Where should I put my bilge pump outlet?
The bilge pump needs to be at the rear of the tinnie, as this is generally the lowest point and where all the water will pool as you propel. Work out where you want your outlet to be. It’s generally at the transom or rear side just below the gunnel.
Does a bilge pump need to be in water to run?
Wiring for the bilge pump should be routed up to keep it out of the damp bilge, and any wiring connections should be water-tight. If the pump is not on frequently, check its function by running a little water into the bilge.
How many amps do bilge pumps draw?
Nominal Voltage: 12 Volt DC. Max. Current Draw: 4.8 Amps.
Can you wire a bilge pump directly to battery?
Wire bilge pumps directly to the battery using an inline fuse. The fuse rating is dictated by the amp draw of the pump (use fuse with greater rating than pump draws in normal operation). Direct to battery makes sure the pump is energized even when the battery or main switch is in the off position.
Do bilge pumps come on automatically?
Today, most bilge pumps come on automatically. This is because they are built with an automatic float switch that turns the bilge pump on when water levels in the bilge start to rise.
How do you mount a rule on a bilge pump?
Installing a Bilge Pump
- Mount the pump. You must not place the pump in the bilge unrestrained. …
- Use smooth-bore hose. Bilge Pumping. …
- Place the discharge above the waterline. …
- Use a thin-wall fitting. …
- Lead wiring up. …
- Don’t skimp on wire size. …
- Use butt connectors and heat shrink. …
- Connect to the battery.
Can a bilge pump drain a battery?
End of dialog window. My 16 foot runabout’s bilge pump will drain the group 24 battery in 2-3 months on the lift, with normal rainfall. I have two batteries, keep one in reserve, and put a charger on the other every month or so. If in the water, I’d keep a cover on the boat to reduce accumulation of water in the bilge.
How does water get into the bilge of a boat?
The water is likely coming out from the many gallons of water that are probably trapped in the hull stringers under the sole. That water originates from sea spray, rain leaks, deck washing, wet swimsuits, spills, fresh water leaks etc. That water is usually released into the bilge as the boat moves or overflows.
Can a bilge pump run 24 7?
Bilge pumps are created to run only when they’re needed. Aquarium pumps, on the other hand, are made to run 24/7. I’ve heard of people’s bilge pumps dying after 3 or so months.
How do you hook up a bilge pump to a battery?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We are going to connect to the positive of the bilge pump. And then the other arm wire from the float switch. It's going to come via our inline fuse to the positive of the power.
How do you wire a 3 wire bilge pump?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you do go without a panel switch. It's really important to go ahead and fuse this brown wire. So it's going to go from the brown wire into a fuse into the battery.
What is the brown wire on a bilge pump?
Rule pumps come with a brown, brown with white stripe, and black wires. Black is negative, brown is positive (for automatic operation), brown with white stripe is switched positive for manual operation.
What size wire should I use for a bilge pump?
When installing your pump, 14-gauge wire should be used. However, if your installation is over 20′ from the battery source, the wire size should be increased to 12 gauge. Using a wire that is too small causes undesirable heat in the wires and results in a voltage drop and lower performance of the pump.
How does a rule float switch work?
Installing a Rule-A-Matic float switch provides extra protection. The float switch detects when the water in the boat rises to a certain level, then automatically turns on the bilge pump. In this situation, the pump empties the water from the boat even if the crew is not aboard.
Do all bilge pumps have a float switch?
That float switch is an integral piece of boat safety. Unlike automatic bilge pumps, manual bilge pumps don’t typically come with a float switch. That said, you can add a float switch to a manual pump. This makes them operate much like an automatic bilge pump.
How do you install a float switch on a bilge pump?
Disconnect the negative wire from your boat’s negative battery terminal. Position the float switch in the bilge near the bilge pump. The float switch should be at the same level or slightly higher than the bilge pump so that the switch does not trigger the pump before the water level has reached the pump.
How do you test a float switch on a boat?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: From there to test the switch simply lift it up and listen for the bilge pump motor.
How do you test an auto bilge pump?
Automatic Bilge Pump Test
- Make sure that the fuse is of the correct ampacity, and use the test light on the load side of the fuse to check if it lights up.
- Test that the two-way switch is working by turning on manual mode and touching the manual side with the test light to make sure power is coming in.
How many ohms should a float switch have?
RE: Testing a Float Switch
Most have internal mercury switches and you should measure very close to 0 ohms.
