Bilge wiring question

[Jeffreyi]

I changed my battery and neglected to re attach the line that goes to negative battery post (it has a fuse in the line) so the bilge filled up with water. I re attached the line and had to use the manual switch to drain the bilge. I can not get the auto switch to work. I checked the continuity and it's ok. In trouble shooting I disconnect many wire and now I want to re wire. But I'm a bit thick so I'm attaching a diagram of the components involved, each one numbered. Please tell me which wires (numbers) go where.

Thanks.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bilge wiring question

The first problem is the location of the fuse. Standard practice is to put on the positive side of the circuit near the battery. The #1 attaches to #6.

Using a SPDT switch (single pole, double throw), the wire from the fuse (which is now connected to the positive battery terminal) goes to the center terminal on the switch. Attach one of the wires from the float switch to one of the other switch terminals (doesn't matter which wire; terminal would matter if you are using a switch with momentary contact on one side of the switch, otherwise, not). The other wire from the float switch connects to #7. A wire from the last terminal on the switch also attaches to #7. Keep the wires as short as possible, and support them so they don't rest in the bilge where they will get submerged.

I have my bilge pump wired differently. I have a SPST switch (regular on/off) and the float switch is always "hot" so I can't accidentally turn off the bilge pump completely. I disconnect the positive power feed at the battery for trailering.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Bilge wiring question

Thanks.

Wires 2 & 3 are already coming from the switch.

I recently had my 3 way switch replaced. The tech added the fused wire to the battery which was not there previous to his work. After the job it worked fine until I forgot to connect the wire as mentioned and the bilge filled up with rain water. Then all the wires were under water. I don't want to go to the switch and start changing wires if it once worked.

 

[fish_on_the_deck]

Re: Bilge wiring question

This is tough without knowing how the switch is wired... here is a shot... make sure im not screwing up here:

1 to 6 (and can lose the fuse if you want)
2 to 7
3 to 4
5 to 7

depending on switch type (assuming SPDT) and wiring this hopefully would make one switch position be manual and one be automatic... leave on automatic all the time.

also either wire color on 3 is incorrect or I am. I am assuming here that the black wire is a positive switch leg from the switch... no reason to run a negative (like the color indicated) from the switch.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge wiring question

The first thing I would do is not use that 3 way switch for the auto float switch. Between the long runs of wires and connections, and having to keep the switch in the correct position and not forget about it could be a problem. Also, if you have a battery switch, you can't shut off all power and keep the float switch working while everything else is off.

Easy fix, just hook up a fuse holder to the battery + terminal, go to one of the wires on the float switch. The other wire from the float switch will go to the bilge pump BROWN wire. Black is ground.
You will now have 2 wires going to the brown bilge pump wire. One from the regular switch at the helm and one from the auto float switch. If you want to disable the auto, just remove the fuse. I also use water proof fuse holders at the battey.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bilge wiring question

I have mine wired the way Don describes it in his second paragraph. He just explained it better!

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge wiring question

I have mine wired the way Don describes it in his second paragraph. He just explained it better!

Here's a picture to make it even easier.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Bilge wiring question

The way Don describes it is how our Four winns came wired from the factory. Very good way to wire a bilge pump IMHO.

Our other boat has two bilge pumps and they are only wired to a float. No separate switch to turn them on and this is also how this boat came from the factory.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Bilge wiring question

Thanks to all. Everything works fine!