Panel Blanks

What are panel blanks?

The term panel blanks refer to any unloaded panels that are fully prepared to be loaded with specific equipment. That is to say, panel blanks are built with a specific function or functions in mind and come fully ready to be loaded. They are intended to be used by everyday boaters, repair shops, manufacturers, and anyone else who could benefit from their use. We offer multiple panel body types made from the most advantageous material based on its intended purpose. All our panel blanks have the proper holes cut out to perfectly hold the intended equipment and have predrilled holes to make installation easier. Now that we have covered what panel blanks are, let us take a look at the types we offer.

"our panel blanks are built with a specific function or functions in mind and come fully ready to be loaded."

Where are panel blanks implemented?

Panel blanks are the best solution for custom panels

Panel blanks are implemented in applications that call for customized panels to be installed. Pacer offers a range of panel types so that you can find the type you need. All our panel blanks are perfect for new installations as well as when replacing parts. Say you have damaged panel blanks or scratched panels. Then Pacer panel blanks are the ideal solution for you. All you will need are the proper breakers and switches. Let us look at what types of panel blanks we offer.

What types of panel blanks are available?

In order to offer the most solutions possible, we carry the most commonly requested types of panel blanks. Remember that each one is fully prepped to be installed as soon as it arrives. Below we will take a more in-depth look at each of the panel blank types we offer as well as what separates them from each other.

Contura Switch Panel Blank

These panel blanks are designed to work with Contura rocker switch bodies but will also fit industry-standard switch bodies. Cut from 0.090” thick 5052 H32 marine-grade aluminum, these panels are designed to handle the toughest conditions the sea can throw at them. Additionally, they are powder coated on all sides giving them a superior level of protection. When selecting the powder coating, you can choose from either textured black or smooth gloss white. Each panel blank comes with countersunk predrilled holes.

Contura Switch and Breaker Panel Blank

Contura switch and breaker panel blanks are designed to be used with both Contura rocker switches as well as standard 3/8 push-to-reset breakers. They will also work with most industry-standard switch bodies as well. Just like the panel blanks above, these are made from 5052 H32 marine grade aluminum and are powder coated on all sides to offer the highest level of protection possible. One important thing to consider is that the breakers are spaced perfectly to be used with breaker bus bars making installation that much easier.

A-Frame Breaker Panel Blank

When it comes to installing A-frame breakers, these are the panel blanks you want. Cut from durable 3/16” black Lexan, they are built with longevity in mind. The cutouts are made to fit standard A-frame breakers with the screw holes predrilled so that installation is easier. Our A-frame panel blanks are perfect for use with wire jumpers. Just like the panel blanks above, these panels have openings spaced perfectly for use with breaker bus bars. They can hold 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 A-frame breakers depending on the style that you choose.

What materials are they made from?

Both the Contura switch panel blanks and the Contura switch and breaker panel blanks are made from durable 5052 H32 marine-grade aluminum. This is some of the highest quality material specifically designed with the marine environment in mind. Now factor in that either style is powder-coated on all sides and you’ve got an incredibly durable panel. A-frame panel blanks are made from high-quality durable 3/16” Lexan in order to offer high durability. Now that we’ve covered the materials they are made from, you can choose the type that is best suited for your needs.

Are they spaced for breakers and switch bodies?

All Pacer panel blanks are spaced for breakers, rocker switches, or both. This is done in order to make the installation process a much easier one. Think about it for a minute. You would need to measure, cut, sand, and powder coat each hole yourself. Let's be honest and admit that it would take several hours and is just not worth the investment. Rather than trying to have to cut the holes yourself, our panel blanks are precisely cut using high-end CNC machines. Each hole is cut to exact specifications meaning that your switch bodies or breakers will fit precisely each time. Take a look at the image below to see the hole placement and further understand their size.

This image shows hole placements with numbered identification. 1. A-frame breakers. 2. Contura rocker switches. 3. Panel mount thermal breakers

Pacer's A-frame breaker panel blanks are designed to fit standard a-frame breakers with no issue. As you can see in the example here, the a-frame breaker fits into the hole with the toggle perfectly aligned. You can also see the two small holes above and below the large hole are for use with screws. This makes installation an easy task. We recommend using screws that are made from corrosion resistant materials. With such a level of accuracy and precision, you will be able to install your breakers in seconds rather than minutes.

Pacer's Contura switch panel blanks as well as Pacer's Contura switch and breaker panel blanks are both made to be loaded with Contura rocker switches. The panels are precisely cut to snuggly fit these switches perfectly and leave no room for error. As you can see in the example, the switches are also perfectly spaced. They can also be connected easily with wire jumpers. The image also shows panel mount thermal breakers which are for use with Pacer's Contura switch and breaker panel blanks. Again, the holes are perfectly sized and spaced so that all your switches and breakers align.

What types of powder coating are available?

Powder coating is offered in either textured black or gloss white on some of the panel blanks we offer. You can select the powder coating style that best suits your needs when choosing either the Contura switch panel blanks or the Contura switch and breaker panel blanks. This way you can get the panel blanks that you need to get your project done. Powder coating is not available on the A-frame breaker panel blanks.

Textured Black

Gloss White

Can Pacer’s panel blanks handle marine environments?

Panel on a boat

Yes, and not only can our panel blanks handle the marine environment, they were made specifically for use in the marine environment. That means that as we designed them, we focused on marine conditions. This is why some of the world’s largest boat builders turn to Pacer for their panel blanks. It is because they know the level of quality, we put into each and every one. As we said above, our panel blanks are built from either 5052 H32 marine grade aluminum or high-quality durable Lexan. This goes to show just how much thought and effort we put into their design. Trust us when we tell you, these are the panels you want on your boat.

Where can I find the breakers and switches to perfectly fit Pacer’s panel blanks?

Breaker accessories

It just so happens that Pacer carries everything you need to build your own panel scratch. We offer breakers, rocker switches, bat toggle switches, boots, and more. This way you can find the exact parts that you are looking for in order to create the panel you want. We even offer a how to guide showing the step-by-step method that you can use to create your own panel. To make it even better, we go a step further and offer you a list of the parts you’ll need in order to make the panel. It really doesn’t get better than that.

What industries use panel blanks?

Panel blanks are used in a wide range of industries such as the marine industry, the construction industry, the database industry, and even on industrial job sites. This is due to the fact that they are made from the most durable materials possible while being spaced perfectly for breakers and switches. In this way, we save time and money, and people get that. Finding the correct panel blank for your application is not always an easy task. Contact a Pacer expert today with any questions you may have.