New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

[liquidlew]

Putting in a new bilge pump cuz the old one died, and the new one has 3 wires, Red, Brown, and Black, the old one just has a Brown and a Black. There is a lame diagram on the package that does not show 3 wires, just the ground and the hot going to the switch and then to the battery. Where does the Red wire go? Do I combine it to the Brown? The new one is Automatic, the old one was not, do I have to run the Red wire directly to the battery, or ?

 

[achris]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

The red wire goes to battery pos. The brown wire is for running manually, though a switch. Black is ground.

Chris.......

 

[hivoltg]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Remember to use an inline fuse on the red to the pos.

That's your float switch side. Does the pump say it has one internally? I bet it does.

If you really want to get fancy you can also change from a two position switch at the helm (on/off) to a three position (on/off/auto) and run the red to the third position.

 

[liquidlew]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Ok thanks guys, 3 pos. switch sounds like the way to go, but not in the mood to do that right now, think I will just run the red to the battery. The package says it's "Ignition Protected", does that mean it's internally fused? If not, what amp fuse should I use? Thanks again!!!

 

[hivoltg]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Ok thanks guys, 3 pos. switch sounds like the way to go, but not in the mood to do that right now, think I will just run the red to the battery. The package says it's "Ignition Protected", does that mean it's internally fused? If not, what amp fuse should I use? Thanks again!!!

The recommend fuse size is usually marked on the bilge pump body. If it isnt let me know the model and gph. We can figure out the amp draw. Even if it has internal protection, still fuse it. A battery wire in water unfused isnt a good idea.

 

[liquidlew]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Thanks hivoltg! The brand is Boater Sports (yeah I know, shoulda got a Rule or other respected brand), it's 800 gph and is marked- 5 amp@ 13.6V DC on the side. I can run down to Radio Shack and get a fuse holder and fuse, what amp fuse should I get, 5?

 

[hivoltg]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

I would use a 7.5 amp fuse then. Use silicone on the crimped barrel connectors that are near the pump to protect from water.

 

[liquidlew]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Copy that. Thanks for your help!!!

 

[NYBo]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

The package says it's "Ignition Protected", does that mean it's internally fused?

No, it means it won't create a spark that could detonate any fuel fumes in the bilge.

 

[achris]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Here's how I would set it up (Just like the one that's already in my boat )....

 

[liquidlew]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Wow Chris, I really like that! Especially the idiot light, cuz obviously you can't hear the pump running unless your engine isn't running and you got your head down in the bilge. I'm gonna put this on my off season project list! Thanks!

 

[achris]

Re: New Bilge Pump has 3 wires, old one has 2. Now what?

Wow Chris, I really like that! Especially the idiot light, cuz obviously you can't hear the pump running unless your engine isn't running and you got your head down in the bilge. I'm gonna put this on my off season project list! Thanks!

Here's the 'all-in-one' switch panel I have.... (I got the wiring diagram as a result of using the switch panel) And you get two idiot lights ...

Seasense 3-Way Bilge Pump Switch 50010320 - iboats

At that price, buy it now....

Chris.....