Switch to Fit the Original Cape Dory AC Panels

[Paul D.]

Hello All,

I would like to cross a small job off of a very old list. It is moving the switch/breaker for the AC Battery charger from a DC panel to the AC panel. The existing push button breaker/switch for the fridge does not fit into the AC panel. I've wanted to get all the AC circuits onto the actual AC panel (Hello!) for a long time. If I can just get the right model switch I could do it in a few minutes.

The battery charger is a 20 amp model. I don't know the surge voltage on start up.

Does anyone know a brand of switch/breaker that would fit into the old Cape Dory AC panel? I believe I wouldn't need a button breaker as original if there was an appropriate circuit breaker built into to the switch. Bit maybe not. Any thoughts on how best to do this? I'd prefer not to buy a brand new panel and all the kit needed for a full replacement. Everything works well. Here is the panel.

[bottomscraper]

Since my later model CD has different style breakers this is only a guess but the push button breakers appear to be Carling "CLB" style. They can be found at Mouser Electronics (and lots of other places like Hamilton Marine). Here is a link to the data sheet:
http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/65/CLB-Serie ... 472343.pdf

Here is a link to the 5 amp version of the breaker on the Hamilton Marine site:
http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse. ... oCbVTw_wcB

The toggle switch looks rather generic. You may want to measure the size of the holes for both the breaker at the switch.

[tjr818]

Paul,
Your old panel should have a brand/Mfg name or number on it somewhere. Our original panel was manufactured by Bass, they are still in business and most helpful. We completely redid our AC panel earlier this year. I will try ti find the contact information that I know I have somewhere .

[joemerchant]

You can switch out the separate switch/breaker for the common combo breaker switches and put pilot lights in the other hole. It is also a good time to check the wiring. On our 86, they used solid core copper and it was pretty questionable with a lot of heat loss.

[tjr818]

I finally found the contact information for our old AC panel. We kept the panel, but added new breakers and an ELCI main breaker. Everything fit perfectly. Here is the contact info:

Colin Althen
Bass Products
P:860-585-7923
F:860-583-1421
435 Lake Ave
Bristol CT 06010

Calthen@bassproducts.com

[Paul D.]

Thanks all,

I am sure the DC fridge's push button switch was a PO install. Especially since it was on the AC panel. I'll contact Bass. I looked them up online and they seem to be pretty custom nowadays but should be able to recommend the right breaker. Good comments on this thread too.

Yeah, the original wiring behind the panel is not what I would call...Bristol. I think we could all agree that even if we love our boats beyond reasonable folly, we have to admit elections weren't Cape Dory's strong point. Mind you what non custom builder back then did do it right?

Besides, who needs a perfect boat when you have this board? I think we'd all get bored.