Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal AC/DC Circuit Breaker Panel, AC Main + 6 Positions, DC Main + 18 Positions, Digital Multi-Function Meters

Overview

The Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal AC/DC Circuit Breaker Panel is a combined AC and DC power distribution panel for boats that need shore power and house DC circuit control in one organized location. It brings together an AC main with 6 AC positions, a DC main with 18 DC positions, AC and DC digital multi-function meters with alarms, and factory-installed branch breaker capacity in a single metal panel.

This panel is offered for either 120V AC or 230V AC systems, with both versions supporting 12V DC and 24V DC installations. The panel measures 15.75 in wide by 10.00 in high by 4.00 in deep, so it is best suited to a dedicated electrical panel location such as a navigation station, cabin electrical locker, or helm-area service space where there is room for wiring access behind the panel.

All AC and DC buses are installed and fully pre-wired, with label backlighting and ON-indicating LEDs in the circuit positions. For refits, panel upgrades, and new electrical layouts, this helps keep AC loads, DC branch circuits, metering, and main switching in one place instead of spreading controls across multiple smaller panels.

Key features

• Combines AC main plus 6 AC positions and DC main plus 18 DC positions in one traditional metal panel.
• Available for 120V AC or 230V AC shore power systems, while supporting both 12V DC and 24V DC vessel systems.
• Includes AC and DC digital multi-function meters with alarms for monitoring both sides of the vessel electrical system.
• All AC and DC buses are installed and fully pre-wired to reduce panel build time during installation.
• Label backlighting is pre-installed, making circuit identification easier in cabins, pilothouses, and night operating conditions.
• ON-indicating LEDs are installed in all circuit positions for quick visual confirmation of active circuits.
• 100A C-Series toggle circuit breaker provides DC main circuit protection and switching for the DC branch side.
• Panel size is 15.75 in x 10.00 in x 4.00 in, with an 8.73 lb panel weight for planning the mounting space and support.

Variants

This panel is offered in two voltage configurations that share the same overall layout: AC main plus 6 AC positions and DC main plus 18 DC positions.

The main difference is the AC side voltage and the AC breaker set supplied for that electrical standard. The DC side remains set up for 12V DC and 24V DC systems, with a 100A DC main and 15A DC branch breakers.

• 8408, nominal voltage 120V AC + 12V DC + 24V DC. This version suits boats using 120V AC shore power, with a 30A AC main and 15A AC branch breakers.
• 8508, nominal voltage 230V AC + 12V DC + 24V DC. This European version suits boats using 230V AC shore power, with a 16A AC main and 8A AC branch breakers.

Installation and setup

This is a main distribution panel, so installation should be handled as part of the vessel electrical system rather than treated like a simple accessory swap. AC power from shore power, inverter, or generator sources should be isolated before work begins, and the main positive DC cable should be disconnected from the battery bank before wiring the DC side.

The panel depth of 4.00 in makes rear clearance important. Plan space for conductor bends, service loops, strain relief, and access to the AC and DC buses after the panel is mounted. A dry, serviceable location inside the boat is the right fit for this style of electrical panel.

Compatibility and fit

The 8408 configuration matches 120V AC systems with 12V DC or 24V DC vessel circuits. The 8508 configuration matches 230V AC systems with 12V DC or 24V DC vessel circuits. The selected version should match the boat's AC shore power standard before installation.

This panel is a practical match for cruising boats, larger fishing boats, and sailboats with enough electrical loads to justify separate AC and DC distribution in one central panel. It is also useful when replacing an older panel where the owner wants clearer circuit status, backlit labeling, and metering for both AC and DC systems.

Materials and service environment

The traditional metal panel format uses 0.125 in 5052-H32 aluminum alloy with a graphite-colored two-part textured polyurethane finish. The panel also uses a chemical treatment undercoating for corrosion resistance, which matters in marine cabins and electrical spaces where salt air and humidity are part of normal service.

Backlit labels and circuit ON indicators are useful during night checks, troubleshooting, and dockside power changes. They also make it easier to confirm which loads are energized before servicing equipment or managing house loads at anchor.

What’s included

• AC main circuit breaker for the selected AC voltage configuration
• Three AC branch circuit breakers for the selected AC voltage configuration
• AC digital multi-function meter with alarm
• 100A DC main circuit breaker
• Twelve 15A DC branch circuit breakers
• DC digital multi-function meter with alarm