Blue Sea Systems Analog DC Voltmeter, Backlit Meter Face

Overview

This Blue Sea Systems analog DC voltmeter is a backlit panel meter for monitoring DC battery and charging-system voltage on a boat. The range includes 8 to 16V DC models for 12V systems and an 18 to 32V DC model for 24V systems, with face sizes of 2 in or 2-3/4 in depending on the configuration.

The analog dial gives a quick visual readout at the helm, electrical panel, nav station, or equipment panel without needing to wake up a multifunction display or digital battery monitor. The backlit face helps at night or in low light, and the backlight uses separate 12V or 24V DC connections so it can be tied into the vessel’s panel-lighting circuit.

Across the listed configurations, meter current is 1 mA at full scale, with backlighting current of 16 mA at 12V DC or 20 mA at 24V DC. That low draw makes the meter practical for continuous panel use while giving the operator a simple way to spot undercharging, overvoltage, or a battery bank that needs attention.

Key features

• Analog DC voltage display for checking battery and charging-system condition at a glance.
• Available in 8 to 16V DC and 18 to 32V DC ranges to match common 12V and 24V onboard electrical systems.
• Backlit meter face supports night operation and low-light panels.
• Separate 12V or 24V DC backlight connections allow the illumination circuit to be managed apart from the meter reading.
• Face size options include 2 in and 2-3/4 in to suit micro and standard panel layouts.
• Meter current of 1 mA at full scale keeps operating draw low for panel-mounted monitoring.

Variants

This voltmeter is offered in several configurations so the panel opening and voltage scale can be matched to the vessel’s electrical system.

The attributes that vary are face size and voltage range. The backlit face and low full-scale meter current are consistent across the listed configurations.

• 8003: 2-3/4 in face size with an 8 to 16V DC range. This configuration fits standard-size meter panels and suits 12V DC battery and charging-system monitoring.
• 8028: 2 in face size with an 8 to 16V DC range. This micro-size version suits tighter panels where the system being monitored is 12V DC.
• 8240: 2-3/4 in face size with an 18 to 32V DC range. This configuration fits standard-size meter panels and suits 24V DC battery and charging-system monitoring.

Electrical and system integration

For installation planning, match the voltage range to the battery bank or DC bus being monitored before selecting the meter. An 8 to 16V DC scale is appropriate for typical 12V circuits, while an 18 to 32V DC scale is appropriate for typical 24V circuits.

The backlight circuit should be planned along with the rest of the panel lighting so the meter illumination behaves the way the operator expects at night. The separate backlight connection also helps when refitting an older panel because the meter reading and lighting can be wired as distinct functions.

Use cases on board

This meter is a good match for boats that need a simple voltage reference at the main DC panel, helm station, electronics panel, battery switch area, or nav station. It is especially useful where a quick analog readout is preferred for routine checks before starting the engine, while charging from an alternator, or while running DC loads at anchor.