Blue Sea 285-Series Surface Mount Thermal Circuit Breaker
Blue Sea 285-Series Surface Mount Thermal Circuit Breaker
SAE J1171 Ignition Protected, M8 Studs & Manual Push-to-Trip Button

DESCRIPTION
Heavy-Duty DC Circuit Protection and Switching for Marine, 4WD, and Off-Grid Systems
The Blue Sea 285 Series Surface-Mount Circuit Breaker delivers robust thermal circuit protection and manual switching in a single, compact unit. Engineered specifically for demanding marine, automotive, and off-grid electrical environments, this heavy-duty DC circuit breaker safeguards your critical wiring and high-draw appliances from dangerous current overloads and short circuits.
In mobile and marine power setups, electrical faults can quickly lead to damaged equipment or fire hazards. Unlike basic single-use fuses that require replacement spares whenever an overload occurs, the 285 Series thermal breaker allows you to quickly identify a tripped circuit and restore power once the fault is resolved. Its dual-function design means it also serves as a convenient master disconnect switch for isolating battery banks, DC distribution panels, inverters, or winches during maintenance and storage.
Key Features and Benefits
- Dual-Function Operation: Combines reliable thermal overload circuit protection with manual on/off switching in one streamlined housing.
- SAE J1171 Ignition Protected: Safe for installation aboard petrol-powered boats, engine bays, and enclosed battery compartments where explosive vapour risks may exist.
- Visual Status Indication: Features a high-visibility yellow manual reset lever that clearly shows when the circuit has tripped, allowing for rapid troubleshooting.
- Manual Trip Button: A dedicated red push-to-trip button enables immediate manual circuit interruption for emergency shutdowns or routine system testing.
- Heavy-Duty M8 Stud Terminals: Equipped with sturdy M8 terminal studs and nuts to ensure low-resistance, secure connections with heavy-gauge battery lugs.
- Integrated Terminal Covers: Captive insulating rubber caps fit directly over the exposed studs to help prevent accidental short circuits from dropped tools or loose wiring.
- Simple Surface Mounting: Integral mounting holes allow for straightforward installation onto flat bulkheads, firewalls, and custom power boards without requiring large panel cut-outs.
Engineered for Safety in Harsh Environments
When working with high-current DC systems, component reliability is critical. Lower-tier breakers often suffer from high internal resistance, nuisance tripping in warm engine bays, or exposed terminals that pose a constant short-circuit risk. The Blue Sea Systems 285 Series mitigates these risks with precision thermal calibration and built-in protective terminal boots.
Compliance with SAE J1171 external ignition protection standards ensures that any internal arcing during a high-current trip is fully contained within the housing. This makes it an essential safety upgrade for marine vessels, camper trailers, and 4WD canopies where LPG cylinders or fuel lines may be located near electrical distribution hubs.
Ideal Applications
Thanks to its surface-mount form factor and robust M8 stud connections, this thermal breaker integrates seamlessly into a wide range of DC electrical architectures:
- Main circuit protection for auxiliary battery systems in 4WDs, caravans, and RVs
- Marine house and start battery circuit isolation and overload protection
- Protecting high-amperage accessories such as DC-DC chargers, windlasses, bow thrusters, and hydraulic pumps
- Serving as a safe, accessible isolation switch for off-grid solar charge controllers and small inverters
Upgrade Your DC Circuit Safety
Protect your high-current wiring and simplify your electrical layout with a breaker built for tough Australian conditions. Add the Blue Sea 285 Series Surface-Mount Circuit Breaker to your system build today for dependable thermal protection and effortless circuit isolation.
SKU: BS-7180B
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Thermal circuit breaker |
| Mounting / form factor | Surface mount |
| Ignition protected | Yes |
| Standards / compliance | SAE J1171 |
| SKU: | BS-7180B |
| Model #: | BS-7180B |
| MPN: | BS-7180B |
| Package weight: | 0.24 kg |
| Package length: | 0.09 m |
| Package width: | 0.09 m |
| Package height: | 0.09 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.

