Boat Electrical: How to Wire a Bilge Pump

[@aaronstarling9837]

For someone who’s trying to get prepared before buying a boat in a few years, these videos are perfect. Thank you so much!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad these are helping. We have another like this coming next weekend.

[@herberthahn6964]

Nice! When 'simple' is explained simply; 'complicated' becomes easier to understand.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Herbert. Well said. I appreciate it.

[@svdellajean253]

For single handed sailors a momentary switch isn’t very helpful. Instead to control and protect my two bilge pumps, I use a Blue Sea 1522. It has a restricted off circuit breaker with manual override switch and two LED’s for each pump. One LED indicates power available at the float switch, the second LED indicates the pump is running by float switch activation or from the manual override switch. Great video, thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@chr15996]

Guys keep them coming. I don't know what I don't know 😁

[@russking63]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I teach a lot of classes on very complicated topics (HVAC design, airflow, thermodynamics, building science, energy efficiency, energy codes, etc.) Not only did I learn about the topic at hand but what a total noob feels like when they are trying to learn something new and clearly the instructor is years and years ahead of them. You did a great job and I will be altering my training approach accordingly.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

That's so nice of you to say. Thanks

[@FORGVN]

Wow! Excellent video, not assuming people know all things. Very thorough! You are an excellent teacher, especially for visual learners. This is the first video of yours I saw and I subscribed not even halfway through the "lab" : ) I look forward to watching both your current and future videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you. I think you might especially like the electrical master class playlist. And sharing links with friends would help me out

[@francleo2002]

Another Master Class! Thanks! I can now see how and why the switchboard (behind them, at least) are SO packed with all kinds of wires and such additional (and necessary) elements. You give the appropriate name to each part, with the facts of use, to back each part up. Usually, when watching other channels do some electrical work, or refits, or upgrades, etc, they fail to explain these steps. It generally just goes along the lines of "we connected the wires to the panel" and the perceived "wire mayhem" that ensues is maddening! Thanks again, professor!! 😅

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome

[@danielcallinan5629]

Loving this series. Sometimes it's hard to see what's being connected where, but your explanations are really great. Thank you!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome Daniel

[@kb1esx]

Thanks. Needed a refresher before diving into my bilge.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Your welcome. Hope the project comes out well.

[@patience8112]

I love how you reply to everyone ! Great video, well spoken.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@brandom7900]

Finally a thorough explanation!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You are welcome

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You should look at my other videos. Especially the capable cruiser or electric master class playlists

[@karlbass7895]

Clear & concise. Thanks!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Karl

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Great explanation love your series

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@scarol99]

You're going through a nicely thought out sequence of lessons. I'm looking forward to those to come. Good work, and thanks very much!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Steve. Thanks for watching.

[@lukedenbleyker5091]

Awesome Clark. I understood how this circuit worked but didn't think about a light. Now I can stop worrying and always checking to make sure it's working. Thanks for the peace of mind. And the physics that you throw in is always interesting.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Happy to hear that Luke

[@zlvirag]

Good explanation, particularly like the led add on....,thanks

[@danmcdonald9877]

Thanks Clark. I can't help but think about how much time you spent setting this up for us. Very much appreciated. Great presentation!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Honestly I just kinda decide what to say and wing it. I simply can't read a script, I get all tongue tied. Thank you Dan

[@craigcastellana5967]

That was awesome Clark. Thank you everyone has a little bilge pump so this was very helpful. I appreciate the pictorial so we could see the hot and ground connections through the entire circuit. Well done,

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Craig

[@mikecloutier6669]

Caught back up! Another phenomenal explanation keeping things clear and concise. My poor overworked brain thanks you! This series couldn't come at a more perfect time as I'm designing and getting ready to install a complete solar system on my boat within the next two months. I'm actually understanding everything you are teaching so far, Thank you!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I hope I stay ahead of your needs. I'm actually installing a solar charging system in an RV this week myself. Glad it's helping

[@borfishing7690]

Thanks for this video. For whatever reason my boat didn’t have a direct wire to the negative battery post. I now have a working bilge👍🏼

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad it helped. You might want to watch a few other of my videos

[@TimothyCollins-px4zl]

Practical is good. Inspires to know more theory

[@RaulMartinez-ln8zq]

Again, great video and great lab.

