Overview

The Blue Sea Systems DC Main is a main DC circuit breaker panel range for boats that need centralized branch circuit protection, a 100A main breaker, and onboard DC system monitoring in one panel. The range covers 20, 22, 32, and 35 circuit positions, so it can suit anything from a refit with moderate DC loads to a larger helm or electrical panel with more dedicated circuits.

These panels use white toggle circuit breakers and come with positive, negative, and grounding buses installed and fully pre-wired, which helps reduce layout work during installation. All variants are listed for 100A maximum amperage and 12V DC operation, with the 20-position and 35-position versions also listed for 24V DC systems.

The panel is a practical fit for cruising boats, fishing boats, and sailboats where the DC panel needs to handle core loads such as lighting, pumps, electronics, refrigeration, and accessories while keeping circuit status easy to read at the panel.

Key features

• Main DC distribution panel range with 20, 22, 32, or 35 circuit positions depending on the selected variant.
• 100A main circuit breaker protects the main DC feed before power is distributed to branch circuits.
• Positive, negative, and grounding buses are installed and fully pre-wired to reduce installation time.
• White toggle branch breakers give each DC load a dedicated switching and protection point.
• Backlit circuit label positions help the panel stay readable in a cabin, helm, or electrical locker.
• ON indicating LEDs are installed in the circuit positions for quick status checks.
• Panel-mounted metering is included, with digital monitoring on the 20-position and 35-position variants and analog volt and ammeter monitoring on the 22-position and 32-position variants.
• Panels with meters include a toggle switch for monitoring up to 3 battery banks.
• Traditional metal panel construction uses a 1/8 inch 5052 aluminum alloy frame with countersunk mounting holes.
• Slate gray two-part polyurethane finish and MIL-C-5541C or equivalent immersion undercoating support long service life in the marine electrical environment.

Variants

This DC Main panel is offered in four configurations based on the number of circuit positions. The selected variant affects panel capacity, installed branch breaker count, metering style, dimensions, and listed voltage rating.

All four versions share the same DC Main panel concept, 100A maximum amperage, installed buses, white toggle switching, backlit label positions, and ON indicating LEDs. Voltage rating and metering type should be checked against the selected part number before installation.

• 8379, Positions 20. This version has 20 circuit positions, includes 14 installed 15A branch breakers, a 100A C-Series main breaker, and a DC digital multi-function meter with alarm. It is listed for 12V DC and 24V DC systems, with a panel size of 14.75 in wide by 7.50 in high by 4.00 in deep.
• 8380, Positions 22. This version has 22 circuit positions and includes 16 installed 15A branch breakers, a 100A main breaker, a DC micro voltmeter, and a DC analog micro ammeter. It is listed for 12V DC systems, with a panel size of 10.50 in wide by 11.25 in high by 3.00 in deep.
• 8381, Positions 32. This version has 32 circuit positions and includes 23 installed 15A branch breakers, a 100A main breaker, a DC analog voltmeter, and a DC analog ammeter with shunt. It is listed for 12V DC systems, with a panel size of 14.75 in wide by 11.25 in high by 3.00 in deep.
• 8382, Positions 35. This version has 35 circuit positions, includes 26 installed 15A branch breakers, a 100A main breaker, and a DC digital multi-function meter with alarm. It is listed for 12V DC and 24V DC systems, with a panel size of 14.75 in wide by 11.25 in high by 4.00 in deep.

Installation and setup

The panel is meant for fixed installation in a protected onboard electrical location such as a main cabin panel area, helm electrical station, or dedicated DC distribution compartment. The pre-wired bus structure helps simplify the back side of the installation, but wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and battery feed layout still need to match the vessel electrical plan.

Because the panel includes a 100A main breaker and multiple branch circuit breakers, it should be installed where the breaker handles, labels, and meters can be seen and reached without removing trim or access covers. The countersunk mounting holes help the panel sit cleanly against the mounting surface.

Electrical and system integration

Use the position count to match the number of DC loads on board, leaving room for service access and future circuits where the vessel layout allows. Typical connected loads may include cabin lighting, navigation electronics, bilge and freshwater pumps, ventilation, refrigeration controls, deck lights, and other protected DC accessories.

The metering setup gives the operator a direct view of DC system condition at the panel. For boats with multiple battery banks, the included meter selector function helps keep battery voltage checks in one location rather than spreading separate gauges around the vessel.

What’s included

• DC Main panel in the selected position count
• Basic DC panel label set with 30 labels
• Installed 15A A-Series white toggle branch circuit breakers, quantity based on selected variant
• Installed 100A main circuit breaker
• Panel-mounted DC metering, type based on selected variant
• Installation instructions
• Cutout template