DC distribution panel not working

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Steffins

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Joined
Apr 28, 2022
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6
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 S
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2923A010
Vessel Name
Pronto
MMSI Number
316029619
Hello, we had a “spark” from an unused accessory electrical connector in the cabinet behind the nav panel. We were investigating an issue with our autopilot not being able to connect. After the spark, the windlass and head tripped but no fuses seem to be blown. Our DC distribution in its entirety (wipers, nav lights etc.) are now not functioning. Curiously, our autopilot is now functional. Any insights appreciated! Thanks. R29S-Pronto
 
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Hello Steffins,

You actually have a fuse dedicated to this dc panel. Should be right behind the dash as well. Just curious have you tried to also reset the resettable breakers just above the rocker switches? Also I would definitely try to find what cause the spark, that’s just not normal, maybe something you have stowed behind here?

Hope this helps,

Thank you,
 
IvanGuzman":3apst7jf said:
Hello Steffins,

You actually have a fuse dedicated to this dc panel. Should be right behind the dash as well. Just curious have you tried to also reset the resettable breakers just above the rocker switches? Also I would definitely try to find what cause the spark, that’s just not normal, maybe something you have stowed behind here?

Good info - let me add that if it were me I'd be smelling for that telltale burnt electric smell as well as looking for any signs of burning, shorting, and items that have loosened and foreign items.

CJ
 
I would be inspecting every 12V connection at the distribution panel. Check all the high amp connections windlass and head. A spark indicates a arc most times there is a arc a spark is present. Most cases this is caused by a loose connection which causes high resistance and increases amperage. This may have caused the main fuse to burn. Replace the fuse will only fix the issue temporarily. Finding the reason for the high amperage draw will fix the issue. I would check every connection in the forward panel Battery+ and grounds check every connection. When owning my Cutwater I had many loose connections at the panel terminals. I found this in both AC and DC panels. I advise everyone to put this on your yearly inspection list. I would advise Fluid Motion to put this on the pre-delivery inspection list. Loose electrical connections is a fire hazard. When I hear someone say they heard a arc or had a spark from an electrical connection to me that indicates a bad connection.

This is what a arc looked like in my AC panel. I was lucky I did not have a fire. This was caused by loose connections.

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The photos are not good, the site photos are slowly getting worse. The connections in the panel were loose and as you can see from the green dust at the connections there was arcing. Eventually the resistance got to the point where the heat generated from the loose connections burned the insulation.It ever tripped the breaker which bothered me. I rewired the panel and tightened all connections. The boat was 4 years in service when I found this. I had found many other connections loose when I did the full survey of the electrical system. I advise a connection inspection by all. The connections could have been tightened by the factory but heat from high draw can cause expansion the it cools. Then add some vibration connections can loosen.
 
Thank you all. We do not have anything stored in the electrical cabinet. The culprit (arc) was from an unused accessory connector. We are pretty sure that the electrical cabinet is per factory standard but we are the third owner so not certain. We had checked all the fuses but on further inspection (with a better flashlight) it turns out the “switch panel” fuse was blown. It was dark green so hard to see. We were also looking for “DC panel”. We did check all other connections to ensure that they were secure. Thank you for the direction!
 
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