Blue Sea Systems 285-Series Thermal Circuit Breaker, 48V DC, Type III Manual Reset, Trip Free, SAE J1171

Overview

The Blue Sea Systems 285 Series is a family of thermal circuit breakers for DC marine circuits where circuit protection and manual switching are both needed in one device. It covers medium-duty loads from 25A to 150A and is available in panel mount and surface mount versions, giving installers a clean path for new wiring layouts or replacement of older 185-Series breakers.

These breakers are rated for DC systems up to 48V and use a Type III switchable, manual-reset, trip-free design. The trip-free mechanism means the breaker cannot be held closed after a trip, which matters when a fault is still present. A visible reset lever shows the open condition at a glance, useful in battery compartments, equipment lockers, helm panels, and service panels where quick troubleshooting saves time.

The 285 Series uses a thermally responsive bi-metal blade, M6 terminal studs that accept 1/4 inch ring terminals, and has a 3000A interrupt capacity at 48V DC. It is ignition protected to SAE J1171 for use aboard gasoline powered boats and has weather resistance suited to exposed marine electrical locations when installed correctly.

Key features

• Thermal circuit breaker range for 25A to 150A DC loads where switching and circuit protection are both required.
• Available in panel mount and surface mount configurations for different helm, locker, battery, and equipment-panel layouts.
• Drop-in replacement format for 185-Series circuit breakers, useful when updating existing marine electrical installations.
• Trip-free Type III manual reset operation prevents the breaker from being held closed after a fault trip.
• Visible reset lever gives a clear open or tripped indication during inspection and troubleshooting.
• Ignition protected to SAE J1171 for installation aboard gasoline powered boats when used in the proper circuit location.
• Rated for DC systems up to 48V with a 3000A interrupt capacity at 48V DC.
• M6 terminal studs accept 1/4 inch ring terminals for common marine cable terminations.
• Combines a manual switching function with circuit breaker protection, but should not be used as the switch for high inrush loads such as motor starting.

Variants

This range varies by amperage rating and mounting style. Current ratings include 25A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A, 80A, 100A, 120A, and 150A, with each rating offered in both panel mount and surface mount configurations.

The panel mount versions suit breaker panels and locations where the breaker face needs to be accessible from the front. The surface mount versions suit battery compartments, equipment spaces, and retrofit locations where the breaker can be mounted directly to a flat surface. Select the amperage to match the protected load, conductor size, and the electrical design of the vessel.

Installation and fit

Use the mounting style that matches the physical layout of the boat. Panel mount units are the natural fit for distribution panels and organized control stations, while surface mount units are easier to place near batteries, bus bars, chargers, windlass feeds, or other DC equipment where direct access to the terminals and reset lever is useful.

Connections should be made with properly sized marine cable and ring terminals that fit the M6 studs. The battery side and load side should be wired according to the breaker markings, and terminal hardware should be tightened to the specified torque for a secure connection in areas exposed to vibration.

Electrical use on board

The 285 Series is a good match for DC branch and feeder circuits that need manual reset protection and occasional isolation during service. Typical use areas include battery and charging circuits, equipment feeds, helm electronics circuits, pumps, lighting distribution, and other marine DC loads within the breaker rating.

Because this is a thermal breaker, it should be sized as part of the full circuit, not only by the equipment label. Wire gauge, expected continuous current, voltage drop, installation temperature, and applicable marine electrical standards all matter when selecting the correct amperage.

Marine environment

The ignition-protected construction makes the breaker suitable for many installations on gasoline powered boats, including locations where electrical protection must be chosen with fuel vapor safety in mind. The weather-resistant housing and visible lever also make it practical for lockers, cockpits, and service areas where moisture, salt air, and routine washdowns are part of normal boat use.

Orders are processed within 2 business days, which includes verification, packing, and dispatch. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping when eligible. For orders under $100, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected service. International shipping is available for eligible products, and certain items may require additional handling, warehouse transfers, or may ship directly from the manufacturer, which can affect processing time.

Deliveries are handled by preferred carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others depending on your location and selected service. Estimated delivery times are displayed at checkout and may vary due to customs processing, carrier delays, weather, postal disruptions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Tracking may take up to 24 hours to update on the carrier's website and is also available through your account when applicable.

We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

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Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

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Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

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