E-Panel Builder Help Center and Upgrades

We’ve created a state of the art online switch panel builder called the E-Panel Builder.  It’s very flexible once you get the hang of it, but can be slightly overwhelming when first trying it out.  The links below should guide you to the correct help doc to answer your question.

E-Panel 101: How to build an E-Panel 101

We’ve made a few videos below highlighting some of the E-Panel features and capabilities. If you’re lost check out this quick start video below. 

E-Panel Quick Start Video: In a hurry?  Watch our Quick Start Guide where we speed through building an E-Panel in less than 2 minutes.

E-Panel Start-To-Finish #1: In this example, we build an example panel from start to finish, and showcase some of the common features of the Builder in a bit more depth.We show how to create blank spaces, and register for a new account to be able to save or order an E-Panel.

E-Panel Start-To-Finish #2: In this example, we build another example panel from start to finish.In this video we go back to previous steps, and learn how to add another row after the panel is partially complete.We also demonstrate rendering in several material options, and show how to access, delete, and clone old saved panels from your account dashboard.

E-Panel 101: Have someone design it over the phone

The E-Panel Builder was designed to give customers a full experience of designing an OEM quality switch panel at a fraction of the cost. We are able to do this by cutting out the labor costs that come with quoting and design. With that being said we do offer an over the phone design option. This service does cost $15 but if you’d prefer an experienced designer build your panel for you than feel free to call or email us to set up a time.

E-Panel 101: E-Panel vs Fully Custom Panel

There are (2) options for getting a custom panel for your boat, E-Panel & Fully Custom.

E-Panel 
Standard rectangular panel with rocker switches, or blank panel with cut outs for a Garmin & Gauges?
The E-Panel Builder is our awesome new drag-and-drop capable panel design tool where you build your own panel online, anyone can easily create and simulate what their new marine switch panel will look like. By out the human costs of quoting & proofing we are able to pass those saving along to you, and give you a OEM quality marine switch panel you’ve been looking for.  The E-Panel Builder Builder does have limitations, see available changes and upgrades below. E-Panels with a PDF Proof get 1 free revision, any additional proof revisions will be billed at $20 per proof.

Fully Custom
Non-rectangular panel?  Complex requirements?  Want to work one-on-one with a human switch panel designer?
No problem!  We build around a thousand completely custom designed panels every year.  Nearly any size and shape is possible.  Complex instrument holes, custom graphic engraving, unique wiring situations, We’re happy to help. We’ll start by getting your requirements and developing a human quote. From there an expert switch panel designer will work directly with you on panel reviews and revisions to your production drawings.

E-Panel 101: How long will it take to ship (Lead Times)

Our E-Panels are individually milled and hand assembled to your specifications, so there is of coarse a production lead time.  We do our best to keep as short as possible, but please keep in mind that through most of the year we build and ship hundreds of switch panels per month and have made commitments to those customers as well.

Production lead times vary – primarily seasonally – and you can find our current lead time estimates under the “Current Production Time” box at the top of the product description, or inside the E-Panel builder itself, in step 4, under “Production”.

Our standard lead time policy:

1. All E-Panels are completed in the order they are paid (or for proofed E-Panels, when the proof is approved)
2. All lead times shown are ESTIMATES, not guarantees.  We try our best to give realistic estimates we can meet
3. Lead times given in weeks are calendar weeks.  Lead times given in days are work days.
4. We are happy to give updated estimated ship dates (ESD) occasionally during production:
   1. Please contact us here with your order number to request an updated ESD
   2. Your project moves through several production phases and ESD’s get more accurate toward the end of that process
   3. No New Wire Marine employee is authorized to guarantee any ship date unless an expedite fee has been paid

Our expedited lead time policy:

1. We love having a product folks want ASAP!  But ‘rush orders’ require special attention, additional labor and impact other customer’s jobs
2. We have a policy to expedite production for a charge of 30% of the total project value, with a minimum of $50.
3. Please add this expedite from the beginning in step 4 under “production”.
4. If you want to expedite your order after the fact please contact us here
5. Expedited lead times are GUARANTEED
   1. Expedited lead times apply from the day the fee is paid when it leaves our facility in a box
   2. If we fail to ship by the expedited lead time, your 30% expedite fee is refunded (and we still ship it ASAP thereafter)
   3. Lead times given in weeks are calendar weeks.  Lead times given in days are work days.
6. How quickly we can rush expedited panels varies seasonally and is shown on step 4 under “Production” of the E-Panel Builder
7. Expedited production does NOT include expedited shipping.  Choosing overnight or 2 Day shipping helps as well.
8. Overnight, 2 Day or other expedited shipping methods are guaranteed by UPS, not NWM.

