Blue Sea Systems 8413

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1. Disconnect all AC and DC power

Disconnect all AC power originating on or off the vessel. This includes

inverters, generators, shore power attachments and any other device

capable of supplying AC power to the ship’s circuits.

Disconnect the main positive DC cable from all batteries to eliminate the

possibility of a short circuit and to disable the inverter while installing the

distribution panel.

2. Apply Voltage Label

All panel components are sized for 12 or 24 Volt systems. Use the labels

provided to permanently identify the system voltage and its type (DC) as

required by ABYC. Apply the appropriate voltage label to the recessed

area on the front of the panel.

3. Select mounting location and cut opening

If this panel is to serve as your main shore power disconnect circuit

breaker, select a location which is not more than 10 feet from the shore

power inlet or the electrical attachment point of a permanently installed

shore power cord as measured along the conductors of the feed wires. If

it is more than 10 feet, additional fuses or circuit breakers must be

installed within 10 feet of the shore power inlet.

Select a mounting location which is protected from water on the panel

 frontandbackandisnotinanareawhereammablevaporsfrom 

propane, gasoline or lead acid batteries accumulate. The circuit breakers

used in marine electrical panels are not ignition protected and may ignite

such vapors.

Using the panel template provided, make a cutout in the mounting

surface where the distribution panel is to be mounted. Do not yet fasten

the panel to the mounting surface.

Marine Electrical Prod

ucts

AC & DC Power Distribution Panel

PN 8413

Specications

Material 0.125" 5052-H32 aluminum alloy

Panel Finish Graphite color 2 part textured Polyurethane

Maximum Amperage Varies by components; busbar maximum 100A

Voltage Rating 12 or 24V DC* / 120V AC Systems

Inches Millimeters

Overall Dimensions 15.75 × 9.25 400.10 × 234.95

*Congureyourpanelwiththesuppliedvoltageidenticationlabels.

Features

• One 100 Ampere C-Series DC main circuit breaker

• Fourteen circuit breaker positions, eight 15A branch circuit

breakers installed

•Eightcircuitbreakerpositions,one30AACMaincircuitbreakerandve

15A branch crcuit breakers installed

AC/DC

• M2 Vessel Systems Monitor (VSM) PN 1850

Page 1 of 4

WARNING

These instructions are intended to provide assistance with the

installation of this product, and are not a substitute for a more

comprehensive understanding of electrical systems. We strongly

recommend that a competent electrical professional perform the

installation of this product.

If either the panel front or back is to be exposed to water it must be

protected with a waterproof shield.

The panels must not be installed in explosive environments such as

gasoline engine rooms or battery compartments as the circuit breakers

are not ignition protected.

The main positive connection must be disconnected at the battery post to

avoid the possibility of a short circuit during the installation of this

distribution panel.

The shunt must be installed in the negative line to avoid damage to the

meter. Positive voltage applied to digital meter terminals #4 and #5 will

cause damage to the meter not covered by warranty.

The vessel’s shore power cord must be disconnected form shoreside

power before installing this electrical panel.

If an inverter is installed on the vessel its power leads must be

disconnected at the battery before the panel installation. Be aware that

many inverters have a “sleep mode” in which their voltage potential may

not be detectable with measuring equipment.

If an AC Generator is installed aboard it must be stopped and rendered

inoperable before the panel is installed.

Verify that no other AC source is connected to the vessel’s wiring before

the panel is installed.

Installation Set Up

1. Select positive feed wire and negative return

Determine the positive feed (red) and negative return (black or yellow)

wire size by calculating the total amperage of the circuits that will be

routed through the panel. Blue Sea Systems’ electrical panels are rated

at 100 amp total capacity. The positive feed wire must be sized for 3%

voltage drop at the 100 amp panel rating or the maximum amperage

that will be routed through the panel in any particular installation,

whichever is less. It is recommended that the positive feed wire be sized

for the full panel capacity, which, in most cases, will require at least 2

AWG wire, assuming a 10 foot wire run between the panel and the

batteries in 12 volt systems. Refer to the Wire Sizing Chart for other

situations. In the case of panels with two or more columns of breakers,

jumpers from positive bus to positive bus and from negative bus to

negative bus should be the same size as the positive feed and the

negative return wires.

Remember that the length of the circuit is the total of the positive wire

from the power source and the negative wire back to the DC Negative

Bus. Be certain that there is a fuse or circuit breaker of the correct size

protecting the positive feed wire.

