Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount | Durable & Reliable

Introduction

The Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount is an essential marine electrical component engineered to safeguard your boat or marine engine’s electrical circuits. Known for its robust construction and reliable performance, this breaker offers outstanding protection against overloads and short circuits in harsh marine environments.

Designed for panel mounting, the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp breaker is favored by marine electricians and boat owners alike for its ease of installation, manual reset capability, and corrosion-resistant materials. This comprehensive guide explores the features, installation, maintenance, and expert recommendations for the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker.

Overview / What Is Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount?

The Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount is a marine-grade, manually resettable circuit breaker designed to protect DC electrical systems typically found on boats and marine engines. This device interrupts the electrical flow when the current exceeds 80 amps, preventing damage to wiring and connected equipment.

Its panel mount design allows secure installation within electrical panels, optimizing space and accessibility. The breaker features a push-button reset, making it simple to restore power after a trip without replacing fuses.

Key Features of Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker

• Marine-Grade Durability: Constructed to withstand saltwater, vibration, and humidity.
• Manual Reset Button: Convenient push-to-reset function for quick recovery.
• Reliable Trip Characteristics: Ensures accurate overload protection without nuisance trips.
• Compact Panel Mount: Fits standard panel cutouts with secure mounting.
• Wide Voltage Compatibility: Suitable for 12V and 24V DC marine systems.

How to Install Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount

Installation requires disconnecting power and following marine electrical standards. First, prepare the panel cutout and mount the breaker securely. Connect the incoming power cable to the breaker’s line terminal and the outgoing load wire to the load terminal. Use marine-grade wires and corrosion-resistant terminals to ensure lasting connections.

Verify the torque specs recommended by Blue Sea Systems to avoid loose connections. Once installed, restore power and test the breaker’s reset button functionality. Always double-check the breaker’s amperage rating matches the circuit load and wiring gauge for safety compliance.

Maintenance Tips for Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount

Regular maintenance enhances breaker longevity and ensures reliable protection. Periodically inspect the breaker for signs of corrosion, particularly around terminals and mounting points, especially after exposure to saltwater environments.

Keep terminals clean using an approved electrical contact cleaner and tighten connections as needed. Test the breaker’s reset function occasionally by simulating a trip condition (if safe) or pressing the reset button after an actual trip.

• Clean salt deposits and moisture from breaker surfaces.
• Inspect wiring for fraying or damage regularly.
• Replace the breaker if it trips without overload or fails to reset properly.

Expert Advice and Pro Recommendations

Marine electrical professionals recommend pairing the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount with correctly sized wiring and quality panel components to maximize safety and system reliability. Always adhere to marine electrical code standards when installing and servicing breakers.

Label circuits clearly in the breaker panel for easier troubleshooting and maintenance. If upgrading from fuses, consider this breaker for its manual reset feature, which reduces maintenance hassle during sea voyages.

Buy now: Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount and use 5% off code WELCOME5 for savings.

Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Troubleshooting Guide

Understanding common issues with your breaker can save time and prevent electrical failures. If your breaker trips frequently, first verify if the circuit is overloaded. Excessive current draw, wiring shorts, or faulty equipment can cause this.

Check all connections for corrosion or looseness. Corroded terminals reduce current capacity and may cause overheating. Clean terminals and retighten connections if needed. If the breaker does not reset after tripping, it could be faulty and require replacement.

Regular system inspections prevent unexpected electrical problems during boating trips.

Why Choose Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Over Other Marine Breakers?

The Blue Sea 187-Series stands out due to its precise trip characteristics designed specifically for marine environments. Unlike generic circuit breakers, it offers enhanced corrosion resistance and vibration durability, which are critical in saltwater and rough boating conditions.

Its manual reset button simplifies onboard electrical troubleshooting, unlike fuse systems that require spare parts and replacement. The Blue Sea brand is widely trusted among marine professionals for its high-quality components and customer support.

For those looking for reliable, long-lasting circuit protection, the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp breaker is a superior option.

How to Select the Right Circuit Breaker Amperage for Your Boat

Choosing the correct amperage rating ensures circuit safety and minimizes nuisance trips. The breaker amperage should match or slightly exceed the maximum expected load current without exceeding the wiring gauge limits.

For loads near or below 80 amps, the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker is ideal. Larger loads require higher-rated breakers with compatible wiring. Consulting marine electrical professionals or resources helps ensure proper breaker sizing and system safety.

