Off-road power distribution

Off-Road Power Distribution – DC Switch Panels and Switching Elements for RVs & Expedition Vehicles

In-vehicle power distribution brings together all 12-V or 24-V on-board network consumers at one switching point: lighting, water pump, cooler, heating, charging technology, and electronics. For this purpose, philippi supplies Series 200 circuit distributors, individual circuit breakers, switches and indicator lights, as well as accessories for extending existing systems. Developed and manufactured in Germany.

Brief explanation: Every cable in the conversion must be fused according to its cross-section – not according to the power of the consumer. A switch panel does both in one place: it switches the circuit and protects it. philippi uses thermal rocker circuit breakers for this. After a short circuit, the circuit is simply switched back on after the cause has been remedied – without a spare fuse in the glove compartment.

Series 200 – the Switch Panel for Vehicle Conversions

The core of the off-road range is the philippi Series 200. Each circuit is switched and protected by a thermal rocker circuit breaker of the E-T-A 3130 series; the integrated indicator light shows whether the circuit is active. In the event of a short circuit, the rocker returns to the off position and the light goes out – the fault is thus located at a glance.

The 10 A version is standard, with 6 A, 16 A or 20 A available on request. The circuit breakers have an uninfluenced fault trip: tripping in the event of a fault cannot be prevented by holding down the rocker. Connection is made from the rear via 6.3 mm flat plug-in connectors, and a labeling sheet with self-adhesive labels is included.

The Series 200 panels are designed for protected indoor areas – i.e., for living spaces, bench seats, cabinet fronts, or control cabinets, not for open attachments on the outside of the vehicle.

Retrofitting and Expanding

Because all Series 200 models have coordinated dimensions, they can be combined horizontally and vertically. A conversion that starts with six circuits can later be supplemented with a second panel without having to replace the first. Blank panels of Series 200 cover areas that are reserved for a later expansion.

Circuit breakers are available separately for equipping individual circuits, including a two-pole version for the STV 200 series with 6 A to 16 A. In addition, the program includes rocker, toggle, push, and momentary switches in various installation dimensions, control LEDs in 3 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm, as well as protective caps for rocker and toggle switches.

230-V Protection in the Vehicle

Vehicles with shore power connection or inverter additionally require protection on the 230-V side. For this purpose, the range includes circuit breakers and protective switches for AC voltage as well as indicator lights for 230 V. Complete shore power units with RCBo residual current protection can be found in the AC Shore Power Units section.

What Belongs to a Complete Vehicle Power Distribution?

Frequently Asked Questions about In-Vehicle Power Distribution

Which philippi switch panel fits into a camper or panel van conversion? The Series 200. It is designed for 12-V and 24-V on-board networks in protected indoor areas and is available in numerous expansion stages; the number of circuits is listed on the respective product page.

How do I select the protection per circuit? According to the cross-section of the cable to be protected, not according to the power of the consumer. A fuse that is too large no longer reliably protects the cable. The Series 200 circuit breakers are available in 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, and 20 A.

Do I have to replace a fuse after a short circuit? No. The thermal circuit breakers are reset by switching the rocker back on after the cause has been remedied. Spare fuses are not required.

Can I expand the system later? Yes. All Series 200 panels have coordinated dimensions and can be combined horizontally and vertically to form a larger system. Blank panels keep space free for later circuits.

Are the switch panels suitable for installation on the outside of the vehicle? No. The Series 200 is intended for protected indoor areas. For outdoor installation locations, philippi offers the waterproof Series 700 with IP 66 protection.

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