12V DC Distro Panel — Quick Start
SB50 main feed • Fused Powerpole branches • USB-C PD 100W • Common negative with shunt.
Ports & Legend
- SB50 IN — from fused 12 V source
- MASTER — panel ON/OFF (breaker/toggle)
- +BUS / −BUS — internal distribution
- FUSE BLOCK — 5–30 A per branch
- POWERPOLE — keyed, check polarity labels
- USB-C PD — up to 100 W (20 V × 5 A)
- METER/SHUNT — volts/amps, all returns after shunt
Start / Stop
- Inspect cables & fuses; vents clear.
- Connect SB50 IN to fused source.
- Switch MASTER ON.
- Verify voltage on meter (≈12.8–13.4 V LiFePO₄).
- Plug loads to Powerpoles/USB-C one at a time.
Shutdown: unplug loads → MASTER OFF → disconnect SB50.
Fuse & Wire (quick)
| Branch | Fuse | Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Router/LTE/AP | 5–10 A | 16–14 AWG |
| LED bars (2×) | 10–15 A | 14 AWG |
| Cooler/Comp. | 20–30 A | 12–10 AWG |
| 12 V pump | 15–20 A | 14–12 AWG |
| USB-C PD 100 W | 10 A | 14–12 AWG |
Fuse protects the wire (and device). Keep runs short; target ≤3% drop.
Limits & Indicators
- Total continuous panel current: ≤ 60 A
- Branch current ≤ branch fuse & wire ampacity
- USB-C 100 W requires E-Marker cable
- Warm connector = poor crimp or undersized wire
If meter shows 0 A with loads: returns bypassed shunt — re-land negatives after shunt.
Wiring Snapshot
Batt + → [60–80A FUSE @ source] → SB50 IN → MASTER → +BUS → [FUSE BLOCK] → Branches
Batt − ──────────────────────────────────────→ (SHUNT) → −BUS → Branch returns
+BUS → (10A) → USB-C PD 100W | −BUS → USB-C PD return
Do Not
- No reverse polarity on SB50/Powerpoles
- No bypassing fuses or oversizing fuses past wire rating
- No AC backfeed — this panel is DC only
Emergency
- Smell/smoke/overheat → MASTER OFF
- Disconnect SB50 at source
- Let cool; inspect lugs, fuses, polarity
Full guide & specs: gamerzcrave.com/dc-panel (QR here)