The image at the right shows the completed project. There are five panels in total. There are two large DC panel, one for each bank of batteries. There are three AC panels. One panel controls all inverter powered devices. The other two AC panels are to control either the two 50 amp shore power cord supply or the 100 amps of power from the 12KW genset.
Below the two DC panels is the control for the charger / inverter.
Panel Today
Almost original panel from PAE
The electrical panel had been modified several times prior to my purchase of Chicory and did not meet important ABYC guideline. I wanted to expand functionality of the panel and could not do so without exacerbating some issues that concerned me.
The issues mentioned above and my desire to reconfigure the helm were just the catalyst needed to start this project.
Original Panel from PAE
Pre-Wiring panels
Once I determined the appropriate panels for my application, I built a fixture that would house them in the final helm. This fixture allow sufficient space to run wiring channels between each of the panels and the terminals.
Once the fixture was constructed, I pre-wired everything at home before bringing it to the boat. This made the installation at the boat relatively easy since I only needed to connect the existing boat wiring to the terminal strips.
Pre-wiring panels
Wiring Labeling
I ensured future expansion and troubleshooting would be easier by labeling each of the wires with its function as it went into the terminal.
All New Wiring Labled
Wiring into the boat
The final step was to connect the terminal strips into the existing boat wiring. This image shows the wiring prior to completion of the helm. The helm has a large removable panel in the base that provides access to everything shown here.