[@johnrobson9606]

Great practical stuff. Thank you

[@strallen]

Fantastically clear, concise and instructive. Thank you!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad you liked it. You might like our other videos as well and please consider sharing links with friends

[@strallen]

Thanks for your quick reply! I am watching all of your previous videos each one of which is amazingly informative and well presented. We lost about £4k of equipment from a storm and a lightning side hit in our marina in Spain last year. Am now reviewing all of our lightning protection wiring and rewatching your lightning awareness video. Thanks for this. Happy continued cruising.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sorry to hear that

[@johnroux4919]

I'm really enjoying this series! I have a very basic understanding and can get by with small repairs and installs but you have broadened my horizons! I appreciate that you're breaking it down to it's simplest form as well. Thanks for taking the time and effort to make these videos.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome, John. Two new ones in this series coming out next.

[@dennishively5994]

IT’s always fun to watch & learn, thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Dennis

[@MichaelSanio]

Excellent Clark, you are a Master Instructor

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Michael

[@michaelwillan8464]

Draw a Y. Place V in top of Y. Place R in bottom left. Place I in bottom right. Then draw a V as an extension to upper right arm of Y. Place a P (power) within the drawn V. This gives P over VxI. Much easier to draw than describe. Try it I think you'll like it. PS: excellent tutorials.

[@kissi7474]

Many thanks for posting, just about to install a new pump 🙏⛵️

[@mrtomedean]

Thanks Clark! This was very interesting! Off to retire my bilge pumps - because after watching this, they aren’t right!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome Thomas

[@jasonTubeification]

Just found your channel and its great! I see a ton of videos that are going to help me tremendously once spring arrives and I can get to repairs on my new fixer upper.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad to hear that Jason

[@dougtiffany7439]

Welcome back,always enjoy your channel.In regard to Bilge pump install i am not fond of the controls, as i feel the wire size at the control,i.e. from battery to control and control to float switch is too small, especially with a long run, so i use a solenoid, that way there is no voltage drop.

[@mattipollari8905]

Excellent presentation- very well explained !

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you Matti

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

Great job Clark! It still amazes me how many boats barely even have ONE working bilge pump and many times its rigged up simply to a manual switch...that works sometimes..lol.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Can't have that!

[@Michael-gf1jn]

Great Video. I am learning so much! Thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad you are enjoying the channel. Please consider sharing links with friends

[@floridasailor3732]

Clearly explained. Well done.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@neilquigley1030]

Another great video - thank you! What do you think about the strategy of having the float switch also wired directly to the battery (via a fuse) so it'll work if the panel switch is accidentally left off, or there's a defect in the switch? Mine's wired like you described (without the handy momentary option), but I've heard the other theory mentioned.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I feel you need a switch to turn it off. For example if you leak some diesel and the costies are around. Last thing you want is a telltale sheen as your boat pumps. But yes I go right to battery so the only way to turn it off is the one switch. ie Temptress can be dark but still have pumps.

[@johnbolongo9978]

Great class.....love it. Maybe add GPH.....head pressure.....check valve...hose diameter and flow rates with bends and length......enjoy the heck out of channel.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Important stuff but this was more of an electrical lesson. Thanks

[@larryboyd2806]

CLARK... GREAT INFO AND GREAT PRESENTATION... I have a more advanced bilge wiring issue to run past you.... specifically: I am in the process of replacing my Rule Automatic pump model ( 27SA) . It has three wires... a Black ground wire......a Brown automatic wire.( which is always live with 12 volts) and a Brown and White manual wire which only has voltage when the manual test switch is thrown. . The Brown automatic wire sends a short pulse every 2.5 min down to the pump to sense for water. If water is detected it stays on until the water level is reduced...... So before installing it I used a multi meter to test that I have voltage at the brown wire .For some reason the automatic function does not work even though I have voltage.... I tested the pump on a 12 volt car battery charger and it works fine... so the pump is ok. So im wondering what is stopping the auto function from working..... my only guess so far is maybe the wire is not providing enough amperage due to corrosion.... Any suggestions would be appreciated. Ps... I also did a work around where I ran a hot wire from another part of the boat to the pump and it worked fine... so the pump is good but I cant figure out why the existing hot wire could have voltage but will not activate the atutomatic part of the pump... hope u can help Please drop me a line at [e-mail] ..... thanks Larry Boyd... I can give you my phone number if you drop me an e mail...

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'm sorry. I don't use that type of pump and I can't answer individual questions here. More of an upper level Patreon thing. I think you should contact the pump manufacturer.

[@MikeHastings115]

Thanks Clark, very interesting and useful. 🙂

[@captaindave8683]

Nice and clearly explained. Thank you.

