Main DC Breaker Panel

[bbwhitejr]

This is likely a dumb question...The main DC breaker panel is located under the cockpit sink along with the battery switch. Each breaker has an "on/off" position. They appear to be rocker switches. All are on and have always been that way. I press to try to turn one off, and it will not. Do they slide, do they "rock" or do they only go off if tripped? I am likely not pushing in the right direction, but for the life of me I cannot get them to turn off. Not that I need to, just a newbie trying to see how things work.

Thanks.

 

[GottaLuvit]

They are breakers that can be reset if tripped. You are correct in that you cannot turn them off and on.

 

[insfnds]

On top face of the rocker is a little slot. You can use a small screwdriver or better yet the end of an 8" zip tie to turn them off. There may be a little arrow pointing to the slot next to where it says off (at least that's the case on my boat.)

 

[bbwhitejr]

They are meant to only be reset if I understand you correctly. I would guess if one tripped, you would be able then to simply reset it with a finger?

Thanks,

 

[bbwhitejr]

I will check mine tomorrow.

Thanks,

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes, insert something in the little slot if you want to "flip" the breakers. The "off" side is covered so you don't accidentally bump it off. But you really shouldn't need to do this since your battery switch takes care of it. I don't think I've ever turned those off in my boat, other than for the curiosity factor.

 

[bbwhitejr]

You nailed it when you said the curiosity factor. I am just curious as to how stuff works so I will know when I need to know...if that makes sense...

 

[HUMPH]

Is that the only DC panel you have? I have a panel with that type of breaker in the engine room and standard switches at the main distribution board in the cabin. You should have regular Carling switch type breakers along with your 120v breakers.

 

[bbwhitejr]

No, I have the 12 volt breakers on the bottom of the 110 panel as well. Not sure about the ER, but will look. The panel up under the cockpit sink with the battery switch was the one I was questioning.

Thanks

 

[kaz911]

It is NOT bad to exercise the switches/breakers once a year or every 6 months. It will help them stay alive longer and make certain that when they need to "break" - they really do break the circuit.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at them today and mine are exactly as described above. To exercise them, you would insert a wire tie or small screw driver in the slot and I would guess that would cause it to trip and then just reset?

Thanks again.