question about switch panel and fuses

for folks doing 12v wiring, here are the most common units that they use.  both enclosures are listed to meet code.

depending on the size of the conductors, you may have trouble getting anything above 2awg into the breakers or potentially busbars.  these are the most popular choices, but not necessarily the best for your situation.

http://www.altestore.com/store/Enclosures-Electrical-and-Safety/Electrical-Enclosures/DisconnectLoad-Enclosures/AC-andor-DC/Square-D-QO612L100RB-Square-D-QO-Load-Center/p2579/

square D qo gear is rated for 12vdc as well as 120/240.  I believe that to use this enclosure for 6 circuits, you have to jumper over from what would have been two separate legs of 120.

http://www.altestore.com/store/Enclosures-Electrical-and-Safety/Electrical-Enclosures/DisconnectLoad-Enclosures/Dc/Outback-FlexWare-FW500-DC-breaker-enclosure/p5576/

with 8 small breaker slots, the outback enclosure is larger and more flexible in its implementation.  you will have to add a positive busbar, as i believe that it comes without one, assuming a jumper from the bottom of the large inverter disconnect circuit breaker that is used in typical off grid systems because of 2/0 and larger conductors and their 3/8ths lugs.

12v wiring is not that common anymore as a permanent code compliant solution.  issues such as voltage drop, large conductor sizes, listed equipment (light switches are a nightmare to find), and ability to have anybody but the installer work on it easily are the biggest challenges.

generally, I have found that by the time the time and expense of doing things correctly (code compliant) at the 12v dc level, the costs in time, money, effort, and efficiency, are more than made up for in creating a standard AC system with an inverter.  the wiring instantly becomes smaller, more standardized, and the ability of an electrician to work on the system in the installers absence increases substantially.  only in the smallest of systems (this one may apply) do we find that the 12v systems are the absolute win win.

hope that helps,

james
altE staff