[@VinceFoster]

What gauge wiring do you recommend???? Excellent Video! Thank you so much!!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have a video on that

[@cnc75adventures49]

Awesome great work threw really like the led I don’t have that thanks👍👍

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@svcalaine2728]

Clarke, love your technical series! Can't wait until you get to multi-source charging systems, trouble shooting and wire tracing. But I understand, foundations before towers.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And we have to talk about meters first at the very least.

[@therokenman2594]

Great video! Really helpful for a rookie! To that end, if possible could you mention the wire sizes in future videos. It would make it easier to know what the needs/differences are in each circuit.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

The first two videos in this series talk about that. It comes down to ohms law or using tables. It's all about resistance.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@johnmeldrum4717]

Thank you so much for the clarification. Super.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad it helped you

[@thetraveller3577]

Clarke....great video and I thank you. Can you explain how I turn off house power when leaving yacht but keep bilge auto mode on. Thanks !

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Just wire their circuit breaker right to the battery side of your shit off switch so they don't go off

[@CaseyMcGovern-iy1uz]

Excellent video, thank you! Finding your videos very helpful. Question: Where you’ve placed the circuit breaker in this video, could an inline fuse holder be used safely there instead? Any advantage/disadvantages to either? Thanks again!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure. Both are over current protection. Circuit breaker is also a handy switch.

[@svgitana2499]

Great video!! Perfectly explained, simple and great visuals!! Even I understood it! 😂👍🏻

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you

[@floridasalon2817]

Thank you! I enjoyed your video.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're very welcome

[@henriaube2278]

Excel video, as usual. You might emphasize that in any circuit running a motor, that machine can get physically jammed by debris or an adjacent part failing. Pay special attention to fusing on motor circuits!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes. Glad you mentioned it

[@johnnydfred]

Nice vid Clark!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you John

[@barbarianlife]

Now I want to play D&D! Great advice.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Strange you should say that. We are at GenCon now. Are you here?

[@barbarianlife]

@@Clarks-Adventure Haha. Sorry. I know it was vague. It was the paper you used. Instantly went to old school D&D in my head. Have fun at GenCon!!!

[@andrasferencz1102]

Clark, no need to worry about the fuse or the wire on the LED circuit. An LED draws typically between 10-20 mA, that wire will be perfectly fine! :)

[@marklapierre5629]

That would be a single POLE single throw switch. Excellent explanation of a simple DC circuit.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I was wondering if you were going to explain that electrons actually flow from negative to positive, and you did. I like the trick with lighting the LED from the other end. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@TimothyCarswell]

I've seen others put a timer delay relay in the bilge circuit so if the float switch bounces up when a wave comes or water in the bilge splashes the float switch it doesn't turn on the pump for a few seconds. The circuit has to be active for 10 seconds before the relay kicks in and actives the pump. This can also be used to delay the "off" of the circuit to get the bilge more water free than a float switch could make it.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure in engineering it would be called forced histerises (sp?). Useful for small fast boats but eventually the simple approach works.

[@alanmcn17]

Excellent video

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@braithmiller]

Good example and the most serviced circuit on a boat. Breaker panel manufacturers don't protect their led microwires, the led is considered current limiting and in housing. I would just keep the same size wire as protected circuit till at indicator led in a safe box. Can also install a breaker open and power on in addition to the closed circuit.

[@JohnH242]

Great video series I know the bare basics about electricity so this series has ben extremely helpful. I have what may be a dumb question but how do I go about tracing the wiring back to the electrical panel? For example if I wanted to replace the wiring to my bilge pump.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Pulling wire in a boat sucks. It's a lot of wiggling and pulling to see what moves. There are usually 100 wire ties you need to remove and replace. Having a helper helps a lot. When you find what you are looking for use an old wire to pull the new wires I find sewing the wires together to be much better than taping them.

[@JohnH242]

@@Clarks-Adventure My bilge pump wiring "disappears" under the sole how would I determine where it "reappears" in the electrical panel

[@JohnH242]

Would I just disconnect it from the breaker and pull it from there?

