Circuit breaker series 187 - Panel mount 120 A

A 'trip-free' circuit breaker is designed to open automatically in the event of an overload or short circuit, even if the operator attempts to hold the lever in the closed position. This feature is critical because it prevents manually maintaining the circuit closed in the presence of a fault, thereby ensuring continuous protection of equipment and the electrical system. This significantly enhances safety on board, especially in a marine environment where risks are heightened.

The main function of this circuit breaker is to protect high-current marine electrical circuits from damage caused by overloads and short circuits. It acts as a safety switch that automatically cuts power when the current exceeds its rated capacity of 120 A, thereby preventing fire hazards and failures of connected equipment.

This circuit breaker has a rated current of 120 A. It is specifically designed for high-current demanding applications in a marine environment. It is ideal for protecting main power lines, inverters, bow thrusters, and other equipment requiring robust and reliable protection.

The Series 187 circuit breaker features a manual reset function. After a trip caused by an overload or short circuit, locate and resolve the issue, then flip the breaker lever to the 'ON' position to restore power. No fuse replacement is required.

Selecting a thermal circuit breaker like the 187 series offers several advantages over traditional fuses. First, it is manually resettable, eliminating the need to carry spare fuses and allowing quick restoration after an event. Second, its 'trip-free' design ensures continuous protection. Finally, its robustness is suited to marine environments, providing superior reliability.

Ignition protection means the circuit breaker is designed not to emit sparks capable of igniting combustible vapors or gases in the air. This feature is absolutely essential and even mandatory for installations in the engine compartments of gasoline-powered boats, reducing the risk of explosion from sparks. It ensures increased safety on board.

This circuit breaker is specifically designed for the marine environment. Its robust design and safety features, such as ignition protection, make it perfectly suited to the demanding conditions encountered on boats, including humidity, vibrations, and temperature variations.

Reliable protection against overloads and short circuits.Manual reset, eliminating the need for spare fuses.Trip-free design for enhanced safety.Ignition protection, essential for gasoline engine compartments.Panel mounting for optimal integration and accessibility.Rugged design suited to the marine environment.

Although the Blue Sea 187 series circuit breaker is specifically designed and optimized for the marine environment, with features such as ignition protection, it can technically be used in other 12V or 24V DC applications requiring robust 120 A protection. However, its specifications are particularly advantageous and often required for safety in nautical environments.

The circuit breaker protects equipment by detecting excessive currents that could damage it. When an overload or short circuit occurs and the current exceeds the 120 A limit, the breaker's internal thermal mechanism trips and opens the circuit, instantly cutting off the power supply. This prevents components from being exposed to destructive currents, extending their lifespan and avoiding failures.

The 187 series circuit breaker is designed for panel mounting. This means it is recessed into a cutout made in an electrical panel or control panel. Once the cutout is made, the circuit breaker is inserted and typically secured using screws or clips (mounting hardware not specified but standard for this type of product) to ensure a solid attachment and a clean, accessible finish.

For installing a panel-mounted circuit breaker, you will typically need basic electrical and mounting tools. This includes tools for cutting the panel (hole saw or jigsaw), screwdrivers (flat and/or Phillips) for terminals and mounting, wire strippers and crimping pliers for cables, as well as a multimeter to check connections.

The best place to install this circuit breaker is in an electrical panel or control panel that is accessible, where it is both protected from direct elements (saltwater, excessive splashing) and easily visible and reachable for quick resets if needed. For applications in engine compartments, its ignition protection makes it safe to install in these areas, provided it is physically protected.

To connect the cables, first strip the end of each cable to the appropriate length. Then insert the cables into the circuit breaker terminals and secure them firmly using the clamping screws. It is crucial to ensure that the connections are clean, secure, and correctly oriented (input/output) to avoid excessive resistance or loosening due to vibrations in a marine environment.

Yes, wiring in a marine environment must be done carefully. It is recommended to use marine-grade cables, tinned to resist corrosion. Connections should be secure, preferably crimped and sealed with heat-shrink tubing to protect against moisture. Cable size must be suitable for the 120 A current and circuit length to minimize voltage drops and overheating risks.

Yes, Blue Sea Systems 187 series circuit breakers are generally designed to be compatible with a wide range of common DC voltages used in marine applications, including 12V DC and 24V DC systems. They can even support voltages up to 48V DC, making them highly versatile for various boat configurations.

No, the Blue Sea 187 series circuit breaker is specifically designed for direct current (DC) systems. It is not suitable or certified for use with alternating current (AC) systems. Attempting to use it in an AC circuit could result in incorrect operation, damage to the circuit breaker, or a safety hazard.

This 120 A circuit breaker is highly recommended for marine applications with high power consumption where reliable protection is essential. This includes protection of main distribution circuits, high-power inverters, bow thrusters, windlasses, high-capacity bilge pumps, or any other equipment drawing high current and requiring overload and short-circuit protection.

Yes, as a Blue Sea Systems product, this circuit breaker is designed to integrate seamlessly with the brand’s extensive range of marine electrical equipment, such as busbars, distribution panels, and battery monitoring systems. It is part of a product ecosystem designed to work together to create complete and reliable marine electrical installations.

Yes, the 187 series circuit breaker is specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine climate conditions. Its robust design ensures reliable operation in the face of humidity, temperature variations, vibrations, and exposure to salt air, providing long-lasting performance aboard vessels.