8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

[l008com]

I'm looking for more information about this item:

http://www.iboats.com/8-Position-Sl...38263348--**********.771927598--view_id.44302

I've searched all over the web, but I can't find any pictures but the one on this site. I think this is just what I want for my boat, but I'd really like to see what the backside looks like before I buy it. See what it has for connections, etc. Does anyone have one? Can they snap a pic?

 

[ajgraz]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Did you poke around at the manufacturer's site?:

http://bluesea.com/category/62/27/products/8261

 

[l008com]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Hmm no i did not, and that helps. It has a digram. I'd still prefer a photo if anyone has one. But this is definitely a start. I didn't realize you need a separate terminal for negative, that's kind of disappointing. I was hoping this would be an all-in-one solution.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

There is no negative (other than that used for the LEDs) because you're switching only the +12vdc.

For about $20 worth of spade terminals, a terminal block and some wire you should be able to find a few inches of space under the console to mount a proper buss. It's a whole lot easier to troubleshoot that in the future than a bunch of blue taps or wire nuts.

 

[l008com]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Yeah the company that makes that switch panel makes a companion negative terminal. It just would have been a little easier if it was all one piece.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

IMO, with that many switches you'd be best off getting a Blue Sea Systems 10-gang DualBus.

(Edit, unless that panel already has a + distribution bus built in, then like you say, just a negative bus)

Then you can run your mains power line into the bus, and individual short-length + and - leads to each fusholder/switch. Makes wiring up and fixing problems later a snap.

BTW, do you really need all of 8 switches? What all are you running?

 

[l008com]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

I plan to run everything through the new switch and replace the ****ty switches on the dash now. So bow light, stern light, spotlight, interior lights, auto bilge, manual bilge, accessories like radio and depth finder. So 7 of 8. 1 left over for anything in the future. Right now the only interior light is a light behind the speedometer, that is switched with the bow light. I'd rather separate each form of light. Plus if everything goes well, I'm going to add a bunch of LED floor lights in the boat to make boating at night safer and funner

 

[Don S]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Did you look at the instructions? It has diagrams on the second page.
http://bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/9836.pdf

 

[l008com]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Yes I did see that... hence post #3

 

[seabob4]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Basically it's going to look similar to this one, except mine has breakers, not fuses...I HATE fuses!

 

[l008com]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

So looking at the diagram of the 8 switch panel, it says to use this terminal board for the negatives. But I'm wondering, should I just use two of those boards, one for negative and one for positive. The I can go from the one terminal, to each switch directly, instead of stringing them all long.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/MP63487661.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Why would you want alll that extra wire back there. Do it like the picture.

 

[seabob4]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Why would you want alll that extra wire back there. Do it like the picture.

X2!

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Coupla votes against using a buss for the positive:

1. It's a horrible idea to expose the positive wiring. Too easy to short, causing a spark. Sparks are not welcome on a boat.

2. Jumping the switches allows you to sit comfortably at a workbench and pre-wire the panel rather than hang around upside down under the console.

 

[seabob4]

Re: 8-Switch Bank . . . Anyone Got Pics

Coupla votes against using a buss for the positive:

1. It's a horrible idea to expose the positive wiring. Too easy to short, causing a spark. Sparks are not welcome on a boat.

2. Jumping the switches allows you to sit comfortably at a workbench and pre-wire the panel rather than hang around upside down under the console.

That's how I wired this one. You don't want to wire a panel hanging upside down or lying on you back...

This is the finished install...