Introducing the Power Center 8
Size (not including mounting ears): 81mm x 58 mm x 30mm (3 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 1 1/8") - (l/w/h)
Specifications and Features: - Installation Page Here. PDF Install File Here.
- 4 threaded insert nuts provide case mounting and fuse panel installation mounting points
- comes with an assortment of 8 ATM fuses, one for each output circuit
- 2 unswitched circuits, 6 switched circuits, 8 ground outputs (Switched circuits are turned off when the bike is shut down. An unswitched circuit is always hot - can be used for charging the battery.)
- takes ATM mini blade fuses for compactness
- maximum fuse panel capacity 60 Amps (40A/20A - switched/unswitched)
- maximum circuit capacity 20 Amps (15A continuous)
- maximum output wire size 12 AWG (3 sqmm)
- all hardware (except input posts which are tin plated steel) is stainless steel
- black satin polycarbonate cover makes unit splash-proof yet allows it to breathe
- cover mounting tabs on each end can be broken off or left on, depending on mounting choice
- simple robust design means no overheating and no problems with vibration
- I designed this fuse panel with ease of mounting a priority. Therefore there are many mounting options: Dual Lock on back of case, fine threaded screws from back of panel, self tapping screws from inside through PCB inserts to panel, or nuts and screws on the case mounting ears at each end of the case. See further down this page for optional mounting accessory choices. I used 2 machine screws on opposite corners of the mounting tabs for my VStrom installation.
Faqs:
1 - Why not give it more unswitched circuits?
- answer: In my experience I feel 2 is enough
2 - Why not give a choice of placing each fuse either switched or unswitched?
- answer: I feel this is not a good idea. It allows possible over capacity of the unswitched circuits by the customer, and could create a possible unbalanced or overload situation. (see #1)
3 - Why not put a relay onboard?
- answer: I feel an external relay is better because it's easier to mount, makes the fuse panel smaller, and is easily replaceable.
4 - Why bother with expensive insert nuts, why not just use machine screws to mount?
- answer: I feel the threaded insert nuts give great flexibility and solidity to the case mounting and install mounting. Different length screws can allow mounting on different thickness of panels.
5 - Why not just put on a stainless steel top cover instead of an expensive two piece moulded poly carbonate cover?
- answer: I feel it's important to cover the bottom of the PCB board for protection and moisture resistance. The fuse panel is splash-proof and the PCB board is securely protected from intrusions etc.
PC-8 Fuse Panel Only
Below is the hardware that comes with each PC-8 - now includes one 2A fuse.
NEW LOWER PRICE!
PC-8 Relay Kits are available separately here. This is the same Kit as the Centech AP-2 Kit. In other words if you have an AP-2 currently installed, you can simply replace it with a PC-8.
PC-8 and 30A Relay Kits: - Installation Page Here. PDF Install File Here.
18" (40cm) Kit shown above
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NEW- Special extra long Kit for FJR - >
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Kit length is from battery POS to fuse panel.
Below is the hardware that comes with each PC-8 - now includes one 2A fuse..
When you buy the complete PC-8 and Relay Kit, the shrinktube, sleeve, and terminals are pre-installed on the Kit.
PC-8 and 30A Relay Kit Short: - Installation Page Here. PDF Install File Here.
Shortening the main fuseholder puts everything as close as possible to the battery. This Kit comes with PC-8, fuses, cable ties, and everything else you need for installation.
Battery POS to PC-8 - 8" (20 cm)
Battery NEG to PC-8 - 14" (35 cm)
PC-8 and 50A Relay Kits: - Installation Page Here. PDF Install File Here.
This Kit uses two main fuseholders to give you a total capacity of 50A. 12 AWG input wire is used on the switched circuits for 30A, and a 14 AWG input wire is used on the unswitched circuits for 20A. The main ground wire is 10 AWG. An 18" (40cm) Kit is shown above. This Kit also comes with two 30A and two 20A fuses for the main fuseholders.
