Red Button in Bilge

[Capt Tom]

What exactly is this red button inboard of the battery switch for? I always assumed it was an emergency cut off switch but not 100% sure. Thanks

 

[SkunkBoat]

That is the infamous 40Amp red button breaker for your entire 12V system...evrything on the dash....lights, horn, electronics...
Those breakers suck. You can't turn it off. It just sits there until it rusts and fails.

Change it to a trip-able breaker like a Bussman 185 style or MRCB (Marine Resettable Circuit Breaker)

 

[DennisG01]

Yup (to the above). They generally last a long time, but it's better to be proactive.

 

[Capt Tom]

That is the infamous 40Amp red button breaker for your entire 12V system...evrything on the dash....lights, horn, electronics...
Those breakers suck. You can't turn it off. It just sits there until it rusts and fails.

Change it to a trip-able breaker like a Bussman 185 style or MRCB (Marine Resettable Circuit Breaker)

Thanks a lot for that info. Now I know.

 

[eppem]

Replace it!

 

[Parthery]

As others have said, swap it out. It will fail at the absolutely utmost inconvenient time.

 

[DoctorOctopus]

That is the infamous 40Amp red button breaker for your entire 12V system...evrything on the dash....lights, horn, electronics...
Those breakers suck. You can't turn it off. It just sits there until it rusts and fails.

Change it to a trip-able breaker like a Bussman 185 style or MRCB (Marine Resettable Circuit Breaker)

would everyone here recommend staying with 40A? I see mine just cracked off it's mounting position and would like to replace today!

(P.S. the 185 circuit breaker has been replaced by the 285)
is this it or should I go to 50?

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7082/285-Series_Circuit_Breaker_-_Panel_Mount_40A

 

[seasick]

You can't just use a higher capacity breaker since the factory wiring was most likely sized for 40 amps. Overloading the wiring could result in a fire.

 

[SkunkBoat]

40A. The other choice is a 187 style MRCB.

 

[DennisG01]

Yup. Stick with 40a. The assumption is you've had no problems with that breaker tripping so there's no reason to upsize. Besides, as pointed out, you'd have to first check the the circuit and compare that to a chart for amperage vs wire size vs wire run.

Breakers/fuses on a boat, like in a home, are there to protect the WIRING - not the end accessory.