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Blue Sea 187-Series Panel Mount Thermal Circuit Breaker
Blue Sea 187-Series Panel Mount Thermal Circuit Breaker
40A 48V DC Max | SAE J1171 Ignition Protected | 5/16" (M8) Studs
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$180.18
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DESCRIPTION
Heavy-Duty 40A Switching and Overcurrent Protection for Marine and Off-Grid DC Systems
The Blue Sea Systems 187 Series (BS-7038B) is a robust, panel-mount 40A thermal circuit breaker engineered to deliver reliable overcurrent protection and manual circuit switching in a single, compact unit. Designed specifically for demanding DC electrical environments, this unit is rated for systems up to 48V DC maximum operating voltage, making it suitable for 12V, 24V, and 48V battery banks across marine vessels, caravans, 4WDs, and off-grid solar installations.
By integrating both switching and protection into one device, the 187 Series simplifies wiring layouts, reduces potential failure points, and saves valuable space on custom distribution panels. Unlike standard fuses that require replacement components after a fault event, this resettable DC circuit breaker allows for immediate system restoration once the underlying electrical issue is resolved.
SAE J1171 Ignition Protection and Trip-Free Safety
Safety in enclosed battery boxes and engine bays is critical. The BS-7038B meets strict SAE J1171 ignition protection requirements, meaning it is engineered to prevent internal sparks from igniting surrounding flammable gases. This makes it safe for installation aboard petrol-powered boats and within ventilated battery compartments.
To protect expensive cabling and downstream appliances from severe thermal damage, the breaker incorporates a mechanical trip-free design. In the event of a sustained overcurrent or short-circuit fault, the internal mechanism will trip open even if the actuator lever is physically held in the ON position. This mitigates the risk of operators accidentally overriding vital circuit protection during an active fault.
Engineered for Heavy-Gauge Cabling and Clean Panel Integration
Inferior circuit breakers often suffer from undersized terminals that create high-resistance hot spots when paired with large battery cables. The Blue Sea 187 Series addresses this with heavy-duty 5/16" (Approx. M8) terminal studs that support high-torque connections, ensuring minimal voltage drop and secure termination. Ample clearance is provided around the studs to accommodate heavy-gauge wire lugs without straining the housing.
From an installation perspective, the two-hole panel-mount configuration features recessed mounting holes for a clean, flush finish on dashboards or main distribution boards. The high-visibility yellow manual reset lever clearly indicates the current trip status at a glance and can be mounted vertically or horizontally to suit your specific panel layout.
Key Features and Benefits
- Dual-Function Design: Combines manual circuit switching and 40A thermal overcurrent protection into one integrated device.
- Wide Voltage Compatibility: Rated up to 48V DC maximum, supporting standard 12V, 24V, and 48V DC power systems.
- SAE J1171 Ignition Protected: Safe for installation in marine engine compartments and spaces aboard petrol-powered vessels.
- Trip-Free Mechanism: Cannot be manually held closed during an active fault-current condition, protecting wiring from thermal runaway.
- Heavy-Duty Terminals: Equipped with 5/16" (Approx. M8) studs with generous clearance to accept large-gauge cable lugs and high-torque fastening.
- Clear Status Indication: Large, high-visibility lever provides immediate visual confirmation of circuit status and allows easy manual tripping.
Application Considerations and Limitations
The Blue Sea 40A thermal breaker is well-suited for protecting main DC feeds, sub-panels, windlasses, stereo amplifiers, and high-draw auxiliary circuits in boats, camper trailers, and service vehicles. However, please note a critical operational exclusion: do not use this breaker as a regular manual switch where high inrush currents are expected, as repeated switching under heavy inductive or capacitive startup loads can prematurely wear the internal contacts.
Upgrade Your DC Circuit Protection
Ensure your marine, RV, or off-grid electrical system is protected against overcurrent faults with professional-grade hardware. Add the Blue Sea 187 Series 40A Panel-Mount Circuit Breaker to your setup today for dependable, resettable circuit control.
SKU: BS-7038B
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Thermal circuit breaker |
| Mounting / form factor | Panel mount |
| Ignition Protected | Yes |
| SKU: | BS-7038B |
| Model #: | BS-7038B |
| MPN: | BS-7038B |
| Package weight: | 0.42 kg |
| Package length: | 0.09 m |
| Package width: | 0.09 m |
| Package height: | 0.1 m |
WARRANTY
Blue Sea Warranty Policy
Blue Sea Systems products sold by us are supplied with a warranty against defects for the warranty period shown below, subject to the product type, application and the terms of this warranty policy.
The express warranty provided by us is limited to a maximum of 5 years from the original date of purchase, unless otherwise required under Australian Consumer Law.
Blue Sea Systems may offer longer manufacturer support on some products at their discretion
Warranty Lengths by Product Range
| Blue Sea Product Range | Warranty Length | Application / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most Blue Sea Systems Products | 5 years | Applies to most Blue Sea Systems products found to be defective in materials or manufacture. |
| P12 Battery Chargers | 5 years | Warranty period starts from the original date of purchase. |
| P12 Remote Displays | 5 years | Warranty period starts from the original date of purchase. |
| Digital Meters | 3 years | Warranty period starts from the original date of purchase. |
| Vessel System Monitors | 3 years | Warranty period starts from the original date of purchase. |
Warranty Assessment and Remedy
If a Blue Sea Systems product is found to be defective in materials or manufacture within the applicable warranty period, we will, at our discretion, arrange a repair, replacement, store credit or refund, depending on the nature of the fault and the requirements of Australian Consumer Law.
Products may need to be returned for assessment before a warranty claim can be approved. Where required, the product must be returned with dated proof of purchase and a clear description of the fault.
Labour costs for removing, replacing, reinstalling or diagnosing a product are not covered by this express warranty unless otherwise required under Australian Consumer Law.
Making a Warranty Claim
To make a warranty claim, please contact us with your dated proof of purchase, product details and a description of the fault.
The product may need to be returned for inspection before the claim can be assessed. If the product is confirmed to be faulty and covered by this warranty, we will advise the available remedy.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover
This warranty does not cover faults or damage caused by incorrect installation, incorrect application, misuse, abuse, neglect, unauthorised modification, accidental damage, normal wear and tear, environmental damage, or failure to use the product in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Incorrect installation or wiring
- Incorrect product selection or application
- Misuse, abuse or neglect
- Physical or accidental damage
- Water ingress or environmental damage outside the product's intended use
- Unauthorised modification or repair
- Normal wear and tear
- Labour costs for removal, replacement, reinstallation or diagnosis
- Freight, travel or call-out costs unless otherwise required by law
- Products not returned for assessment when reasonably required
Manufacturer Support
Blue Sea Systems may provide additional manufacturer support on some products beyond the warranty period listed above. Where available, we may assist customers in contacting the manufacturer, but any manufacturer support beyond the express warranty period is subject to the manufacturer's own terms and continued availability.
Australian Consumer Law
This warranty is in addition to other rights and remedies available at law. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
DOCUMENTS
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