Blue Sea Systems 8278 Contura Switch Mounting Panel Plug, Beige

The Blue Sea Systems 8278 is a Contura Switch Mounting Panel Plug designed to neatly cover and seal an unused switch position on a Contura switch panel. Rather than leaving an open cutout exposed to spray, moisture, and debris, this plug fills the gap with a finished, factory-matched appearance so the panel looks complete even when not every position is populated with an active switch.

Built to the same environmental standard as the Contura switches it accompanies, the plug is rated for vibration, shock, thermoshock, moisture, and salt spray resistance, making it suitable for the demanding marine environment. It carries internal and external gaskets that form a panel seal, and it meets UL 1500 and ISO 8846 external ignition protection requirements along with an IP67 rating, protected against immersion up to 1 meter. The plug is built to operate across a wide temperature range of -40 F (-40 C) to 185 F (85 C), so it holds up in both extreme cold and engine-room heat.

The plug snaps into the standard Contura mounting hole cutout of 1.45 inches by 0.83 inches (36.83 mm by 21.08 mm), matching the same footprint used by Contura rocker and Contura II switches. It is finished in beige to blend with matching Contura panel finishes. Use it to blank off spare switch positions on a helm, dash, or accessory panel while keeping the full panel resistant to water intrusion.

Specifications

• Brand: Blue Sea Systems
• Manufacturer Part Number: 8278
• Product Type: Contura Switch Mounting Panel Plug
• Color: Beige
• Pole/Throw: SPDT
• Amperage Operating Current: 18 mA
• Temperature Range: -40 F (-40 C) to 185 F (85 C)
• Lighting: LED rated 100,000 hours half-life
• Seals: Internal and external gasket panel seal
• Mounting Hole Size: 1.45 inches x 0.83 inches (36.83 mm x 21.08 mm)
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets UL 1500 and ISO 8846 external ignition protection requirements; IP67 rated, protected against immersion up to 1 meter
• Item Dimensions: 4 inches x 3 inches x 1 inches
• Weight: 0.06 pounds

Fitment

Fits Contura Switch Mounting Panels using the standard 1.45 inch x 0.83 inch mounting cutout.

Replaces (OEM)

No OEM cross-reference numbers apply to this part.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Blue Sea Systems 8278 used for? The 8278 is a Contura Switch Mounting Panel Plug that covers and seals an unused switch position on a Contura panel, keeping the panel finished and protected from moisture when a position is not fitted with an active switch.

Will the 8278 fit any Contura switch panel? Yes, it is designed to fit Contura Switch Mounting Panels using the standard 1.45 inch x 0.83 inch (36.83 mm x 21.08 mm) mounting cutout shared across Contura switch positions.

Is the 8278 waterproof? It carries an IP67 rating and is protected against immersion up to 1 meter, with internal and external gaskets sealing the panel opening once installed.

What color is the 8278 plug? The Blue Sea Systems 8278 is finished in beige to match compatible Contura panel color schemes.

What size is the mounting hole for the 8278? The mounting hole cutout measures 1.45 inches by 0.83 inches (36.83 mm by 21.08 mm), the standard Contura switch position size.

What temperature range can the 8278 withstand? The 8278 is rated for a temperature range of -40 F (-40 C) to 185 F (85 C), suitable for marine helm and engine-room installations.

Does the 8278 have any electrical rating since it looks like a switch? The 8278 is a blanking plug, not an active switch, though it shares the Contura form factor listed with an 18 mA operating current and SPDT pole/throw rating consistent with the Contura switch line it is designed to blank off.

Does the 8278 meet marine ignition protection standards? Yes, it meets UL 1500 and ISO 8846 external ignition protection requirements, the same standard applied to Blue Sea Contura switches.

How much does the Blue Sea 8278 weigh? The 8278 Contura Switch Mounting Panel Plug weighs 0.06 pounds.

How do I install the 8278 plug? The 8278 snaps directly into the Contura panel's mounting hole cutout in place of a switch, using its internal and external gaskets to seal the opening against moisture.

Is the 8278 resistant to vibration and salt spray? Yes, the Blue Sea Systems 8278 is built to resist vibration, shock, thermoshock, moisture, and salt spray, matching the durability of the Contura switches it accompanies.

Does the 8278 include a lockout feature? The Contura Switch Mounting Panel line includes a lockout slide to reduce the risk of accidental switching on active switches; the 8278 plug fills an unused position on the same panel system.