My new electric panel

[bennelson]

Hey everyone,

I figure it is about time to start on some electric in my Cubby.

I just picked this up today from our new local WEST MARINE store.


It was $44. This has 3 fuses in it, a 12Volt tester, and a cigarette lighter plug.

I am only planning on just having a few 12v lights in my camper and maybe adding a port through the side to an extention cord and power strip to be used in the galley.

The only thing about this circuit breaker box is that the switches illuminate when on. Is this going to kill my battery that much faster? Should I not care? My battery ran my dome light for 4 days straight before running down.

I thought that just turning off all 3 switches would also work as a "master disconnect" (The cigarette lighter plug has its own in-line fuse)

Here is the link to the web catalog if anyone wants to take a closer look.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=59947

-Ben

[Cutterpup]

I have used my tear for 3 campouts this year and have used the battery for lights, fan, and water pump. So far I have not used more than 25% of the battery charge per trip. The indicator lights will use more power but just how long will you have them on? Your battery ran your dome light for 96 straight hours or about 16 days of use at 4 hours a day. Problem? not in my book.

BTW according to International Rules of the Road you must Iluminate your anchore light from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise and that might just kill you battery!

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/Rules/Rule3031.htm

Dan

[shil]

Good choice! I'm using the same exact panel. No worries, so far.

We've got reading lights, a dome light, and a portable radio plugged into the 12v outlet; our battery was good for two weeks before it needed charging.

I would still install a master disconnect, as close to the battery as possible.

Good Luck!

[randy chesnutt]

bennelson, that,s a great choice. the indicator lights does not draw much. i like the meter. it,s good to know how much charge is in your. battery

[bennelson]

OK, I did a mock up with some real wiring and my future dome light.

It works so far and I haven't electricuted myself yet.


Hope I got the right battery!

[bledsoe3]

Would this work for a voltage monitor?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7539649773

[Steve_Cox]

Ben,

I like your taste in electrical panels. We have a place here in St Augustine called Sailors Exchange, they have loads of used, antique, new, you name it, boat parts. I'm going there this weekend to look for 120v and 12v electrical stuff. Can't wait to see what I find.

Steve