Overview

This Blue Sea Systems DC circuit breaker panel is a prewired marine distribution panel for organizing and protecting DC branch circuits on boats. The range covers 12, 13, 16, and 18 position layouts, with listed configurations rated for 100A and built around A-Series white toggle breakers.

These panels are made for helm stations, cabins, nav areas, and electrical refit projects where a clean branch-circuit layout matters. Positive, negative, and grounding buses are already installed, which helps reduce layout work during installation and keeps circuit wiring easier to trace later.

Backlit label positions and ON indicating LEDs give the operator quick visual feedback at night or in low light. The 12, 13, and 16 position versions are listed for 12V DC and 24V DC systems, while the 18 position version is a 12V DC panel with analog volt and amp metering.

Key features

• Prewired DC branch circuit panel with positive, negative, and grounding buses already installed.
• Available in 12, 13, 16, and 18 position configurations for different helm and electrical panel layouts.
• Backlit circuit label positions help make circuit identification easier in cabins, cockpits, and nav stations after dark.
• ON indicating LEDs are installed at circuit positions for quick status checks.
• Most variants include ten 15A single pole A-Series white toggle circuit breakers, while the 18 position metered version includes fifteen.
• Graphite color 2 part textured polyurethane finish over 0.125 inch 5052-H32 aluminum alloy supports long service in marine electrical spaces.
• Countersunk mounting holes and included installation documentation support clean panel fitting during upgrades or replacements.

Variants

This DC panel is offered in four configurations that vary by circuit position count and panel layout.

The main differences are the number of available positions, horizontal or vertical orientation, panel dimensions, and whether the panel includes analog metering. The positive, negative, and grounding buses, backlit label positions, and ON indicating LEDs are consistent across the range.

• 8375: 12 positions. This horizontal panel measures 14.75 inches wide by 4.50 inches high and includes ten 15A single pole A-Series white toggle circuit breakers plus a 30 label set.
• 8376: 13 positions. This vertical panel measures 5.25 inches wide by 11.25 inches high, which suits installations where height is available but horizontal dash space is limited.
• 8377: 16 positions. This horizontal panel measures 10.50 inches wide by 7.50 inches high and gives more branch circuit capacity without the full width of the 18 position version.
• 8378: 18 positions. This horizontal metered panel measures 14.75 inches wide by 7.50 inches high and includes fifteen 15A single pole A-Series white toggle circuit breakers, an 8 to 16V DC analog voltmeter, and a 0 to 100A DC analog ammeter with shunt.

Installation and setup

The prewired bus structure makes this panel a practical choice for boat owners replacing an older DC panel or adding organized branch circuit protection during a refit. The panel still needs proper circuit planning, correctly sized wire, and overcurrent protection matched to the vessel electrical system.

Use the position count and panel orientation to confirm fit before cutting or reworking a mounting surface. The 13 position version is the vertical option in this group, while the 12, 16, and 18 position versions use horizontal layouts.

Electrical and system integration

The 12, 13, and 16 position variants are listed for 12V DC and 24V DC distribution. The 18 position metered variant is listed for 12V DC operation and includes analog voltage and amperage monitoring for the panel feed.

These panels are a good match for cruising boats, fishing boats, and sailboats where separate DC loads such as lighting, pumps, electronics, fans, refrigeration controls, or accessory circuits need clear switching and breaker protection at one serviceable location.

Materials and mounting

The panel face is built from 0.125 inch 5052-H32 aluminum alloy with a chemical treatment undercoating and a graphite color textured polyurethane finish. That construction helps the panel stand up to the vibration, humidity, and salt-air exposure common around marine electrical panels.

Countersunk mounting holes help the finished installation sit cleanly against the mounting surface. For best results, mount the panel where it is protected from direct spray but still easy to access for switching, labeling, and future circuit service.