Mounting for 12v fuse panel and ground block

[Reddirt]

Can I just mount the 12v fuse panel and ground block onto a piece of plywood? Or would it be better to find some sort of panel box?

Thanks,
Reddirt

[Miriam C.]

That depends 100% on the look you want. You don't really need one but you can make your own out of wood if you like or do like some others and make it of plastic.

[madjack]

...we buil/build our own...for example..............


...and the rats nest behind it...........


madjack

[Leon]

I mounted mine on the bulkhead behind a kitchen drawer. If you look in the picture, the small space just above the counter in the middle where all the wires are is where I mounted mine. If I need access to it, I pull the drawer out till it stops, hit two little release levers on the slides, and remove it from the slides. That allows me access without having to crawl under anything yet the fuses (and some other misc. wiring) is hidden from view under normal use.


The drawer is a few inches shorter than the space so when it is closed there is room for the fuses behind it. I also have wiring in there for a couple other light functions plus a 12v outlet that mounts in the flat portion just to the side of the drawer.

[Endo]

I used a plastic "project box" from Radio Shack.

Sorry the picture is not the best.

[Steve F]

I got my distribution panel from ebay for $45AUD. Easier and cheaper than making something. It'll mount under the galley bench as it has a hella plug for my 50lt Waeco fridge (when it's not in the Jeep) and a normal cigarette style plug for my LED work light.



Cheers
Steve

[Reddirt]

Steve,
Who makes your panel? I wonder if they sell in the US?
Was it designed for boats?

Thanks,
Reddirt

[Reddirt]

Madjack,
Did I mark the parts of your system correctly?
What are the top two button for?
Are your fuses blade type or glass?

Thanks,
Reddirt

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/burtondav/Trailers02/photo?authkey=Q-4Qc6bxO-8#5156834218767326722"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/burtondav/R5DBZl80ngI/AAAAAAAAAPc/cpHjFnOMWBo/s800/Madjack3.jpg" /></a>

[madjack]

RD, the fuses are blade type and the two "buttons" are push button circuit breakers for my 120vac...the fuse/ground block(around 10 bucks) and the circuit breakers(under $3.00 apiece) came from www.waytekwire.com ...oh yeah, the battery is fused as well and sits in the box under the panel........................
madjack

p.s. the black panel is made from painted formica and there is a DPDT switch between the MasterSwitch and the circuit breakers, for controlling power to and from the battery charger and no, I probably wouldn't use the cheapy charger from WallyWorld(20 bucks) again.........MJ

[Steve F]

Steve,
Who makes your panel? I wonder if they sell in the US?
Was it designed for boats?

Thanks,
Reddirt

Yep, it's a boat panel and is weather proof with covers on all the switches, it also uses circuit breakers rather than fuses.

Here's another on ebay but it looks like he doesn't ship to the US. It has YIH SEAN written on it so I guess it's made in China or somewhere like that. Surprisingly good quality though and I couldn't buy the individual parts to make one cheaper than this.

ebay clicky

He also has a website

http://www.sidewinder.com.au/

Cheers
Steve

[James Ellington]

I've seen a lot of good AC/DC power panels on here and was wondering if anyone would object if they were copied and or modified for other peoples tear drop's? I've got my electrical designs already completed but have been considering several setup styles that I've seen on here. Any problems with copy write infringement?

[madjack]

...hey James, that is why we are here...so long as ya don't start sellin' and makin' money off of others work, copying for your own use is absolutely OK...encouraged even!!!!!!!!!!
madjack

[James Ellington]

Thanks madjack. I have NO reason to sell anything I build. I'm not that good...

[Dooner]

RD, the fuses are blade type and the two "buttons" are push button circuit breakers for my 120vac...the fuse/ground block(around 10 bucks) and the circuit breakers(under $3.00 apiece) came from www.waytekwire.com ...oh yeah, the battery is fused as well and sits in the box under the panel........................
madjack

p.s. the black panel is made from painted formica and there is a DPDT switch between the MasterSwitch and the circuit breakers, for controlling power to and from the battery charger and no, I probably wouldn't use the cheapy charger from WallyWorld(20 bucks) again.........MJ

MJ, could you explain this comment. That looks like the same one that I have and I'm not smart enough to know if it isn't working good enough. It seems to charge my batt good from a drain. And seems to do it's job as it trickle charges. If you think I am going to have a problem with it, I'd like to know now and not out camping.
Thanks.

[madjack]

Dooner, the first one I bought(to prove a concept) had been sabatoged at the factory...somebody and smacked the board with a hammer or????....the second one worked just fine but the cooling fan started making funny noises after a couple of trips...I have switched over to one of these since they are designed to be waterproof, shock and vibration resistant...the vibrations from travelling probably is what caused the fan problems in the B&D charger...the Deltrans is designed to be permanantly mounted and hardwired into the system and according to the technical specs, it is a 4stage charger as well as a switching power supply..................
madjack

p.s. I don't have anything paticularly against the B&D charger...it would probably make a great home charger, it is just not what I wanted.........MJ