[@JohnH242]

if so How would I find the negative side?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It's always different. The easiest would be to trace it electrically. Disconnect both ends of the candidate wire. Attach another wire to one end and at the other end of both wires use your meter or a battery and light to see if both ends are truly the same wire. If so great. If not try another of the same color Or if possible just use your meter to verify there is battery power then switch it off or remove the panel end. If it goes dark it's your wire

[@chuck571]

Thank you for these wonderful videos!! Quick question, at 12:27 while showing the diagram, it looks like you spliced the red wire from the switch into the red wire connecting the float switch to the pump? In reality, that wire would connect directly to the pump correct?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It just doesn't matter. The electrons dont care if they have to travel a bit further. And in this case the wire in question is connected to the ends of the lead wire of the pump and the lead wire of the switch. Both of each will be under water.

[@chuck571]

@@Clarks-Adventure TY

[@MrBigsah]

I love this set up. I've been looking all over for the circuit switch. Can you share the link. I only found momentary off momentary

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Look through the recent comments. I searched for someone and found one in minutes. They are out there. On-off-(on)

[@johndixon5097]

Clark another great video, very educational. I had a situation the other day on a boat where the pump started working in reverse. No wires were changed and to my knowledge nothing (maintenance) was done to the boat. I discovered it by accident. The pump was running due to the float switch being triggered, but no water was being pumped out of the bilge. I thought the impeller was broken so I opened the cover flipped the switch and saw that the impeller was turning in the wrong direction. I flipped the pump wired and it worked correctly then. What could have made the reversal?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No idea. Really that can't happen. Do you have evil spirits aboard?

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Thank you. VERY good video.

[@franktartan6808]

Nice job Clark. Say hi to Emily.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Frank, Just did.

[@adamhoulahan3572]

Thanks mate, great stuff

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Your welcome Adam

[@syposeidon8006]

cool video, would love to see more of that!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

They will be here as I make them BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@syposeidon8006]

Probably it helps, but i recently found out, that our quite deep bilge sump always emptied the bilge pump tube, making the pump fall dry and producing enormous currents. Now we try to fit a valve to inhibit emptying that tube. Your opinion?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Well a one way valve would do it but I'm concerned the bilge pump wouldn't restart unless you allowed it to drain slowly. If you use a valve don't use one with a spring, too much back pressure. There are bronze ones that have to be mounted in a certain orientation that should work well.

[@JohnnoTime]

Hi Clark, This is a great series and much appreciated! I have a question about the position of the fuse. It is positioned on the positive side of the circuit however you said that current runs from the negative side of the battery through the circuit to the positive side of the battery. If this is the current flow then why is the fuse not on the negative side to protect the flow?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It's more likely that a wire that gets loose will find something attached to the negative terminal to touch than the positive terminal. For example the engine block. A circuit is safe if it's broken anywhere. No current flows. Forget the water pipe analogy you are likely using. When broken, wires don't spray electrons all over.

[@tuckerdukes]

If electrons actually flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal , does that mean the safest place for the circuit breaker is beside the negative terminal and not the positive? Your videos are awesome and you are an excellent teacher.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Nope put it on the positive side. There are a lot more negatively charged big things around like your engine. If a stray positively charged wire touches something like your engine the fuse will protect you

[@tuckerdukes]

@@Clarks-Adventure Wow, thank you for your quick reply. I’m on to the next video in the playlist :)

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Lots of good stuff in our backlog of videos. Enjoy.

[@sergepilon21]

Wow, great videos ! We are just new to 12v and I can't seem to make seem to sense of the logic of protecting a wire with a fuse very near to the energy source... when in fact the energy is running through the circuit from the opposite direction (the black) so the fuse is at the end of the run of wire. You showed us how fast the wire burned in the last video. Are you telling us that if you had put a fuse into that circuit (the one that you burned the wire), that the fuse would have really burned out before that wire burned (even though it was down river)?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep. As far as up/down river goes, forget it. Change to this. If a wire breaks free is it more likely to find a positive thing to make mischief with or a negative thing? If you didn't think, negative thing, consider your ENGINE room and think again.

[@johnwaters5216]

Wow what a great series you have going. You wouldn't happen to have any interest in designing a complete electrical system?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I actually do that a lot for people. We have a tier on Patreon called "Dream Believers". The perk of that level is phone contact (tends to follow into email and video conference) with us... Loads of people have used that as consulting and designing electrical systems. I like to do it and I always seem to find ways to make a better system for less money then planned. Makes the contribution worth it

[@DaveMadeOne]

Great video Clark, I needed to draw my own schematic to see how the LED was wired, and how it works. Do you have wiring schematics for Temptress?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Only in my head. But I will have an episode talking about a full yachts wiring schematic. I do things a bit differently.

