Description
Blue Sea ELCI Main Breaker 120V AC 30A Double Pole | Boat Supply Store
Safeguard your vessel's 120V AC electrical system with essential ground fault protection. This Blue Sea A-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker is engineered for critical marine applications, providing simultaneous switching of both hot and neutral conductors with a robust, trip-free, magnetic hydraulic mechanism. It features a 5000A interrupt capacity and is ignition protected, making it suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres common on offshore fishing vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Features
- ELCI Protection for superior ground fault safety
- Double Pole Design for simultaneous switching of hot and neutral conductors
- 30A Rating for common marine 120V AC loads
- Magnetic Hydraulic Trip ensures reliable operation across temperature variations
- Trip-Free Design prevents intentional or unintentional defeat of protection
- Ignition Protected for safe operation in hazardous environments
- Front Panel Mount for straightforward integration into electrical panels
- UL Listed for verified safety compliance
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blue Sea Systems |
| Series | A-Series |
| Type | ELCI Main Circuit Breaker |
| Poles | Double Pole |
| Voltage | 120V AC per pole |
| Amperage | 30A |
| Interrupt Capacity | 5000A |
| Trip Mechanism | Magnetic Hydraulic |
| Design | Trip-Free |
| Protection | ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter) |
| Mounting | Front Panel |
| Ignition Protected | Yes |
| Safety Certification | UL Listed |
Who This Is For
Boat owners and marine electricians requiring robust and compliant main circuit protection for 120V AC systems, including shore power and generator inputs. This breaker is essential for vessels needing enhanced safety against ground faults in demanding marine environments.
How It Compares
| Feature | Blue Sea ELCI Main Breaker 120V AC 30A Double Pole | Blue Sea Systems 3105100 A |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage | 30A | 30A, 30A |
| Poles | 2 | 1, 2 |
| Max Voltage (per pole) | 240VAC/120VAC | 120VAC, 125VAC |
| ELCI Protection | Yes | Yes, Yes |
| Ignition Protected | Yes | Yes, Unknown |
Common Concerns Answered
Are there any common issues with Blue Sea ELCI breakers?
While generally reliable, occasional challenges can arise in sourcing specific amperage ratings or pole configurations. However, the robust build and essential safety features, like ELCI protection, are widely praised by users.
Why is this breaker more expensive than standard home breakers?
Marine-grade components like this Blue Sea ELCI breaker are constructed with materials and undergo testing specifically for the corrosive and demanding marine environment, ensuring longevity and safety far beyond standard residential breakers. The integrated ELCI protection is a critical safety feature that significantly increases the cost but is vital for preventing electrical shock hazards on a boat.
Is finding specific configurations difficult?
While some users have noted occasional difficulties in sourcing particular amperage or pole configurations, the value proposition of enhanced safety and compliance with this product typically outweighs such minor sourcing challenges for critical boat electrical systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ELCI breaker and why is it important for marine applications?
An ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter) breaker is designed to detect and interrupt small ground fault currents that could pose a risk of electric shock. In a marine environment, where water and conductive surfaces are prevalent, ELCI protection is critical for preventing electrocution hazards associated with AC electrical systems.
What is the difference between a single pole and a double pole breaker?
A single-pole breaker controls a single circuit and switches only the hot conductor. A double-pole breaker controls two circuits simultaneously or a single circuit that requires both hot and neutral conductors to be switched, as is common in 120V AC marine systems. This Blue Sea breaker is double-pole, ensuring both conductors are disconnected for complete circuit isolation.
Can this breaker be used for shore power and generator applications?
Yes, this double-pole 120V AC 30A ELCI main circuit breaker is suitable for managing power from both shore connections and onboard generators, providing essential ground fault protection for either source.
What is the interrupt capacity of this breaker?
This Blue Sea Systems A-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker features an interrupt capacity of 5000A, indicating its ability to safely interrupt fault currents up to this level without sustaining damage.
Is this breaker ignition protected?
Yes, this breaker is ignition protected, meaning it is designed to prevent the ignition of surrounding flammable gases or vapors. This feature is crucial for safe operation in engine compartments or other areas where explosive atmospheres may be present on a vessel.
