Off-road power distribution

Off-road power distribution – DC switch panels and switching elements for motorhomes & expedition vehicles

Power distribution in a vehicle brings all loads of the 12 or 24 V system together at one switching point: lighting, water pump, cool box, heating, charging equipment and electronics. philippi supplies Series 200 circuit distributors, individual circuit breakers, switches and indicator lights as well as accessories for expanding existing installations. Developed and manufactured in Germany.

In brief: Every cable in a conversion must be protected according to its cross-section – not according to the power of the load. 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 once the cause has been fixed – no spare fuses in the glove box.

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 an E-T-A 3130 thermal rocker circuit breaker; the integrated indicator light shows whether the circuit is active. In the event of a short circuit, the rocker springs back to the off position and the light goes out – so the fault can be located at a glance.

The standard version is 10 A; 6 A, 16 A or 20 A are available on request. The circuit breakers have trip-free release: tripping in the event of a fault cannot be prevented by holding the rocker. Connection is at the rear via 6.3 mm flat receptacles, and a labelling sheet with self-adhesive labels is included.

Series 200 panels are designed for protected interior areas – living space, seat bench, cabinet front or switch cabinet, not for exposed mounting 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 extended with a second panel without replacing the first. Series 200 blank plates close areas reserved for later expansion.

Circuit breakers are available separately for fitting individual circuits, including a double-pole version for the STV 200 series from 6 A to 16 A. The range also includes rocker, toggle, push and momentary switches in various mounting sizes, indicator LEDs in 3 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm, and protective caps for rocker and toggle switches.

230 V protection in the vehicle

Vehicles with a shore power connection or inverter also need protection on the 230 V side. For this, the range includes miniature circuit breakers and circuit breakers for AC as well as 230 V indicator lights. Complete shore power units with RCBo residual current protection can be found under AC shore power units.

What makes up a complete vehicle power distribution?

Frequently asked questions about power distribution in vehicles

Which philippi switch panel fits a camper or panel van conversion?

The Series 200. It is designed for 12 V and 24 V systems in protected interior areas and is available in many configurations with up to 24 circuits. Each circuit has a thermal rocker circuit breaker with indicator light. The panels fit into a seat bench, cabinet front or switch cabinet; the number of circuits of each model is stated on its product page.

How do I choose the protection for each circuit?

According to the cross-section of the cable to be protected, not according to the power of the load. A circuit breaker that is too large no longer reliably protects the cable, while one that is too small trips during normal operation. Series 200 circuit breakers are available with 6 A, 10 A, 16 A and 20 A; the cable configurator determines the right value for the cross-section.

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

No. The thermal circuit breakers of the Series 200 spring into the off position in the event of overload or short circuit, and the indicator light goes out, so the affected circuit can be identified immediately. Once the cause has been fixed, it is reset by switching the rocker on again. No spare fuses are needed in the glove box.

Can I expand the system later?

Yes. All Series 200 panels have coordinated dimensions and can be assembled horizontally and vertically into a larger installation. A conversion that starts with six circuits simply gets a second panel later, without replacing the first. Until then, blank plates keep space free.

Are the switch panels suitable for mounting on the outside of the vehicle?

No. The Series 200 is intended for protected interior areas such as the living space, seat bench or switch cabinet. For outdoor locations or areas exposed to splash water, philippi offers the Series 700 with IP 66 protection and waterproof E-T-A 3131 rocker circuit breakers. It is available for 3 to 5 circuits.