of electric arcing and fire. ol'will

Ahh, this was I was looking for when starting this thread. Do you have any more info on this requirement?

 

[Gixer]

Any suggestions on where to source switches and fuses?

I got my stuff from mixture of asap and eBay.

 

[William_H]

Ahh, this was I was looking for when starting this thread. Do you have any more info on this requirement?

Sadly no I don't have any more info. I am not even sure I believe in the importance of the requirement in our chcklist which to be honest is probably home made. However someone must have thought it important ol'will

 

[greeny]

Sadly no I don't have any more info. I am not even sure I believe in the importance of the requirement in our chcklist which to be honest is probably home made. However someone must have thought it important ol'will

A faulty high resistance switch producing heat and set in a panel made of flammable material, wood. Localised heating, smouldering, flame, class A fire.
Maybe someone thought there was risk there. I guess it's your choice ultimately.

 

[oilybilge]

I made one recently from a spare bit of 6mm ply, and the switches and circuit breakers all fitted. Didn't look great though. I'm going to redo it either with a nicer bit of ply, or etched brass.

 

[Stemar]

Mine's ply. I'm not too worried about a theoretical fire risk because I have nothing that draws a significant current. Also, it's all turned off when I'm not aboard and I'd smell something amiss long before it got to the point of setting light to the wood.