Electrical Distribution Panel

Archives
1

Posted by Peter Devlin (devlin_peter@…>)

I am planning on installing a DC distribution panel in my recently
acquired F-21. I’ve noticed that a few of you have located your
distribution panels on the aft wall of the sink pedestal. It seems to
me that one would rub against the panel when using the settee–
sleeping or sitting. Also, under the sink is an incredibly tight spot
to get at. Finally, it’s more likely that there will be moisture down
there, what with the water supply and drainage being located there.
The pictures for “Engineered” show the distribution panel up on the
dividing wall leading to the V-berth. That seems like an easier
location to get at and maintain. What do y’all think are the pros and
cons of the two locations? Thanks in advance.
Peter

2

Posted by Sean Mulligan (quadmulligan@…>)

If there is not already a panel of some sort there I would suggest looking for alternate locations because there is a potential, nay LIKELIHOOD, of damage from the plywood settee covers and people brushing up against. I suggest you make a plan of what lights and equipment you will have and where you want to control them from. The port side bulkhead above the "Nav: is ideal. See http://www.seanmulligan.com/Stories/Improvements/target1.html and imagine adding your switches in a small box below the shelf. What I am not too keen on is cutting into the bulkhead any more than is required - it is structural! The advantage of under the sink is that the switches are easily accessed from anywhere on boat, it is close to the battery location, the wiring for the running lights is already there, etc. But in any case I suggest having wiring go to the port Nav and beyond (and by beyond I mean Blue Raven!! See my “homage to that tricked out F21” at http://www.seanmulligan.com/Stories/BlueRaven/index.html.

Sean “sanding the bottom of Emmylou”

-----Original Message-----From: freedom21@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedom21@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Peter DevlinSent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 4:45 PMTo: freedom21@yahoogroups.comSubject: [freedom21] Electrical Distribution Panel

I am planning on installing a DC distribution panel in my recently acquired F-21. I’ve noticed that a few of you have located your distribution panels on the aft wall of the sink pedestal. It seems to me that one would rub against the panel when using the settee–sleeping or sitting. Also, under the sink is an incredibly tight spot to get at. Finally, it’s more likely that there will be moisture down there, what with the water supply and drainage being located there. The pictures for “Engineered” show the distribution panel up on the dividing wall leading to the V-berth. That seems like an easier location to get at and maintain. What do y’all think are the pros and cons of the two locations? Thanks in advance.Peter

3

Posted by j32080 (j32080@…>)

I’m “Blue Merle’s” former owner.

I installed the electrical panel on the bulkehad near the sink as I
didn’t want to cut into the bulkhead. If you mount it in the
bulkhead, you’ll need space on the backside to handle the wires,
etc. It can get a bit ugly.

Mounting it on the sink side provides close proximity to the
batteries and to the wiring running to all of the items.

Water isn’t an issue. Just remove and recaulk the sink. With the
sink removed, you’ll have plenty of access to the backside of the
electrical panel.
http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMBatterySwitchAndBatteryC
ombiner.jpg

Note that I installed an overboard drain for the sink via a Marelon
thru-hull mounted just above the boot stripe.

I installed two 6-switch panels.
http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMSwitchPanels.jpg
One 6-gang panel is probably sufficient for most boaters. I had
planned out more than 6 circuits, hence the 2nd panel.

As for “accidental” switching, it occasionally did happen – but not
as often as one would think. First off, the switches were “rocker”,
and not “toggle”. It requires a bit more determination to turn them
on. True, “toggle” switches would be easier to accidently turn on.
Since the switches were illuminated, showing red when on, I could
easily see when one was on.

In retrospect, I’d do it again exactly the same way.