[@Nerd3927]

Doing good Work to make marinas a safer place for all :-) I see so many fuses at the appliance side with an unprotected wire running all the length of the boat.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes many just don't understand why we use fuses. I blame the VHF radio companies who put an online in their short feed wire.

[@Erndog67]

If like you said the electricity travels from negative to positive, why do you put the fuse by the positive terminal? Wouldn't that just protect the short wire from fuse to positive terminal? I apologise if I misunderstood something. Thanks for putting these videos out.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Read through the recent comments. I've answered it here.

[@deo3655]

Clark, back when you did the episode on your Lund Dinghy, you mentioned that you had built your aluminum dinghies at one time. Do you have any plans or photos of how you were building them. Thank you for your time and your videos

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Actually I build of plywood and fiberglass and I would recommend it. I used a stich and tape method. Emily built her dinghy with a similar method (stich and glue). I'll send a link to her build videos. No I designed my own but started from plans I bought. We have no plans to publish my plans.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Emily Builds a Sailboat: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5qrTdxolBxRZAsUfuacyiE1 Different kind of boat but similar construction. The bigger skiff actually has fewer parts.

[@sailingeden9866]

Great video.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@TerrydeAlaska]

I like what you did, and it's also nice to start out with a simple circuit with 12 volt lights, series / parallel and talk about voltage drop and current. You may be planning on that in the future as they can get complicated real fast with resistors and math as I'm sure you know. I also think it's a great idea to start out with simple schematic drawing of the circuit, which would help to familiarize viewers with the symbols they will see in real life. I'm trying to say its good to see actual components, but seeing the circuit in a schematic or wiring diagram makes following the components in a circuit that much easier... It give us a road map so we don't get lost, just like driving a car through a city or sailing a boat with charts. Cheers....

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Good ideas Terry

[@AndyStepan]

Hi - great video - the circuit breaker, can you link me to something like that? Can't seem to find on amazon.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

amzn.to/49c3mIF

[@srevach2]

Very engaging!

[@williamrocci4148]

If the float is activated and you hit the momentary switch will it backfeed and blow the circuit or fuze?😊

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Nope. Those two circuits just share the current. Good question though

[@scottcates]

Super helpful.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad it helped

[@stephenmurby7823]

Would wiring the LED in series between the pump and the battery achieve the same thing, as in it would be powered when and only when the pump is operating?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No. The current would have to pass through both so only the current that the led could pass would be available to the pump. That wouldn't be enough to pump water.

[@jerzeedivr]

Check out Water Witch float switch. No moving parts. Im done with that style float switch.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've used similar switches before. Didn't work for long.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

How long have you used this for?

[@jongroover3606]

Thank you for the great content.. I really like your ac concept. QUESTION: I'm wiring a 12 volt horn that is 6 amps. I have 5 amp fuses and 7.5 amp fuses. What would you recommend? I leaning towards the 5 amp... Thanks, Jon

[@braithmiller]

More important was the wire size? 14 gauge minimum boat wire is recommended so if that up to 15 amp protection would be safe. Why choose a fuse below the rated draw?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Braith is right. The 5 amp fuse will blow soon after you hit the switch the first time. I'd go at least 10amps minimum on the fuse and enough wire to safely handle it. A horn is safety gear it needs to work even if it's failing and drawing too much power. It's something you keep fed so it can work when you need it.

[@raymthemaker8215]

Since you've dropped that bomb of electron flow direction on their heads, go for broke and hit 'em with Hole Theory!😁 Great video on a simple but highly necessary item.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

As I said to pontoon Rob: Or holes flow from pos to negative (used in semiconductors). But the only true theory is it's all magic smoke. This can be proven because the circuit doesn't work anymore after the smoke leaks out.

[@bikebasket9594]

It’s late where I am Clark but since I’ve had a couple of boats sink I thought I’d better watch this! Lol

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes it's an important little device.

[@brianhowes6448]

very helpful

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks Brian. Hope you like the rest of the series

[@sylviobasque9437]

One question if you found it interesting. Why to put the fuse on the positive side of the batt if the current is flowing from the negative side?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Good question Sylvio, As long as you don't have a complete circuit there is no current flow so theoretically it wouldn't matter. But since most installations use a "negative ground" for the engine, and therefore the ocean and bilge, there are a lot of stray access to negative. So it's best to protect from the positive side in case of a wire coming loose and finding something charged negative.

