new wiring on an old boat

[redmexican5081]

I've decided to replace the wiring on my new to me boat.  I got marine grade wiring, a master switch and a main fuse.  I am having some indecision about how to wire up the console.  The wiring I plan on removing all comes direct from the battery with inline fuses to each powered item.  The battery has about 8 wires coming off the positive terminal and I know I can do a cleaner install.

I am thinking it should go battery->main fuse->master switch>-fuse panel->dash switches->item needing power for lights, bilge, etc.  but I am unsure about the order of fuses vs switches.  I think fuses then switches on the chance a switch ever gets a ground short but am I correct? 

[Mjmj]

Your order is correct. 

Battery 

Fuse

Shut off switch

Fuse panel

Switches

 

I ran mine in a similar fashion but added a bus bar:

Battery 

Main shutoff

Fuse

Buss bar

Fuse panel 

Switches 

 

Let me know if this helps. 

[Arcs&sparks]

@Mjmj  what are you using the bus bar for if you used a fuse panel?  Multiple fuse panels?

 

The main over-current protection should be as close to the source as practical. Then the main switch.  

 

Redmexican, your order is correct.  

 

You can also use negative bus bars in locations where there is a lot of wiring,  and run a single oversized conductor back to your panel or battery if you please. 

 

If your our boat is aluminum do not use chassis ground like a trailer or vehicle-but do bond the chassis off of the (-) battery. 

[Mjmj]

8 hours ago, Arcs&sparks said:

@Mjmj  what are you using the bus bar for if you used a fuse panel?  Multiple fuse panels?

 

The main over-current protection should be as close to the source as practical. Then the main switch.  

 

Redmexican, your order is correct.  

 

You can also use negative bus bars in locations where there is a lot of wiring,  and run a single oversized conductor back to your panel or battery if you please. 

 

If your our boat is aluminum do not use chassis ground like a trailer or vehicle-but do bond the chassis off of the (-) battery. 

My bad, when typing flip flopped fuse and shut off. The bus bar is for 2 fuse panels ( I have a bunch of electronics at the bow) and 2 auto deploy anchors. I have all these items enclosed in an 8x8 waterproof electrical box, with the main shut off on top of the box, for easy access. I did tell him his order is correct.