Blue Sea Systems Residual Current Circuit Breaker, Flat Rocker, Magnetic Hydraulic, Front Panel Mount

Overview

The Blue Sea Systems C-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker is a residual-current main breaker for AC shore power panels, combining circuit switching, overcurrent protection, and leakage-to-ground protection in one front-panel-mounted unit.

This breaker family is used where a boat’s AC input needs protection against short circuit, overload, and ground leakage. Listed configurations cover 15A, 16A, 30A, 32A, and 50A ratings, with 1-pole, 2-pole, and 3-pole options for 120V AC, 240V AC, or 120/240V AC systems depending on the selected model.

For marine electrical panels, the key buying details are the amperage rating, pole count, and AC voltage layout. Matching those values to the shore power inlet, panel design, and conductor sizing is essential before installation.

Key features

• Trips on short circuit, overload, or leakage to ground, helping protect the AC system from both overcurrent faults and current leaving the intended circuit path.
• ELCI main configurations provide overcurrent and leakage protection for whole-boat shore power protection under ABYC E-11 applications.
• GFCI branch configuration supports protected receptacle circuits in head, galley, machinery, and weather deck locations.
• Magnetic hydraulic, trip-free breaker action means the breaker cannot be held closed after a trip condition.
• Flat rocker actuator sits flush in the ON position, helping reduce accidental switching in a power distribution panel.
• Front panel mount format fits installation in an AC distribution panel or compatible marine panel enclosure.
• 5,000A interrupt capacity and 10,000 switching cycles support demanding onboard AC service.
• Ignition-protected ELCI configurations are suitable for installations where ignition protection is required.
• Uses #6-32 stainless steel mounting screws with a specified mounting screw torque of 6 in-lb, or 0.68 Nm.

Variants

This range varies by amperage, pole count, and maximum AC voltage. Available configurations include 15A, 16A, 30A, 32A, and 50A ratings, with 1-pole, 2-pole, and 3-pole layouts for common marine AC panel arrangements.

The voltage options include 120V AC per pole, 240V AC per pole, and 120/240V AC configurations. The rest of the electrical system should be checked against the selected breaker rating, including shore power service, neutral and hot switching requirements, panel layout, and conductor ampacity.

Electrical and system fit

On a boat, this type of breaker is most often used at the AC panel where shore power enters the vessel’s distribution system. The ELCI versions are meant for main shore power protection, while the GFCI branch version is used where protected receptacle circuits are required.

The 30mA leakage trip value on the ELCI versions is suited to whole-boat leakage protection. The GFCI branch configuration uses a lower leakage trip value for receptacle-level protection, so it should not be treated as a direct substitute for an ELCI main unless the panel design calls for that specific application.

Installation and setup

This breaker is installed from the front of the panel, so the panel cutout, mounting depth, and access for wiring should be confirmed before replacement or new installation. The pole count matters because it determines which conductors are switched together, especially on 120/240V AC systems where both hot conductors and neutral handling must match the panel design.

Breaker sizing should be matched to the circuit and conductors, not simply to the largest shore power inlet available. For refits, compare the existing breaker’s amperage, pole count, voltage rating, and wiring arrangement before moving conductors to the new unit.

Use cases on board

This breaker range is a practical fit for cruising boats, fishing boats, and larger sailboats with AC shore power panels that need leakage protection at the main input or protected branch receptacle circuits. It is especially relevant on vessels with mixed AC loads such as battery chargers, water heaters, outlets, galley equipment, and dockside power connections.

It is a good match for owners or installers building or servicing a marine AC panel where the protection device must match a specific shore power service rather than a generic household-style breaker.