[@SVFresh2Salty]

Great video!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@doylepatterson3459]

Thank you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome

[@annah3645]

What are your thoughts on similar bilge pumps, but that are automatic with an internal float switch? Seems like they would take up less space and less likely to have a stray wire hold the float switch down.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Like this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4HClYR5obScmZY Love it.

[@scottkrebs586]

Okay, call me silly safety guy but I'm still wiring the indicator light with heavy enough wire to match the rest of the circuit & breaker or I'm putting a fuse in it (where it's easily accessible near the panel / switch / light). Besides, good excuse to toss up another comment for you. Safe travels in Indy and have a blast you two!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And you are correct to do so. Both cases

[@scottkrebs586]

@@Clarks-Adventure Saving the dodgy stuff for lake boat racing where a few ounces here and there adds up to pounds which adds up to 0.10ths. Can always swim to shore in my vest, can't say that offshore and when my home is at stake. :)

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep "either burn or drown"

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

good stuff! thanks

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Your welcome

[@middomaker]

Single POLE. Or Double POLE Fuses are there to protect the wiring, not the device - it's worthwhile thinking in terms of that if you're doing any wiring. (momentary ON switches are designated (ON). Off is shown OFF. Always on shown as ON) The are two types of ON & (ON) switches, ON-OFF-(ON), & OFF-ON-(ON) with the latter used in things like dual function run/kill switches and key switches. There is a sensational chart showing you the amperage over a distance chart. The longer the RETURN distance*, the thicker the wiring needs to be to carry that current (amperage). Otherwise the wire can still overheat and cause a fire. *the RETURN distance is the entire length of the wire from the battery, through the switch, and back the battery..... not so hard to imagine when your wiring a fibreglass hull but often overlooked when you are using a chassis in a car or a metal hull as your earth/return/negative.

[@lautrupthomas]

My bilge is not very big. Is there any bilgepumps on the market with an internal floatswitch. If yes - do you recommend a pump like that?

[@braithmiller]

A few some copies, two main well known brands Atwood and others. If your bilge gets gummy they have a high tendency to stick on or off. More expensive and very reliable are hall sensor types, some have been fail on purchase one I am using atm. There are floatless automatics that use timed run load sensing are fine unless you have boat without solar or dock power as they will kill a battery just on checks.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've been having good luck with these. I've use one in the dinghy for three years now. Cheap! www.ebay.com/itm/403652370974?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1dx98jwuteu&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3Zp5jgUhScS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@uncommonsense9395]

Maybe this is a powerboat thing but my 2.5 bilge pumps are wired differently. .5 being my shower sump which can be a bilge if the 2 2000 GPM Rules get overwhelmed but that would be a very bad day. I've always been taught the float switch should be wired directly to the house battery with an inline fuse. Then the switch is simply a manual on off switch but even in off the float will still activate the pump. I have been taught, maybe incorrectly, this is a safety feature in that you can't forget to turn your bilge pumps on. If you need to unpower the float for maintenance or whatever its as simple as pulling the fuse but that is rare. Thoughts?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

If I know I have a tiny bit of oil in the bilge and the coasties are around I want an easy way to keep the boat from "peeing" for a bit.

[@uncommonsense9395]

@@Clarks-Adventure Makes sense. Funny story, at least to a nerd boat guy like me, I trailer my boat and on more than one occasion I have "pee'd" on cars at a stop light next to me so I can see the value in the ability to turn off the pumps.

[@gregswetka4219]

If power runs from negative to positive, should the circuit breaker be on the negative leg?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Could theoretically be on either side but since most systems are negative ground (ie negative going to the engine block and ocean) you need to fuse on the positive side. It's more likely a positive wire will get loose and find something negative to cause mischief with.

[@JPurontong]

Built in float switch, do you recommend? Thanks

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I love these pumps. I have one on the dinghy for obvious reasons. The main bilge pump in Temptress press is now one as well.

[@huntington46750]

So. Is this wired direct to the battery or is it fed off the master disconnect for the entire boat?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Doesn't matter as it has its own circuit protection. I think bilge pumps are direct. They kinda trump any other electrical use.

[@huntington46750]

@@Clarks-Adventure I like the idea of having everything off when I’m away. Except for the bilge pump of course.

[@dankdf6116]

Can I use adaptor for that intead of battery? And how much amp do i need it to work, seems like 12v 2amps isn't working,do i need Higher amps?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Look at your bilge pump. It should state it's amp draw on its case But 2 amps should start the pump in air. It would draw a lot more when pumping water, like 5 at least.