Three series, three areas of application. The choice is not about the number of circuits – these are available in several stages in all series – but about the installation location, the expansion stage, and whether the system is intended to grow later.
Series 100: compact and simple
The Series 100 is the compact range for clear systems. It covers the area where a handful of circuits are to be switched and protected, without a monitoring level included.
Its advantage is the small footprint. It sits where there is no space for a large panel – in a narrow furniture front, in a small cabin, in a compact extension.
Important for planning: The Series 100 does not exclude later monitoring. If you have an existing panel of this series and want to monitor it centrally, you can supplement it with a separate monitor unit instead of replacing the entire panel – there are corresponding retrofit solutions for exactly this purpose.
Series 200: the modular main series
The Series 200 is the range for complete on-board electrical systems. It covers the widest range – from a few circuits to large distributors, single and double pole, with and without integrated monitor.
Its real characteristic is its modularity. The units of the series share the same width and can therefore be combined side by side to form a closed panel. A distributor, a double-pole distributor, a control panel – everything fits together to form a single surface, instead of consisting of mismatched devices.
This feature alone often makes the decision. Anyone planning a system consisting of several functional blocks will find a uniform appearance and uniform installation dimensions in this series.
Series 700: for outdoor use
The Series 700 is built for outdoor installation. It solves a problem that the other two series do not solve: the switch that is exposed to the weather.
The approach is to combine the switch and protection in a waterproof component. Instead of a simple on-off switch outside and a fuse somewhere in the protected interior, both are located in the same place. This not only saves wiring but also makes the assignment clear.
The series covers one to twelve circuits, and there are variants with a socket and with a voltmeter. The protection class is IP66, and the seal is included.
NoteThe rocker switches for Series 700 are ordered separately. There's a reason for this: it allows each circuit to be marked with the appropriate symbol. Therefore, when ordering the panel, the rocker switch list must be included – otherwise, the panel will be finished and cannot be labeled.
The decision in four questions
- Is the panel located outdoors? Then Series 700 – this question alone is decisive and takes precedence over all others.
- How much space is available? If space is tight and the system is simple, Series 100 is recommended.
- Should the panel consist of several blocks? Then Series 200 due to the uniform width.
- Should a monitor be integrated? This combination is found in Series 200.
Mixing series
Mixing series is normal and often correct. The typical case: Series 200 as the main distribution in the interior, Series 700 for the circuits that are operated outdoors – anchor light, deck lighting, socket in the cockpit.
What you don't mix is the surface itself. Two series next to each other on the same wall have different dimensions and different aesthetics. Where a closed panel is to be created, you stick to one series and supplement within it.
Before ordering
- Check installation dimensions, not external dimensions – including depth behind the front.
- Determine nominal currents per circuit. Circuit breakers are available in several stages.
- Order the rocker switches with Series 700. Otherwise, the labeling will be missing.
- Plan for reserves. A free circuit costs little, a subsequent modification costs a lot.
- Check for contiguous surface, if several units are to be placed side by side.
Typical errors
- Indoor panel mounted outdoors. Works for one season, then corrodes.
- Series mixed on one surface. Different dimensions, different aesthetics.
- Rocker switches forgotten. The most common ordering error for Series 700.
- No reserve. The first additional consumer would otherwise force a new panel.
- Installation depth not checked. Space behind the front is needed for cables and bending radius.
