Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal DC Branch Circuit Breaker Panel

Overview

The Blue Sea Systems Traditional Metal DC Branch Circuit Breaker Panel is a pre-wired DC distribution panel for organizing protected branch circuits on boats with a traditional toggle-switch layout. It is built for 12V DC systems across the standard meter versions, while the horizontal non-metered versions support 12V DC and 24V DC layouts with a 100A per bus rating.

This panel family is a practical match for refits, panel extensions, or full replacements where the helm, cabin, or electrical locker needs clean circuit control with labeled switching. Positive, negative, and grounding buses are already installed, which helps reduce wiring time and keeps the finished installation neater behind the panel.

Depending on the configuration, the range covers 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13 circuit positions, with standard and horizontal low-profile formats available. Metered versions add analog monitoring for DC system checks, while non-metered horizontal versions keep the faceplate lower and simpler for installations with limited vertical space.

Key features

• Pre-wired DC branch circuit breaker panel with positive, negative, and grounding buses already installed.
• ON-indicating LEDs are installed in all circuit positions for quick visual checks at the panel.
• Standard panel formats include backlit circuit label positions without requiring a separate backlight kit.
• Metered configurations include analog V/A monitoring and a toggle switch for checking voltage on up to three battery banks.
• Analog meter panels can be upgraded for 24V DC meter use with compatible 18-32V DC meter replacements.
• Horizontal non-metered versions support 12V DC and 24V DC systems and are rated at 100A per bus.
• Each listed configuration includes A-Series white toggle circuit breakers and a DC panel label set.

Variants

This product is offered in several configurations that change the number of circuit positions, the meter package, and the panel format.

The standard versions use a taller panel layout and include analog V/A meters, while the horizontal low-profile versions do not include meters and use a wider, lower faceplate. All listed versions share the same traditional metal panel style and pre-wired bus layout.

• 8096: 6 positions, no meter, horizontal low-profile panel format. This version suits installations where a lower panel height is easier to fit and separate system monitoring is already handled elsewhere.
• 8068: 13 positions, analog V/A meters, standard panel format. This version gives the most circuit capacity in the listed group and keeps DC voltage and amperage checks on the panel face.
• 8081: 5 positions, analog V/A meters, standard panel format. This version works well for smaller DC loads where onboard monitoring still needs to stay close to the branch switches.
• 8082: 10 positions, analog V/A meters, standard panel format. This version balances circuit capacity with built-in analog monitoring for medium-size DC distribution layouts.
• 8385: 8 positions, no meter, horizontal low-profile panel format. This version adds more branch circuits than the 6-position horizontal panel while keeping the same low-profile style.

Installation and fit

Check the available cutout area, panel depth, and service clearance behind the mounting location before ordering. The horizontal versions are 10.50 in wide, with heights of 3.75 in for the 6-position model and 4.50 in for the 8-position model. Standard metered versions use a narrower 5.25 in width on the 5- and 10-position panels, while the 13-position panel uses a 10.50 in width.

The panel should be mounted where the switches and labels are easy to read and where the back side can be reached for cable routing, inspection, and future circuit changes. It is a strong fit for cabin distribution panels, helm electrical panels, and protected interior locations where branch circuit control needs to stay organized and visible.

Electrical and system integration

Use the position count to match the number of protected DC loads on board, such as lighting, electronics, pumps, fans, instruments, and accessory circuits. The included 15A A-Series breakers may not match every load on the vessel, so final breaker sizing should be checked against the connected equipment, wire size, and the boat's DC wiring plan.

The metered versions are useful when the operator wants panel-face visibility of system voltage and current without adding a separate display. Non-metered versions keep the panel simpler for boats that already have battery monitors, multifunction displays, or separate electrical monitoring equipment.