Description
Blue Sea ELCI Main Breaker 50A 120/240V | Boat Supply Store
For vessels operating on 120/240V AC split-phase shore power, this 3-pole main circuit breaker integrates essential Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) functionality. It provides a 30mA leakage trip, significantly enhancing safety by detecting dangerous current imbalances to ground, a critical requirement for modern marine electrical systems. This breaker boasts a 5000A interrupt capacity, ensuring robust protection against severe overcurrent events, and meets stringent ABYC E-11 and UL 1500 standards. Its magnetic hydraulic design offers a trip-free mechanism, preventing nuisance tripping during initial startup surges on vessels navigating the Gulf Coast.
Key Features
- Integrated Ground Fault Protection: Delivers 30mA leakage trip for superior shock hazard mitigation.
- Dual Overcurrent and Leakage Protection: Complies with ABYC E-11 standards for comprehensive onboard safety.
- Ignition Protected: Meets UL 1500 requirements, crucial for installations in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- High Interrupt Capacity: Features a 5000A rating for robust protection against severe short circuits.
- Trip-Free Mechanism: Magnetic hydraulic design prevents manual resetting of a tripped breaker, ensuring safety.
- Whole Boat Shore Power Protection: Functions as the primary safety device for your AC shore power feed.
- Durable Construction: Designed for the demanding marine environment with a wide operating temperature range.
- Standard Front Panel Mount: Facilitates straightforward integration into existing or new electrical distribution panels.
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blue Sea Systems |
| Series | C-Series |
| Type | ELCI Main Circuit Breaker |
| Voltage | 120/240V AC |
| Amperage | 50A |
| Poles | 3 |
| Actuator Type | Flat Rocker |
| Interrupt Capacity | 5000A |
| Leakage Trip | 30mA |
| Protection Type | Magnetic Hydraulic |
| Mounting Style | Front Panel |
| Operating Temperature | -35°C to 66°C |
| Ignition Protected | Yes |
Who This Is For
Boat owners and marine electricians requiring a reliable main circuit breaker for 120/240V AC shore power systems. This breaker is specifically for those needing integrated ground fault and overcurrent protection to meet stringent safety standards like ABYC E-11.
How It Compares
| Feature | Blue Sea ELCI Main Breaker 50A 120/240V | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage | 50A | 30A, 50A |
| Voltage | 120/240V AC | 120V AC, 120/240V AC |
| Poles | 3 | 2, 2 |
| ELCI (Ground Fault Protection) | Yes (30mA) | Yes (30mA), No |
| Ignition Protected | Yes | Yes, Yes |
| Interrupt Capacity | 5000A | null, 5000A |
Common Concerns Answered
Is the higher cost of an ELCI breaker justified?
The enhanced safety provided by the 30mA ground fault protection in this ELCI breaker is paramount for preventing electrocution hazards, especially in wet marine environments. This critical safety feature, combined with compliance to rigorous standards like ABYC E-11, significantly outweighs the incremental cost over a non-ELCI breaker for peace of mind and regulatory adherence.
Is a 3-pole breaker overly complex for my boat's electrical system?
While a 3-pole configuration is standard for 120/240V split-phase systems, which use two hot legs, one neutral, and a ground, the installation complexity is manageable with proper understanding. The increased safety and compliance benefits of integrating this breaker as your main disconnect and ground fault protection are substantial for ensuring a safe electrical system.
Can I use a standard breaker if my boat doesn't have extensive electronics?
Even on vessels with minimal electronics, the risk of ground faults from damaged wiring, faulty appliances, or accidental immersion remains. This ELCI breaker offers critical protection against electric shock, a universal safety necessity for all boats connected to shore power, ensuring compliance with modern safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ELCI breaker and why is it important for boat shore power?
An ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter) breaker is a type of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) specifically designed for marine applications. It monitors the AC current flow and trips the circuit if it detects an imbalance between the hot and neutral conductors, indicating current leakage to ground. This is crucial for preventing electric shock, a significant hazard on boats due to constant exposure to water and conductive surfaces.
Does this Blue Sea Systems breaker meet ABYC E-11 standards?
Yes, this Blue Sea Systems C-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker is designed to meet the requirements of ABYC E-11 standards, which mandate specific overcurrent and ground fault protection for AC shore power systems on recreational boats.
Is this breaker ignition protected for use in engine compartments?
Yes, this breaker meets UL 1500 external ignition protection requirements, making it safe for installation in areas where flammable vapors may be present, such as engine compartments.
What is the interrupt capacity of the Blue Sea C-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker?
The Blue Sea C-Series ELCI Main Circuit Breaker has an interrupt capacity of 5000A, meaning it can safely interrupt a fault current of up to 5000 amps without sustaining damage.
What is the leakage trip current for this breaker?
This breaker features a leakage trip current of 30mA, which is the threshold at which it will trip to protect against ground faults and potential electric shock hazards.
