Switch Panel

[bromleybysea]

I am going to replace the rather horrible switch panel on my boat this spring. I have a fairly simple system which is a real dog’s breakfast. I need advice on a couple of points. One of the things I want to get rid-of is the arrangement whereby the feeds to the internal lighting and a few other auxiliary circuits are terminated on a 6-way fuse block using auto-style cartridge fuses. There is no separate switch for these circuits. The main supply from the live post of the 1-2-both battery switch also terminates on this fuse block, the first fuse of which is effectively the main fuse for all the boat’s circuits. It only “clips” in and has a tendency to fall out when I hit a big wave-crashing all my electrics! Now, I’m clear that I need to replace the “master” fuse with a separate heavy duty fuse near the battery switch. How can I provide a breaker for the other circuits as a group- I only have one or possibly two spare ways for additional breakers? My second question is: I will need to extend the cables entering the new switch panel in some way as they are too short for the new set-up- what’s the best way of doing this, at the moment I have spade connectors, chocolate box and bullet connectors- I said it was a dog’s breakfast!

 

[steve28]

joining the wires depends on the type of wire thats been used, if its marine grade then you can solder and heatshrink the joints, if its the sort of wire that goes black then you may have to use inline connectors.

 

[William_H]

Fusing is a matter of preference. You do not need a fuse for each service only remeber that if the common fuse dies you will lose all the services so connected. The fuse must be of sufficient current rating to carry the current of all the services protected but of a lower rating than the current rating of the thinest wire protected.
The fuse should be as close as possible to the 1,2,both switch as the wiring from the switch to the fuse will not be protected.
Circuit breakers may be a better idea. Fuses as you have found can have really poor contact arrangements. good luck olewill