Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal AC Source Selector Panel, 2 Sources, Lockout Slide

Overview

The Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal AC Source Selector Panel is an AC distribution and source selection panel for boats that need control of two AC sources plus protected branch circuit positions. It is used where shore power, generator, or inverter feeds must be managed so two AC sources are not connected at the same time.

The panel family includes 120V AC and 230V AC versions, with configurations from 2 sources plus 4 positions up to 2 sources plus 12 positions. Each version uses double pole AC main circuit breakers with an installed lockout slide, a red reverse polarity LED, pre-wired hot, neutral, and safety ground buses, backlit label positions, and ON indicating LEDs in the circuit positions.

This is a practical choice for refits, panel upgrades, and organized AC branch circuit expansion on cruising boats, fishing boats, and other vessels where AC loads need a clear, serviceable control point.

Key features

• Two-source AC selection with a lockout slide that prevents both AC sources from being connected at the same time.
• Double pole AC main circuit breakers are fitted for source control and AC safety switching.
• Available in 120V AC and 230V AC configurations to match the vessel electrical system.
• Branch circuit position options cover smaller AC layouts and larger panels with more onboard loads.
• Hot, neutral, and safety ground buses are installed and pre-wired to reduce panel wiring work during installation.
• Red reverse polarity indication helps identify a wiring fault condition before AC loads are used.
• Backlit circuit label positions and ON indicating LEDs make circuit status easier to read at the panel.
• Voltmeter versions are available where onboard AC voltage monitoring is needed at the distribution panel.

Variants

This panel range varies by nominal voltage, number of branch circuit positions, panel orientation, and whether a voltmeter is included. The listed configurations cover 120V AC and 230V AC systems, with 4, 6, 8, or 12 branch circuit positions depending on the model.

Horizontal formats suit wider panel spaces, while vertical formats suit taller and narrower mounting areas. Voltmeter versions add at-panel AC voltage monitoring; no-meter versions keep the layout simpler when voltage monitoring is already handled elsewhere on the vessel.

Installation and setup

Plan the installation around the vessel AC system voltage, available panel cutout space, source wiring, and the number of AC branch circuits required. The lockout slide belongs in systems where two AC sources share downstream circuits and must be kept from being paralleled by mistake.

Because this is AC distribution equipment, installation should follow marine AC wiring practice and be handled by a qualified marine electrician when the boat owner is not fully comfortable with AC source wiring, grounding, and breaker sizing.

Electrical and system integration

The 120V AC variants use 30A double pole main breakers and 15A single pole branch breakers in the confirmed configurations. The 230V AC variants use 16A double pole main breakers and 8A single pole branch breakers in the confirmed configurations.

The pre-wired buses help keep the AC distribution layout organized inside the panel. This matters on boats because vibration, tight helm or nav-station spaces, and future troubleshooting all favor wiring that is clear and easy to trace.

Use cases on board

This panel is a good fit for vessels with two AC input sources, such as shore power and generator, shore power and inverter, or other two-source arrangements that feed onboard AC loads. It also suits refit projects where an older AC panel needs a cleaner layout with source lockout, branch protection, reverse polarity indication, and circuit status lighting in one assembly.