Marine power distribution

Marine Power Distribution – DC Switch Panels and 230 V Shore Power Technology for Yachts & Boats

Onboard power distribution consists of two separate networks: the 12 or 24 V DC network for lights, navigation, pumps, and electronics, and the 230 V AC network for shore power, generator, and inverter. philippi supplies the central switching point for both sides – circuit distributors from the 100, 200, and 700 series, as well as standard-compliant AC shore power connection and switching units. Developed and manufactured in Germany.

Brief explanation: On a boat, the DC and AC sides must be cleanly separated, each wire fused according to its cross-section, and each circuit individually switchable. philippi switch panels use thermal circuit breakers instead of fuses: after a short circuit, the circuit is simply switched back on after the cause has been remedied – no tools, no replacement fuse.

DC Side: Circuit Distributors from Series 100, 200, and 700

philippi DC switch panels consolidate all consumer circuits of the onboard network at one location. Each circuit receives a thermal circuit breaker and an indicator light that shows the operating status. Three product ranges cover different installation situations:

• Series 100 – compact panels with E-T-A 1140 circuit breakers (standard 8 A) and push-button reset. For smaller boats and sub-distributions.
• Series 200 – the main switch panel for sailing yachts and motorboats. Rocker circuit breakers E-T-A 3130 (standard 10 A, alternatively 6 A, 16 A, or 20 A), connection via flat receptacles 6.3 mm, up to 24 circuits, SKZ labeling sheet included.
• Series 700 – the only series for outdoor use. Waterproof rocker circuit breakers E-T-A 3131 with IP 66 protection and LED night illumination, 3 to 5 circuits, ignition-protected for boats with gasoline engines. The rocker switches are ordered separately with laser-engraved symbols, UV and saltwater resistant.

Series 100 and Series 200 are combinable and expandable horizontally and vertically due to coordinated dimensions; blank panels supplement existing panels.

Aluminum and Steel Ships: Double-Pole Version

On hulls made of aluminum or steel, the hull must not serve as a return conductor. For these ships, the Series 200 circuit distributors are available in a double-pole version with the designation STVxxx-2p. Both poles are switched and fused, enabling galvanic isolation from the hull. The 2p models have the same dimensions as the single-pole ones and can be combined with them as desired.

AC Side: Shore Power Connection, Switching, and Grid Monitoring

For the 230 V side, DIN EN ISO 13297 requires a double-pole miniature circuit breaker and a residual current device with a 30 mA tripping current. philippi uses combined RCBo circuit breakers for this purpose, which unite personal protection, overload, and short-circuit protection in one device.

The marine range includes shore power connection units LAE for one input source – as panel mount, in a splash-proof plastic housing, or in the panel mount format of Series 200 – as well as automatic switching units LAU for onboard networks with multiple sources. The LAU units measure the input voltage and only switch to the onboard network when the nominal voltage is stable; a generator is therefore only connected after it has started up. The AC side is supplemented by the LAR grid control panel and measuring instruments for voltage, current, temperature, and operating hours.

Refit and Custom Manufacturing

In addition to the standard product range, philippi manufactures switch panels completely according to customer specifications: equipment, ampere values, dimensions, integrated battery, tank, and P-Bus monitors, sockets, labeling language, and single or double-pole version. For Bavaria yachts, pre-assembled refit panels are also available, which dimensionally replace the original panel.

DC Series Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions about Onboard Power Distribution

Which philippi switch panel is suitable for the cockpit?

Only the Series 700 is suitable for the cockpit. With IP 66 protection it is the only philippi series for outdoor use; it has waterproof E-T-A 3131 rocker circuit breakers with LED night illumination and is ignition-protected for boats with petrol engines. Series 100 and Series 200 are designed for protected interior areas, for example at the chart table.

Which switch panel do I need for an aluminium or steel boat?

The double-pole version of the Series 200, identified by the designation STVxxx-2p. It switches and fuses the positive and negative pole of every circuit, so the hull never serves as a return conductor and galvanic isolation is maintained. The 2p panels have the same dimensions as the single-pole ones and can be combined with them.

Which standard applies to shore power connections on boats?

For the 230 V side, DIN EN ISO 13297 applies. It requires double-pole circuit protection, so that the circuit is safely disconnected even if the conductors at the dock socket are reversed, and a residual current device with a 30 mA tripping current for personal protection. philippi shore power units meet both with combined RCBo circuit breakers in one device.

What is the difference between LAE and LAU?

LAE units are designed for exactly one input source, usually shore power from the dock, and are available for panel mounting, in a splash-proof housing or in the Series 200 format. LAU units switch automatically between several sources such as shore power, generator and inverter, and only release a source once its nominal voltage is stable.

Do I have to replace a fuse after a short circuit?

No. philippi switch panels use thermal circuit breakers instead of fuses. If a circuit trips, first remedy the cause and then switch it back on: on the Series 100 by pressing the red reset button, on Series 200 and 700 by switching the rocker on again. No tools or spare fuses are needed.

Can I combine several panels?

Yes. The dimensions of Series 100 and 200 are coordinated, so panels can be assembled horizontally and vertically into one installation. If loads are added later, another panel is simply attached; blank panels close any free space. The double-pole 2p panels also fit into this grid.