2. Install shunt, negative return and positive feed

The VSM PN 1850 shunt must be installed in the negative line of the

circuit whose current is to be measured. Refer to the VSM PN 1850

installation and operation manual prior to installing the shunt. Review the

Theory of Operation, Use, Installation Overview, Installing Shunt, Wiring

Diagram and Wire by Wire Instruction sections. Observe all warnings

regarding the shunt installation.

Connect a negative return wire from the negative bus on the panel to DC

negative and ultimately the load side of the shunt. Connect a positive

feed wire from the positive bus on the panel to DC positive. Be certain

that there is a fuse or circuit breaker of the correct size protecting the

positive feed wire.

DC Installation

980037800 Rev. 001

Guarantee

AnyBlueSeaSystemsproductwithwhichacustomerisnotsatised 

may be returned for a refund or replacement at any time. Reference Blue

SeaSystems’DigitalMeterinstallationmanualforspecicmeter 

warranty information.

Blue Sea Systems, Inc.

4600 Ryzex Way

Bellingham, WA 98226 USA

p 360.738.8230

bluesea.com

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Summary

Installation Set Up

Disconnect all AC and DC power

Ensure all AC and DC power sources are disconnected before commencing installation.

Apply Voltage Label

Apply the correct voltage identification labels to the panel as per ABYC requirements.

Select mounting location and cut opening

Choose a safe, protected location and cut the opening using the provided template.

DC Installation

Select positive feed wire and negative return

Determine wire size based on total amperage and voltage drop calculations.

Install shunt, negative return and positive feed

Install the VSM shunt in the negative line and connect feed wires.

Install battery bank voltage monitor wires

Connect VSM wires to battery sources with appropriate fusing.

Install branch circuit wires

Connect positive and negative branch wires to breaker terminals and bus bars.

Optional-install grounding system wire

Connect grounding wires for safety and RFI reduction.

Installation of Backlight System

Connect backlight system wires to DC positive and negative buses.

Optional Branch LEDs

Connect LED positive legs to circuit breaker load sides for indicators.

AC Installation

Install branch circuit wires

Connect AC branch circuit hot, neutral, and ground wires to bus bars.

Install feed circuit wires

Connect AC feed wires from source to panel with correct sizing and protection.

Optional Branch LEDs

Connect AC LED hot legs to branch breaker load sides.

Panel Mounting and Testing

Apply branch circuit labels and mount panel

Apply circuit labels and securely mount the panel using provided screws.

Testing

Perform voltage tests, polarity checks, and circuit verification after installation.

The Blue Sea Systems AC & DC Power Distribution Panel, model PN 8413, is a marine electrical product designed for power distribution and monitoring in vessels. It integrates both AC and DC circuit protection and monitoring capabilities into a single unit.

Function Description

This panel serves as a central hub for managing and distributing both AC and DC electrical power throughout a vessel. It includes circuit breakers for overcurrent protection, a digital meter for monitoring system voltage and current, and provisions for connecting various loads and power sources. The panel is designed to simplify electrical installations by consolidating multiple functions into one compact unit.

Important Technical Specifications

Material: The panel is constructed from 0.125" (3.175 mm) 5052-H32 aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance in a marine environment.
Panel Finish: It features a graphite color with a 2-part textured polyurethane finish.
Maximum Amperage: The overall busbar capacity is a maximum of 100A. Individual component amperage varies.
Voltage Rating: The panel is designed for 12 or 24V DC systems and 120V AC systems. Voltage identification labels are provided for configuration.
Overall Dimensions: The panel measures 15.75 inches (400.10 mm) by 9.25 inches (234.95 mm).

DC Features:

Main Circuit Breaker: Includes one 100 Ampere C-Series DC main circuit breaker.
Branch Circuit Breakers: Features fourteen circuit breaker positions, with eight 15A branch circuit breakers pre-installed.
Monitoring: Integrates an M2 Vessel Systems Monitor (VSM) PN 1850 for comprehensive DC system monitoring.

AC Features:

Main Circuit Breaker: Includes one 30A AC Main circuit breaker.
Branch Circuit Breakers: Features eight circuit breaker positions, with five 15A branch circuit breakers pre-installed.