E-Panel 101: Do I need a PDF Proof #4

If your panel has a change that would require change the manufacturing of the panel or the actuators than you do need to select a PDF Proof for Comment. Any of these changes require a PDF Proof: Add a logo, Add text, Add back lighting, Add indicator lights, Add a hole cut, Change the size of anything, Change the switch labels, Change the shape of anything. This will require a PDF Proof.

E-Panel 101: Wiring Options Explained

E-Panel 101: Heat Shrink Explained

We can apply adhesive lined heat shrink to all connectors.  This protects from water sitting in the almost-cup-like ends of the connectors, and eventually damaging the wire.

We do recommend heat shrink to extend the life of your panel and electrical system.  It is a bit of a price driver though because – as you can image – it’s very time consuming to shrink all those connections.

Roughly two-thirds of our customers opt for heat shrink.  We can certainly get you quote both ways.

E-Panel 101: Switches Explained

There are (2) main things things to consider when choosing the correct switch:  Switch Function, & Switch Cover.

Switch Positions:

Unless indicated, switches default to ON-OFF SPST.

(ON) represents a momentary “spring loaded” function. For example, Horn is (ON)-OFF.

ON-OFF-ON DPDT Switches: Nav/Anc Lights, Bilge Auto Manual

(ON)-OFF-(ON) DPDT Switches: Hatch, Jack Plate, Tilt Trim, Trim Tabs, Windlass

(ON)-OFF SPST Switches: Horn

Switch Covers: 

We have (2) different cover options, Printed and Etched switches.

The Etched Switches are Night Readable (see how),  You can customize the label.

The Printed Switches are less expensive, and have limited label (view options)

E-Panel 101: Main Switches

We have switches labeled “Main”.  We do not suggest using these as a master panel disconnect (to be a “panel main”).  This is because:

• The switch current rating is 20A, therefore, limits the entire panel to 20A max
• Required a 20A breaker, often which has downstream 20A breakers which is improper electrical design
• It’s redundant – there’s already a main battery switch for that

So – by default, we treat any “Main” switch on the panel the same as any normal switch – we assume it is NOT meant to be a panel main disconnect.  If you do want it that way, please add in the Production Comments in step 4: “Please wire my main switch to be a master panel disconnect”

E-Panel Upgrades

For any changes or upgrades to an E-panel you must make sure to put them in your production comments in step 4! This way we can contact you before we start manufacturing your panel. You need to add the correct cost and select PDF Proof if applicable to your specific changes or upgrades, but if nothing else list them in the production comments and we can invoice you after we receive your order, this will add to the production time however.

The E-panel builder is the fastest and the most economical way to build your new panel. It does have some limitations but we have some work around’s for this.

There are (2) option for the E-Panel builder,

1) PDF Proof for comment – the panel goes to a designer to review / change before production and you receive a PDF Proof to approved or change before the panel is cut.

2) No PDF Proof for comment – The panel is processed and will be cut exactly as it shows in the E-Panel builder.

How to add upgrade costs to order.

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost” (see pricing below)
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

Prices of the available upgrades below

***Make sure you add in the cost of your upgrades or your production time will be increased see instructions below. ***  

E-Panel Upgrades: Add a Logo

Short Answer: Add $30 into the add cost in part 4, Click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, and write the logo you want in the production comments.

EX: Please add a Grady White logo below the rocker switches in the center of the panel, I’ve added the correct cost and I’ll email you a picture once I finish placing my order.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost” (see pricing below)
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

After you finish placing your order send a picture of your preferred logo to Sales@newwiremarine.com with E-Panel Upgrades and your order #(NWM13564) in the email subject.

E-Panel Upgrades: Add a text etching

Short Answer: Add $20 into the add cost in part 4, plus an additional $2 per text label, Click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, and write the desired etched text and location you want in the production comments.

EX: Please label etch the labels under the hole cuts outs from left to right – bilge, nav/anc,  horn. I’ve added $6 to the add cost.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Upgrades: back light to text or a logo

Short Answer: To add a backlight pad please call or email for quote, unless your panel meets the specific criteria below.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

$30.00 – per Back Lit Pad (to back light a logo or text – please call for confirmation)

Each pad covers a 1″ x 3″ area.  But can be split into two 1/2″ x 3″ areas for text.  So the quantity of pads varies according to final layout.  For this reason, we ask that you contact us first if you desire panel backlighting.