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NEW- Special extra long Kit for FJR - >
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Kit length is from battery POS to fuse panel.
The hardware that comes with this Kit for the PC-8 is the same as with the 30A Kit above.
PC-8 Relay Kit Options:
FREE - Battery Lead Configuration Option: If you'd like a Kit with both battery leads the same length, indicate your choice here. There is no charge for this option but of course you must be buying a PC-8 and Relay Kit above. The default is NEG battery lead +6".
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Battery Leads Same Length FREE
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FREE - Switching Lead Posi-Tap Choice: I now give you a choice of Posi-Tap to suit different wire sizes. Some bikes, especially CanBUS bikes have very small wires. The parking light wire definitely needs a PTA2022 it's so small. There is no charge for this option but of course you must be buying a PC-8 and Relay Kit above. See the Posi Products Page for info about Posi-Taps and their sizes.
The Kits by default come with the larger PTA1416 which will fit most bikes but I give you the choice to match the wire size you'll tap.
You can of course buy a few different sizes of Posi-Taps at the above link if you're unsure of the right size.
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Switching Lead Posi-Tap Choice FREE
(Choose 1 ONLY)
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Protective Diode Option: A protective diode can be ordered inline on the ignition switched lead, preventing reverse EMF flow back to the bike. The diode is inserted as shown here. This is highly recommended for CANBus bikes.
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Protective Diode in Switching Wire Option $5.95
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Extra Long Switching Lead Option: 56" (142 cm) long switching lead instead of the stock 24" (61 cm) lead. Great for going all the way up to the parking light from the rear of the bike. Or order a Posi-Lock PL1416 and extend the lead yourself.
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Extra Long Switching Lead Option $2.95
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PC-8 Termination Kit: If you have ordered your Kit a bit long because you're unsure of the exact length needed, these extra parts will allow you to cut the fuse panel leads shorter and install new terminals.
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3 M5 Ring Terminals, Sheath and Shrinktube $2.95
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PC-8 Mounting Accessories: You can come up with your own mounting materials and methods but here are some high quality mounting bits to help you mount the PC-8 to your bike.
Dual Locks Strips - Two pairs of mating 3" (8 cm) Dual Lock strips. Great for many other projects too, this material has 5 times more holding strength than regular Velcro. Strips have excellent adhesive on the back. Clean surfaces with alcohol first.
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3M Dual Lock Strips $2.95
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M4 Stainless Screws and Locking Nuts - These screws and nuts can be used on the mounting tabs of the case. Screws have built in washers, nuts are self locking. Useful for many other projects too!
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M4 Stainless Screws and Nuts (4 sets) $2.49
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M4 Stainless Screws - these screws can mount into the PC-8 threaded inserts from the rear through a panel.
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M4 Stainless Screws to mount from back (4) $1.49
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Stainless Self-Tapping Screws - These are the same screws included with every PC-8.
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Stainless Self Tapping Screws (4) $1.25
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Centech AP-2 and Eastern Beaver PC-8 Side by Side
Notice the Centech is actually taller and that's without a complete top cover. It has no mounting tabs on the ends.
 
The PC-8 is a little longer, while the AP-2 is a little wider.
On the left above, my clear polycarbonate prototype showing the PC-8's complete bottom cover. I think the quality difference in the PCBs is quite evident here as well. The PC-8 is designed to be virtually spash proof but it does have built in breathing slots and holes to avoid moisture build up inside the case.
The PC-8's bottom four mounting screws will allow mounting from below with slightly longer screws. Or you can mount like the Centech, using machine screws from the PCB down. Of course the PC-8's mounting ears are the easiest way to mount it using screws or nuts and bolts. These ears make mounting to an auxiliary mounting panel a snap too.
Let me sum up the features for you - a fuse on every output, splash-proof polycarbonate casing, complete PCB protection, multiple easy mounting abilities, and a place to write the Amperage and circuit functions - the PC-8 is in a class of its own.
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