-John

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Peter Devlin” <devlin_peter@…>
wrote:

I am planning on installing a DC distribution panel in my recently
acquired F-21. I’ve noticed that a few of you have located your
distribution panels on the aft wall of the sink pedestal. It
seems to
me that one would rub against the panel when using the settee–
sleeping or sitting. Also, under the sink is an incredibly tight
spot
to get at. Finally, it’s more likely that there will be moisture
down
there, what with the water supply and drainage being located
there.
The pictures for “Engineered” show the distribution panel up on
the
dividing wall leading to the V-berth. That seems like an easier
location to get at and maintain. What do y’all think are the pros
and
cons of the two locations? Thanks in advance.
Peter

4

Posted by chris montgomery (freedom.sailingguy@…>)

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Peter Devlin” <devlin_peter@…>
wrote:

Peter–I currently own “Engineered” now named “Sook” and am very
pleased with the location of th edistribution pannel. It is backed
with a piece of starboard that is removeable for service and when in
place,serves well for protection. The face of the panel is out of the
way and is obvious and prominent when giving guests instructions for
turning on electrical equipment. Also I can supervise from the
cockpit. Service is comfortable and convienent which is a boon
compared to working under the sink. There is adequate distance from
the battery to avoid sparking danger. Electric fires are second only
to propane fires as deadly dangers on a boat especially one built of
fiberglass. Be sure that you do the job correctly. This is no place
to cut corners or jury-rig. As noted, the bulkhead is structural and
adequate margin must be allowed where the tabbing meets the hull and
deck. Four inches should be enough, but six would be better. Also
keep things appropriate for the size of the boat. Hope that this
helps.–Chris

I am planning on installing a DC distribution panel in my recently
acquired F-21. I’ve noticed that a few of you have located your
distribution panels on the aft wall of the sink pedestal. It seems
to
me that one would rub against the panel when using the settee–
sleeping or sitting. Also, under the sink is an incredibly tight spot
to get at. Finally, it’s more likely that there will be moisture
down
there, what with the water supply and drainage being located there.
The pictures for “Engineered” show the distribution panel up on the
dividing wall leading to the V-berth. That seems like an easier
location to get at and maintain. What do y’all think are the pros
and
cons of the two locations? Thanks in advance.
Peter

5

Posted by Peter Devlin (devlin_peter@…>)

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “chris montgomery”
<freedom.sailingguy@…> wrote:

— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “Peter Devlin” <devlin_peter@>
wrote:

Peter–I currently own “Engineered” now named “Sook” and am very
pleased with the location of th edistribution pannel. It is backed
with a piece of starboard that is removeable for service and when
in
place,serves well for protection. The face of the panel is out of
the
way and is obvious and prominent when giving guests instructions
for
turning on electrical equipment. Also I can supervise from the
cockpit. Service is comfortable and convienent which is a boon
compared to working under the sink. There is adequate distance
from
the battery to avoid sparking danger. Electric fires are second
only
to propane fires as deadly dangers on a boat especially one built
of
fiberglass. Be sure that you do the job correctly. This is no
place
to cut corners or jury-rig. As noted, the bulkhead is structural
and
adequate margin must be allowed where the tabbing meets the hull
and
deck. Four inches should be enough, but six would be better. Also
keep things appropriate for the size of the boat. Hope that this
helps.–Chris

I am planning on installing a DC distribution panel in my
recently
acquired F-21. I’ve noticed that a few of you have located your
distribution panels on the aft wall of the sink pedestal. It
seems
to
me that one would rub against the panel when using the settee–
sleeping or sitting. Also, under the sink is an incredibly tight
spot
to get at. Finally, it’s more likely that there will be moisture
down
there, what with the water supply and drainage being located
there.
The pictures for “Engineered” show the distribution panel up on
the
dividing wall leading to the V-berth. That seems like an easier
location to get at and maintain. What do y’all think are the
pros
and
cons of the two locations? Thanks in advance.
Peter




Chris, John, and Sean,
Thanks for the input on placement of the electrical distribution
panel. I will ruminate a bit more and then get with the program.
John, do you still live in the Boston area?

Peter