Bocatech Switch Backlighting Note:  Bocatech Push button switches shown with backlighting, come with backlighting included in the cost of the switch, so no need to contact us if that’s the only backlighting on the panel, go ahead and order it with no added cost.

1″ x 3″ or 2″ x 3″ Logos:  Many logos are shaped well (aspect ratio) to use one, or two 1″ x 3″ backlight pads (ie 1:3, or 2:3 aspect ratio).  If all you want to do is add a backlit logo, then you can place 3 inches of “blank space” into the panel, a) request a proof in step 4, b) add the logo and backlighting (1x or 2x $30 packlight pads) cost in step 4, and c) submit the order, d) email us the logo to sales@newwiremarine.com…  No need to contact us in advance.

E-Panel Upgrades: Add indicator lights

Short Answer: Add $5 per indicator light to the add cost in part 4, Click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, and write the desired location you want in the production comments.

EX: Please add red indicator lights below the switch hole cuts.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Upgrades: Add a round or rectangular hole

Short Answer: add $2 per hole cut in add cost, click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, write the hole cut size you need in the production comments.

EX: I need a 3″ hole cut in the center of my panel above the rocker switches.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Upgrades: Add MFD hole cut with a template.

Short Answer: add $10 specific hole cut in add cost, click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, write the hole cut size you need in the production comments.

EX: I need a Garmin unit XYZ, I will email you the hole cut dimensions after I finish placing the order. Or I’ve included them in my production comments.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Changes

For any changes or upgrades to an E-panel you must make sure to put them in your production comments in step 4! This way we can contact you before we start manufacturing your panel. You need to add the correct cost and select PDF Proof if applicable to your specific changes or upgrades, but if nothing else list them in the production comments and we can invoice you after we receive your order, this will add to the production time however.

The E-panel builder is the fastest and the most economical way to build your new panel. It does have some limitations but we have some work around’s for this.

There are (2) option for the E-Panel builder,

1) PDF Proof for comment – the panel goes to a designer to review / change before production and you receive a PDF Proof to approved or change before the panel is cut.

2) No PDF Proof for comment – The panel is processed and will be cut exactly as it shows in the E-Panel builder.

How to add upgrade costs to order.

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost” (see pricing below)
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

Prices of the available upgrades below

***Make sure you add in the cost of your upgrades or changes because your production time will be increased if not see instructions below. ***  

E-Panel Changes: Change the size of an E-Panel to fit

Short Answer: increase the size of your E-Panel to fit all the components you need, click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, write the real size of your panel in the production comments in step 4.

EX: Please change panel to 5.5″ H x 12″ W 

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3, with adjusted high to fit components
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your correct panel size.

E-Panel Changes: Change the size of a hole cut

Short Answer: add $2 per hole cut in add cost, click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, write the hole cut size you need in the production comments and indecate

EX: I need to change the 3″ hole cut in the center of my panel above the rocker switches to 3.75″ I’ve added $2

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Changes: Change Switch Label

THIS IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON ETCHED CONTURA V SWITCHES

Short Answer: add $2 per label change in add cost, click PDF Proof for comment in step 4, write the labels you need changed in the production comments.

EX: I need to change the labelson the livewell Switches to save to say “PORT Livewell” & “STBD Livewell”  I’ve added $4 in add cost.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) Change “NO” to “YES” where it says “PDF Proof for comment”
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Changes: Change Function

We have a limited stock of Red / Blue LEDs

Short Answer: add correct cost switch function change in add cost, This does not require a PDF Proof, write the labels you need changed in the production comments.

EX: I need to change the labels on the livewell Switches to save to be an ON-OFF-ON  I’ve added $6 in add cost.

Change ON-OFF to ON-OFF-ON = $6

Change ON-OFF to (ON)-ON-OFF = $15 White lamps only *used for engine start switches*

Change ON-OFF to ON-ON = $10 White lamps only *used for fuel tanks*

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser

E-Panel Changes: Material Color

Short Answer: add $10 cost switch function change in add cost, This does not require a PDF Proof, write the labels you need changed in the production comments.

EX: Change panel color to teak.

Long Answer: 

– Create your panel steps 1-3,
– in section (4. Options) In the “Comments for Production” area list your changes.
– in section (4. Advanced) Change “NO” to “YES” Where it says “Add Cost”
– in section (4. Advanced) Add the cost of your upgrades together and put the total into “Add Cost”
– Confirm that the price has changed in the top right hand corner of your browser