Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

[dmarkvid2]

My bilge pump won't work, and instead of screwing around with it, I am going to just go out and buy a new one. The one I have now is a Rule, and is connected to a switch on the dash. I want to be able to buy one with an automatic float switch. Do I still connect the pump to the dash switch? so I can turn on the pump manually, and still have the float turn the pump on automaticlly? Do I wire it up the same way? I'm kind of confused. Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

Normally automatic bilge pumps have two wires for voltage to be applied and a ground. One wire is to power the auto function of the pump, and the other it to run the pump manually. You obviously connect the manual pump wire to the dashboard switch for manual operation. Power the auto function thru an inline fuse, directly on the battery.

PS you might try the float-less automatic bilge pumps. They run every 90 seconds to detect water. If they find it, they pump it out. I have one in my boat, and it keeps the bilge dry, in contrast to the float type switches which leave at least 1/2 " of water at all times.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

Chris, who makes the floatless auto bilge pump? ans what kind do you have for your boat?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

take a volt meter and see if you have power to the pump, i have both manual and auto/ manual, on separate batteries, and thru hulls.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

Rule Automatic Bilge Pumps

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Installing New Bilge Pump With a Float Switch

I'm sorry I do not remember the make. I have seen them in the standard discount marine places (BoarUS, WestMarine), so you shouldn't have trouble finding one.