What would be helpful is to get some thoughts on what should be run through a circuit breaker and what is best left on a fuse circuit, such as on a fused circuit in a [Blue Sea Systems] 5026 distribution panel.
I have the following [circuits] which I will put on the [circuit breaker and control switch] panel:
- Nav/Anchor Lights (On/Off/On Switch)
- Deck Lights (On/Off Switch)
- Instrument Lights (On/Off Switch)
- FWD Bilge (On/Off) - This will be in the fish box in front of the console so I don't have to pull the plug to drain.
- AFT Bilge (On/Off/Auto) - Stern Fish Box
- MID Bilge (On/Off) - This will be a remote pump to aid in draining and water in the fuel compartment.
- Entertainment Audio (On/Off Switch)
Here is the list of additional [circuits] that will need power, but I'm unsure if there is any advantage to run from a [circuit breaker and switch] or to run from a fused circuit:
- VHF w/AIS (Fuse Block)
- Chart Plotter and Fishfinder (Fuse Block)
- Port Downrigger (Fuse Block)
- Starboard Downrigger (Fuse Block)
- USB Charger (Breaker Panel)
The VHF radio and the Chart Plotter have their own power switches. From what I understand it isn't healthy to simply cut power to these without properly shutting down. So I'm thinking Fuse Block.
Downriggers will be wired to the fuse block given the high current drawn.
The USB charger will likely be within the switch panel but not [controlled with a switch].