Usage Features

Installation Set Up:

Power Disconnection: Before installation, all AC power sources (inverters, generators, shore power) and the main positive DC cable from all batteries must be disconnected to prevent short circuits and disable inverters.
Voltage Label Application: The panel is compatible with 12V or 24V DC systems. Users must apply the appropriate voltage label to the recessed area on the front of the panel as required by ABYC standards.
Mounting Location Selection: The panel should be mounted within 10 feet of the shore power inlet or electrical attachment point if serving as the main shore power disconnect. It must be protected from water on both front and back and not be in areas with flammable vapors (e.g., propane, gasoline, lead-acid batteries) as the circuit breakers are not ignition protected. A provided template is used for cutting the mounting opening.

DC Installation:

Wire Sizing: Determine positive feed (red) and negative return (black or yellow) wire sizes based on the total amperage of the circuits, ensuring a maximum 3% voltage drop at the panel's 100 amp rating or the maximum amperage routed through the panel. The positive feed wire should be sized for the full panel capacity, typically 2 AWG for 12V systems with a 10-foot run. Jumpers between positive buses and negative buses should match the feed wire size. A fuse or circuit breaker of the correct size must protect the positive feed wire.
Shunt, Negative Return, and Positive Feed Installation: The VSM PN 1850 shunt must be installed in the negative line of the circuit to be measured. Refer to the VSM manual for detailed instructions. Connect a negative return wire from the panel's negative bus to DC negative and the load side of the shunt. Connect a positive feed wire from the panel's positive bus to DC positive, ensuring it is protected by a fuse or circuit breaker.
Battery Bank Voltage Monitor Wires: Connect minimum 16 AWG red wires from each battery source to be monitored by the VSM PN 1850, with a 5A fuse near each source.
Branch Circuit Wires: Determine proper wire size for each branch circuit. Connect positive (red) branch circuit wires to the load terminals of the circuit breakers and negative (black) branch circuit wires to the DC Negative Bus. Do not confuse the DC Negative Bus with the DC Grounding Bus.
Optional Grounding System Wire: Connect the grounding wire (bare, green, or green with yellow stripe) to provide a low resistance return path for accidental currents, prevent stray currents, and reduce RFI. ABYC requires grounding wires to be sized no smaller than one wire size under that required for current-carrying conductors.
Backlight System: Connect the yellow negative wire to the panel negative bus. For activation by the boat's battery switch, connect the red positive wire to the DC positive bus. For independent switch activation, connect the red positive wire to the load side of a DC switch or breaker.
Optional Branch LEDs: LEDs are pre-installed. For expansion, remove the positive leg of the LED from the negative bus and connect it to the load side of the corresponding branch circuit breaker.

AC Installation:

Branch Circuit Wires: Determine proper wire size using the provided chart. Connect each branch circuit hot (black) to the appropriate load terminal, neutral (white) to the neutral bus, and safety ground (green) to the safety ground bus. The neutral and grounding wires must connect only at the source of power.
Feed Circuit Wires: Install feed wires from the shore power inlet or other AC source, selecting the correct wire size. Connect black AC hot, white AC neutral, and green AC safety ground. If the inlet is more than 10 feet from the panel, additional fuses or circuit breakers must be installed within 10 feet of the inlet.
Optional Branch LEDs: LEDs are pre-installed. For expansion, remove the hot leg of the LED from the AC Neutral Bus and connect it to the load side of the branch circuit breaker.

Panel Mounting and Testing:

Labeling and Mounting: Apply provided labels to each circuit. Additional labels are available from Blue Sea Systems. Fasten the panel to the mounting surface.
Testing:
- Reconnect the main positive cable and turn on the main switch. Turn on all branch circuits and test voltage at the panel and at each device to verify voltage drop is within 3% or 10%.
- Connect shore power and verify the Reverse Polarity light is not illuminated. If it is on, trace connections to locate the error.
- Using a multimeter, verify 120V AC between hot and neutral, 120V between hot and ground, and 0V between neutral and ground.
- Turn on each branch circuit to verify power.
- Review the VSM PN 1850 manual for meter functions.

Maintenance Features

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features but implies that the modular design with removable circuit breakers allows for easy replacement of undersized or faulty components. The guarantee states that any Blue Sea Systems product with which a customer is not satisfied may be returned for a refund or replacement at any time, indicating strong product support. The use of durable materials like 5052-H32 aluminum alloy and a polyurethane finish contributes to the panel's longevity and reduced maintenance needs in a marine environment. Regular checks of voltage drop and proper grounding as part of the testing procedure can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.