Cost and Durability Considerations for Marine Circuit Breakers

The upfront cost of the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker is justified by its extended lifespan and reduced maintenance compared to fuses. Investing in durable, marine-grade breakers reduces downtime and electrical failures in harsh environments.

Choosing quality breakers prevents costly damage to sensitive electronics and wiring, ultimately saving money and enhancing safety on your boat. Consider this breaker a valuable long-term investment for marine electrical system reliability.

Detailed FAQ Section

What voltage systems are compatible with the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker?

The Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker is designed for use in 12V and 24V DC marine electrical systems, which are the most common voltages on recreational and commercial boats. It is specifically engineered to operate safely and effectively within these voltage ranges, providing overload and short circuit protection that meets marine standards. It is not rated for use in AC systems or higher voltages, so ensure your electrical setup aligns with these parameters before installation.

Using the breaker outside its recommended voltage range can result in improper operation or damage to both the breaker and your electrical system. For unique or specialized applications, always consult the manufacturer or a marine electrical professional.

How do I properly size the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker for my boat?

Proper sizing of the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker depends on the maximum continuous current your electrical circuit is expected to carry. This breaker is rated to protect circuits drawing up to 80 amps, making it suitable for heavy loads like battery banks, large pumps, or winches.

Ensure the wiring connected to this breaker corresponds to the amperage rating, typically using wire gauges recommended by marine electrical codes (e.g., AWG size appropriate for 80 amps). Oversized breakers on small gauge wiring can cause overheating and pose fire hazards. When in doubt, consult marine wiring charts or a licensed marine electrician for correct sizing.

Is the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker easy to reset after a trip?

Yes, one of the key advantages of the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker is its manual reset feature. After the breaker trips due to an overload or short circuit, simply press the reset button to restore power without the need to replace fuses. This ease of reset is particularly beneficial during extended boating trips where replacing blown fuses may be inconvenient or impossible.

The reset button is designed to provide tactile feedback when pressed, ensuring that users can quickly identify and restore power after addressing the underlying cause of the trip.

What maintenance is required to keep the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker functioning optimally?

Maintaining the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker involves periodic inspection and cleaning. Marine environments expose electrical components to saltwater spray, humidity, and vibration, which can lead to corrosion and connection issues if left unchecked.

Regularly inspect terminals and mounting hardware for signs of corrosion. Use marine-safe electrical contact cleaner to remove deposits, and ensure all terminal screws are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Testing the breaker’s trip and reset function on a schedule helps detect any operational issues early. Replace the breaker if it trips unexpectedly or does not reset properly.

How does the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker improve safety over traditional fuses?

The Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker offers significant safety advantages over traditional fuses. Unlike fuses that permanently blow and require replacement, this breaker resets with a simple button press, reducing downtime and the need to carry spare parts.

Its precise trip curve reduces the risk of nuisance trips while effectively protecting wiring and equipment from overloads and shorts. Its marine-grade corrosion resistance and vibration durability make it far more reliable in harsh boating conditions than many fuse holders, which can degrade and cause poor electrical contacts over time. This translates to safer, more reliable electrical systems aboard your vessel.

Conclusion

The Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount is a durable, reliable, and user-friendly solution for protecting marine electrical systems. Its marine-grade materials, manual reset feature, and accurate trip protection make it indispensable for boat owners seeking dependable circuit safety.

Whether upgrading from fuses or replacing older breakers, the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp breaker offers superior corrosion resistance and easy maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing onboard electrical safety. Installing and maintaining this breaker according to recommended guidelines ensures smooth, trouble-free power delivery on your vessel.

Consider the Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker for your next marine electrical project to benefit from trusted, long-lasting circuit protection.

Special Offer

WELCOME5 – Get 5% off storewide at allboatsupplies.com

🚀 Instant Assistance: Need help selecting the right product? Drop your contact in the chatbox at the bottom right corner, and our expert team will reply within 30 minutes with the best product suggestion for your boat — including a ready-to-use checkout link. We’re fast, knowledgeable, and always here for your boating needs!

No more guesswork — just message us and get a personalized checkout link for your antifouling system, fast!

Explore Our Best-Selling Ultrasonic Antifouling Products:

Buy now

Blue Sea 187-Series 80 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Mount

Let us handle the hassle — expert support, quick replies, and smooth checkout. Your boat deserves the best.