Today, we’re going to cover the differences between the Victron Lynx Distributor M8 and the new Lynx Distributor M10—because the M8 is being discontinued, and the M10 is the new standard going forward. If you’ve been wiring systems using our EXPLORIST.life kits or following along with our wiring tutorials, this update is for you.
The New Victron Lynx Distributor M10 – VIDEO
The Key Difference: M8 vs M10 Connections
At first glance, the M8 and M10 look almost identical. The main difference lies in the size of the mechanical connections on the positive and negative bus bars:
- The Lynx Distributor M8 uses M8 holes and M8 studs.
- The Lynx Distributor M10 uses M10 holes and M10 studs.
That’s it—the size of the holes and studs. Everything else about how the system connects, links end-to-end, and integrates with other Lynx components remains the same. The internal studs on the far ends are M8 on the M8 version, and M10 on the M10 version.
So, all of our EXPLORIST.life wiring kits remain compatible since the fuse holders and negative bus bar connections haven’t changed. You don’t need to update your wiring kits—just note the size difference when working with the new unit.
Why the Change?
Victron hasn’t officially said why the switch was made, but the likely reason is mechanical strength. The M10 connections can handle higher torque and may be better suited for the 1,000A rating of the Lynx system.
Regardless of the reason, the M10 is now the standard, and the M8 is being phased out. So, let’s walk through what wiring changes come with this new setup.
Wiring the Lynx Distributor M10
Our new EXPLORIST.life Lynx Distributor M10 Wiring Kit includes everything you need—spacers, hardware, and most notably, a new switch.
Introducing the BEP Switch
We’re now using the BEP Marine 400A Battery Switch instead of the Blue Sea Master Disconnect Switch used in previous kits. Here’s why:
- It’s ABYC-compliant (rated for 400A, matching our largest fuse size)
- The faceplate is removable, making it easier to mount the body and wire it neatly
- It’s more compact and accessible once installed
We’ve loved this switch since testing it years ago, and now that it’s widely available, it’s part of all our updated kits.
To wire it up, simply:
- Remove the lock washer and attach the switch directly to the Lynx bus bar
- Connect your Victron Smart Shunt or BMV-712 Shunt to the system negative
- Tighten everything to proper torque specs (hand-tight for demos only!)
Installing the Spacers and Mounting the Components
We include 3D-printed spacers in every kit to make your installation flush and professional-looking. The switch and Lynx Distributor each get a set of small round spacers—these simply glue in place before final mounting.
The spacers aren’t structural—they just hold everything in position while you screw the assembly to the wall. Once everything is secured, your switch and shunt will line up perfectly.
This design makes it easy to mount and wire without wrestling cables behind components—an improvement over the old Blue Sea switch method.
Wiring Flexibility and Layout Options
The BEP switch also has removable side covers, giving you flexibility for cable routing. You can position the covers depending on whether your wires come in from the top, bottom, or sides—no broken plastic tabs or awkward fits.
If your setup uses a Lynx Shunt or Lynx Smart BMS instead of a standalone shunt, the process is just as simple. The EXPLORIST.life M10 wiring kit includes all necessary spacers and hardware for either configuration.
Fuse Update: ANL to Class T
One more big update: we’re transitioning from ANL fuses to Class T fuses in our Lynx Distributor wiring kits.
Historically, ANL fuses were the best available option, but they weren’t ABYC-compliant due to their lower interrupt capacity. Class T fuses, however, are both safer and fully compliant—and they’re finally available in sufficient quantities for our store.
- Class T fuses handle higher current interruptions.
- They install exactly the same way as ANL fuses.
- All future EXPLORIST.life diagrams and kits will reflect this update.
The Big Picture: A Cleaner, Safer Setup
In summary:
- The Lynx Distributor M8 is discontinued.
- The Lynx Distributor M10 is the new standard.
- Our kits now include the BEP 400A switch, 3D-printed spacers, and Class T fuses.
- The layout is cleaner, simpler, and fully ABYC-compliant.
This evolution represents everything we strive for at EXPLORIST.life: safe, smart, and professional-grade off-grid electrical systems that anyone can install confidently.
If you’re ready to build your own M10 system, check out the Lynx Distributor M10 Wiring Kit at shop.explorist.life—where every purchase directly supports the tutorials and videos that help make your electrical projects a success.
