Blue Sea, Paneltronics or Other?

[basil]

What breaker/panel products do people like better, Paneltronics or Blue Sea?  Is there another I don't know?

Where have you found the best prices?

Does anyone have experience using the Blue Sea digital multimeter?  Any built in meter alternatives?

[tekebird]

never heard of any of those...there are probably hundreds of panel makers.

ebay will give you your best and prob cheapest choises.

check elecronics under boat parts.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Basil,

Welcome!

There are other brands but, may not be less expensive...  I have a Marriah Marine panel in my coach which I purchaced surplus.

Try looking at this company which sells surplus panels
www.greatlakesskipper.com

It will be good to figure out all your electrical needs first to purchace the proper panel. Then leave space for future needs.

Good Luck
Nick-


PS here is one that looks like a good buy
    http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/productdetail.cfm?CatID=S467&ProductID=5777

[TomC]

I used Square D panels straight from Home Depot (3 of them). This is with the idea if I have any problems with the panels or breakers, Home Depot isn't far.  As compared to the magnetic breakers that are custom made for those other panels.  So far, I've only replaced on breaker in the 13 years they have been in.  Good Luck, TomC

[basil]

Thanks for the input.

That surplus site is great. 

I like the idea of using residential breakers, but the breakers and breaker boxes seem to take up much more space.  Does anyone know a residential brand that is more compact, both breakers and boxes?

The marine breakers seem to run ~$10 each on the internet, which is somewhat more than Home Depot residential, but not as much as I was expecting.  Do most people use the marine breakers?

[Gary '79 5C]

Basil,
The National Electrical Code governs the "extra" space for residental wiring enclosures, as well as industrial. About ten years ago every thing grew with generous wiring requirements. The marine applications construction is robust and will survive within a coach for 10+ years easily. The compact design is worth the premium to me and keeps all within one small area, just above my drivers seat. But that is another thread.
Paneltronics is a great product.
Good Luck

Gary

[DavidInWilmNC]

How about an Iota panel such as this one on eBay: 190189025205.  This uses GE / ITE / Bryant breakers - very standard and available 'most anywhere that sells electrical supplies.  I used one of these panels mounted in the end of a base cabinet in the kitchen.  It's compact, compared to the residential panels, plus there's a 12 volt panel that matches it available (which I also used).  If you're going to mount them in a bay, I'd use standard panels. Good luck.

David

[TomC]

Yes the three Square D panels do take up alot of room.  On my next conversion, I am going to have a custom A/C D/C combination panel made and mount it above the entrance door, which will be rather low compared to the high (6ft off ground level) floor level.  It will much more compact.  Good Luck, TomC

[prevost82]

I used a Blue Seas Panel PN 8086 - 30 amp AC 3 Sources + 12 circuits/ 100 Amp DC Main + 19 circuits

[H3Jim]

I used the Iota panels, they make a 110 volt that accomodates square D breakers. It has 10 circuits plus mains.  They also make a 12volt panel I used.  The 12 volt panel has two sections, and I cut the connection between the two and used 1/2 for my 12 volt and the other half for my 24 volt.  All and all its very compact, but efficient.  All circuits have fuses or breakers